Which medieval military order was founded in Portugal in 1162 and later became known as the Order of Aviz?

The medieval military order founded in Portugal in 1162 that later became the Order of Aviz was the Order of São Bento de Avis.

The order emerged during the Christian conquest of the Iberian Peninsula, when military brotherhoods defended frontier settlements and fought Muslim states. It was associated with the Portuguese town of Évora before establishing itself at Avis, a fortified settlement in the Alentejo region. Its members followed a religious rule while serving as soldiers.

The order’s name reflects its connection with Saint Benedict and its headquarters at Avis. It became one of Portugal’s principal military orders, alongside the Order of Christ and the Portuguese branch of the Order of Santiago. Portuguese monarchs increasingly influenced the order, and the crown eventually absorbed its leadership.

The Order of Aviz should not be confused with the Order of Christ, which inherited many possessions of the suppressed Knights Templar in Portugal. Although both were Portuguese orders, they had different origins and institutional histories.