How, from 1500, did the tiny Atlantic-facing kingdom of Portugal come to be a mighty, global empire? How did its crown colony, Brazil become a kingdom and an empire in its own right? At what point, and why, did Portugal’s global maritime influence wane?  How, and in what ways, did Brazil help rescue Portugal through the early modern era (1500-1800)? What accounted for Brazil’s relatively peaceful transition from colony to independent kingdom and empire? How did an Austrian princess-turned-Portuguese queen help steer Brazil’s independence from Portugal? These questions and more drive this six-week, action-packed, and character-filled adventure through Portuguese and early Brazilian history. We will draw directly from historical sources including correspondence, travel writing, letters, poetry, and art. This class will conclude with insider travel tips and a virtual tour of Lisbon.