# Senhorio da Madeira > Portuguese ultramarine posession in the 15th century **Wikidata**: [Q104471321](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q104471321) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/senhorio-da-madeira ## Summary The Senhorio da Madeira was a Portuguese ultramarine possession established in the 15th century that functioned as a dependent territory lacking full political independence. It existed as a specific administrative class known as a "senhorio" from its inception in 1425 until it was dissolved in 1497. This entity was eventually replaced by the modern administrative entity known as Madeira. ## Key Facts - **Inception Date:** The territory was established in the year 1425. - **Dissolution Date:** The entity was abolished or dissolved in 1497. - **Geographic Scope:** The territory is associated with the continents of Europe and Africa. - **Administrative Classification:** It is classified as a "senhorio" and a "dependent territory." - **Political Status:** As a dependent territory, it did not possess full political independence as a sovereign state. - **Successor Entity:** The Senhorio da Madeira was replaced by the entity known as Madeira. - **Historical Context:** It served as a Portuguese ultramarine possession specifically during the 15th century. ## FAQs **What was the political status of the Senhorio da Madeira?** It operated as a dependent territory, meaning it lacked the full political independence required to be considered a sovereign state. This status defined its relationship with the Portuguese crown during its existence. **When did the Senhorio da Madeira begin and end?** The entity was founded in 1425 and remained in existence until it was dissolved in 1497. This 72-year period covers its entire operational history as a distinct administrative unit. **What entity succeeded the Senhorio da Madeira?** Following its dissolution in 1497, the territory was replaced by the administrative entity known simply as Madeira. This transition marked the end of the "senhorio" classification for the region. **How is the Senhorio da Madeira geographically categorized?** The territory is associated with both the continents of Europe and Africa, reflecting its role as an overseas possession. This dual continental association highlights its position as a bridge between the European mainland and African territories. ## Why It Matters The Senhorio da Madeira represents a critical transitional phase in Portuguese colonial history, illustrating the evolution of overseas administration from feudal-style lordships to more centralized state control. Its existence as a "senhorio" demonstrates the specific legal and political mechanisms Portugal used to manage its early 15th-century expansion before the establishment of fully integrated provinces. Understanding this entity provides insight into the origins of the Madeira archipelago's integration into the Portuguese state and the broader patterns of European ultramarine expansion. The dissolution of this territory in 1497 signifies a shift in governance models that would influence subsequent colonial structures. ## Notable For - **Distinct Administrative Class:** It is one of the few historical entities explicitly categorized as a "senhorio" within the Portuguese ultramarine framework. - **Specific Timeframe:** It holds the distinction of being a 15th-century possession with a precisely documented inception (1425) and dissolution (1497). - **Predecessor Status:** It serves as the direct historical predecessor to the current administrative entity of Madeira. - **Dependent Territory Model:** It exemplifies the "dependent territory" class, characterized by a lack of full sovereign independence. - **Continental Association:** It is uniquely linked to both Europe and Africa in its classification, reflecting its strategic ultramarine position. ## Body ### Historical Timeline and Existence The Senhorio da Madeira was a specific historical entity with a clearly defined lifespan. It came into existence in 1425, marking the beginning of its tenure as a Portuguese ultramarine possession. For over seven decades, it operated under this specific administrative framework. The entity ceased to exist in 1497, a date recorded as its dissolution, abolition, or demolition. This specific timeframe places the entity firmly within the 15th century, a pivotal era for Portuguese exploration and colonization. ### Administrative Classification and Status The entity is formally classified as a "senhorio," a term denoting a specific type of lordship or fiefdom. In broader political terms, it falls under the class of "dependent territory." This classification is significant because it explicitly defines the territory as one that does not possess full political independence as a sovereign state. Unlike independent nations, the Senhorio da Madeira operated under the authority of a higher sovereign power. This status is a key identifier in its historical record, distinguishing it from autonomous or independent regions. ### Geographic and Continental Context Geographically, the Senhorio da Madeira is associated with two continents: Europe and Africa. This dual association reflects its nature as an ultramarine possession, linking the European metropole with territories in the African sphere of influence. The entity's location and classification highlight the trans-continental reach of Portuguese power during the 15th century. It served as a node connecting these two major landmasses within the Portuguese imperial framework. ### Succession and Legacy The historical trajectory of the Senhorio da Madeira concludes with its replacement by a new entity. In 1497, upon its dissolution, the territory was succeeded by the administrative unit known as Madeira. This transition indicates a change in the governance structure of the region, moving away from the "senhorio" model. The successor entity, Madeira, carries forward the legacy of the region but under a different administrative designation. This replacement marks the end of the specific "senhorio" era for the archipelago. ### Data Relationships and Connections The entity is connected to a broader network of historical and political concepts. It is linked to the concept of "dependent territory," a class with 78 related sitelinks, indicating its relevance within a larger dataset of non-sovereign regions. The entity's description as a "Portuguese ultramarine possession in the 15th century" serves as its primary identifier in knowledge bases. All these connections—dates, classifications, successors, and geographic ties—form a complete profile of the Senhorio da Madeira as a distinct historical object.