Saint Nuno in ivory.
Nuno Álvares Pereira, also known as the Holy Constable, formally São Nuno de Santa Maria or simply Nun'Álvares (Paço do Bonjardim or Flor da Rosa[i], 24 June 1360 – Lisbon, 1 November 1431), was a Portuguese nobleman and general of the 14th century. It played a fundamental role in the crisis of 1383-1385, where Portugal defended its independence from Castile. Nuno Álvares Pereira was also 2nd Constable of Portugal, 38th Majordomo of the Kingdom, 7th Count of Barcelos, 3rd Count of Ourém and 2nd Count of Arraiolos.
Engraving from the constable's chronicle.
Considered the greatest Portuguese strategist, commander and military genius of all time, he commanded forces substantially outnumbering the enemy and won every battle he fought. He is the patron saint of the Portuguese Infantry. His way of commanding was fundamentally characterized by example and countless military virtues, among his men.
