1755 Portugal Earthquake

These days, we expect to hear of earthquakes with relative regularity, but we seldom expect that that thousands of people will lose their lives in them, but in 1755, buildings were not built with reinforced steel and other earthquake preparedness materials or protocols. So, when a devastating earthquake hit Lisbon, Portugal, on November 1, 1755, it killed as many as 50,000 people. The city was virtually wiped off the map and had to be rebuilt from scratch following the widespread destruction. Lisbon was Portugal’s capital and largest city during the thriving 18th century. It was flourishing thanks to diamonds and gold from Brazil, a Portuguese colony, which brought wealth to many of the citizens. Around 10% of the country’s 3 million people lived in Lisbon, and as one of the biggest Atlantic ports, the city was pivotal in global trade. By 1755, Lisbon was also a significant hub for Catholicism and housed key religious authorities.

On November 1st…All Saints Day, three tremors struck Lisbon over the course of 10 minutes. The largest of the quakes is thought to have had a magnitude of 8.0, but this is just an estimate, because no recording equipment existed at the time. The shaking was felt as far away as Morocco. The earthquake’s devastating impact was felt throughout the city. Near the coast, a massive 20-foot tsunami surged ashore, claiming thousands of lives. Many people attending All Saints Day services in churches perished as buildings collapsed. Fires erupted across the city, and strong winds quickly spread the flames. The royal palace and thousands of homes were destroyed. A significant portion of the nation’s cultural heritage, including books, art, and architecture, was lost in mere moments. Many residents, including hundreds of escaped prisoners, fled Lisbon immediately. The death toll is estimated to be between 10,000 and 50,000, but because there was no exact way to track them, the exact number is not known.

The Marquis of Pombal was tasked with rebuilding the city, transforming Lisbon’s narrow, twisting streets into wide, modern avenues. The reconstruction notably included one of the earliest uses of prefabricated buildings. While the effort was largely successful, some took advantage of the tragedy. Many of the religious leaders claimed the earthquake was God’s punishment for the city’s sins. While there are many people who think things work that way, I don’t believe that to be the case. Nevertheless, thousands of people perished in the deadly quake, unfortunately.