John V of Portugal was the King of Portugal from 1707 until his death in 1750. He was born on October 22, 1689, and was known for his extravagant lifestyle and patronage of the arts. His reign is often associated with the wealth generated from the gold and diamonds found in Brazil, which helped fund his ambitious building projects, including the famous Mafra National Palace. John V was also a significant figure in European politics, aligning Portugal with France and Spain during his reign. He sought to strengthen the monarchy and expand Portugal's influence, but his lavish spending led to financial difficulties for the kingdom. Despite these challenges, his legacy includes a flourishing of culture and architecture in Portugal.