The establishment of the monarchy in 1128 marks the next historic period. This event led to the expansion of the empire and the reclamation of land that had been previously taken by the Moors. Christian settlers moved in to these reclaimed areas and agricultural infrastructures were established bringing economic development also. The next phase of Portugal’s history can be noted as beginning at the time of the establishment of the country’s second dynasty who were known as the House of Avis. The period of this dynasty is marked by a series of struggles, conflicts and revolutions, that near destroyed the region’s independence. In 1580, the Portuguese dynastic crisis began, marking the next significant period of the country’s history. Spain conquered Portugal and the Iberian Union assumed control of the country during this period until 1640 when the country’s monarchy was reestablished. The 1820s saw the next significant period as a written constitution was established for the first time. This period is also marked however by conflict as a civil war between constitutionalists and absolutists ensued and the country lost its control over Brazil and some of its African colonies. | 
