Napoleon Bonaparte's aim in the early 19th century was to conquer and dominate the world.

Great Britain was his greatest foe. It was a great European power and its invincible navy was his most feared adversary. He had a brilliant idea to bring that country to its knees - the Continental Blockade - which demanded that all European ports close their "doors" to British ships stopping them from conducting any trade (import or export of goods).

But in one small country, a Prince Regent (son of a mother who was still alive but driven mad by fear and pain) decided to stand up to the French in 1807.

This is the beginning of our story. A story of measured forces, difficult decisions, transformations, struggles, suffering, but also of many victories.

Dom João's decision was not immediate, he actually accepted Napoleon's orders at one point, but the lengthy alliance with Great Britain was of greater importance to him. This decision, however, brought the wrath of the French Empire down on Portugal and the country became a target to be wiped out.

The Royal Family, which had lived in Mafra since 1805, had to flee the country to avoid being captured. And they hurried off to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.