Lisbon's Tragic Beauty: Remembering the 1755 Earthquake

 

"If you haven't seen Lisbon, you haven't seen beauty," they say. These words encapsulate the allure and grandeur of Lisbon, Portugal, a city renowned for its breathtaking vistas and rich history. Considered the greatest harbor on the Atlantic side, Lisbon's beauty was marred by a devastating earthquake on November 1, 1755, a day that would forever alter the city's landscape and history.

All Saints' Day, observed on November 1st, holds significance in Catholicism as a day to honor all saints, known and unknown. It's a day of solemn remembrance and celebration, marking the connection between the living and the departed. In Lisbon, this day of reverence turned into a day of unimaginable tragedy.

Lisbon's architectural landscape is a testament to its vibrant past, but it carries scars of its own. Remarkably, there are hardly any buildings in Lisbon older than 270 years, a fact that speaks of the city's tumultuous history of natural disasters and reconstructions. The city had been unprepared for the seismic force that would soon shake its very foundations.

The earthquake of 1955 shattered the illusion of safety. For 150 years, Lisbon had not experienced such a catastrophe, leading to complacency regarding earthquake preparedness. When the tremors struck, the city was ill-equipped to respond. There were no protocols in place and no awareness that buildings should be abandoned during seismic activity.

The consequences were devastating. Three-quarters of the city lay in ruins, with 17,000 houses reduced to rubble. Among the landmarks lost was the opera house, a symbol of cultural grandeur that King Joseph I had proudly commissioned. The earthquake not only destroyed buildings but also disrupted lives, leaving thousands homeless and countless families mourning their loved ones.

Amid the chaos and devastation of the 1755 earthquake in Lisbon, an additional tragedy unfolded along the waterfront. Scientists now believe that this earthquake was a result of seismic activity in the Atlantic sea. So it was essentially a result of what we now call a Tsunami. As the tremors subsided, the people who had sought refuge near the harbor believed themselves to be relatively safe. However, their sense of security was shattered when the tsunami unexpectedly struck, trapping them in a deadly maelstrom. The receding waters, initially perceived as a reprieve, swiftly gave way to towering waves that engulfed the shoreline. In an instant, the harbor became a death trap, claiming the lives of approximately 900 people who had sought shelter there.

The tsunami's reach extended far beyond Lisbon, as three massive waves rippled across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on coastal regions in Europe and Africa. Communities already reeling from the earthquake found themselves confronting yet another wave of destruction, compounding the already immense human toll.

The aftermath of the earthquake was further compounded by fires that ravaged the city in its vulnerable state. As the ground convulsed, kitchen fires were hurled across distances, igniting combustible materials and spreading rapidly in the ensuing chaos. With communication networks disrupted and emergency services overwhelmed, the fires raged unchecked for three days, consuming everything in their path.

The winds, whipped into a frenzy by the earthquake's force, fanned the flames into an inferno that engulfed entire neighborhoods. Homes, businesses, and historical records were reduced to ash, erasing valuable insights into Lisbon's past and compounding the challenges of recovery and reconstruction.

For three agonizing days and nights, the fires raged unabated, casting a pall of smoke and ash over the city. The desperate efforts of firefighters and volunteers were met with limited success, as the scale of the conflagration defied conventional containment measures. The fires, fueled by a combination of factors including wooden structures, gusting winds, and ruptured gas lines, seemed to consume the very essence of Lisbon itself.

In the wake of this dual disaster, Lisbon lay in ruins, its once-proud landmarks reduced to smoldering rubble. The loss of life, the destruction of property, and the erasure of historical records left an indelible mark on the city and its inhabitants. 

The human toll of the 1755 earthquake in Lisbon was staggering, with thousands of lives lost and countless others forever changed. While precise figures vary depending on historical sources, it's estimated that tens of thousands of people perished in the disaster. The destruction was so widespread and severe that it's difficult to accurately account for the exact number of casualties.

In the chaos that ensued after the earthquake, entire neighborhoods were reduced to rubble, burying residents alive beneath the debris. Those who survived faced unimaginable challenges as they struggled to cope with the loss of loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. The destruction of hospitals and medical facilities compounded the tragedy, leaving the injured without access to vital care.

One particularly harrowing incident occurred at a hospital in Lisbon, where it's reported that 400 patients perished in a devastating fire during the earthquake. This horrific event underscored the extent of the disaster and the challenges faced by first responders in providing aid to those in need.

Impact on The Power Equation

In the aftermath of the catastrophic earthquake that befell Lisbon in 1755, one figure notably absent from the scene was King Joseph I. Plagued by nightmares and traumatized by the destruction wrought upon his beloved city, the king found solace neither in the opulent confines of his palace nor in the arms of his advisors. Instead, he sought refuge in the simplicity of tents or wooden buildings, unable to rest his troubled mind within the walls that once symbolized his sovereignty.

Officially, King Joseph I still held the reins of power, but in reality, it was the Marquis of Pombal who wielded authority over the fate of Lisbon and its inhabitants. Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, better known as the Marquis of Pombal, emerged as the de facto ruler in the wake of the disaster. With the king's confidence shattered, Pombal assumed control with a firm hand, steering the course of reconstruction and renewal with unwavering resolve.

Pombal's leadership during this tumultuous period was characterized by pragmatism and efficiency. Recognizing the urgent need to address the immediate crisis, he issued a decree: "Bury the dead and look after the living." This directive encapsulated Pombal's practical approach to governance, prioritizing the welfare of the populace above all else. 

In pursuit of this goal, Pombal took bold measures that defied convention. He sought permission from the Church to establish mass graves, a practice ordinarily prohibited by Catholic doctrine. Despite the church's reluctance, Pombal's insistence prevailed, allowing for the expedient burial of the earthquake's victims and preventing the spread of disease.

But Pombal's vision extended beyond mere recovery; he was determined to rebuild Lisbon into a modern metropolis resilient to future calamities. Embracing innovative engineering techniques, he oversaw the construction of earthquake-resistant buildings, pioneering methods that would set the standard for urban development in the years to come. 

Under Pombal's guidance, Lisbon underwent a radical transformation. Wide streets replaced narrow alleyways, while firewalls and generous public open spaces were strategically integrated into the urban fabric. These innovations not only enhanced the city's aesthetic appeal but also served as vital lifelines, offering refuge to residents in the event of another earthquake.

Yet Pombal's influence extended beyond urban planning; he was also a key architect of political reform. One of his most controversial decisions was the expulsion of the Jesuits, a powerful religious order perceived as a threat to his authority. Leveraging the chaos in the aftermath of the earthquake, Pombal orchestrated a campaign to disband the Jesuits, accusing them of sowing dissent and superstition thereby obstructing progress.

The expulsion of the Jesuits marked a pivotal moment in Lisbon's history, signaling a decisive shift in the balance of power. With the removal of this influential faction, Pombal consolidated his grip on governance, ensuring that his vision for a modern, progressive Lisbon would endure. Despite facing opposition from traditionalists and religious authorities, Pombal remained steadfast in his determination to chart a new course for the city. He ruled for 22 more years till the king died.

The earthquake of 1755 remains etched in the collective memory of Lisbon, a reminder of the fragility of life and the power of resilience. As the city continues to thrive, it serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, a testament to the enduring spirit of its people. Lisbon's tragic beauty is not just in its breathtaking vistas but in its ability to rise from the ashes, a shining example of strength in the face of adversity.