Dona Maria I was the Queen of Portugal from 1777 until her death in 1816. She was the first woman to rule Portugal in her own right and was known for her strong leadership during a challenging period. Maria I faced political instability and economic difficulties, but she worked to improve the welfare of her people. Maria I is often referred to as "Maria the Pious" due to her deep religious beliefs. Her reign was marked by the influence of the Marquês de Pombal, who had previously served as her prime minister. Despite her efforts, her later years were overshadowed by mental health issues, leading to her son, Prince John, taking over many of her duties.