Earthquake destroys Portuguese city of Lisbon

November 1^st 1755

Earthquake destroys Portuguese city of Lisbon

On November 1^st, a massive earthquake some believe to be 8.5-9.0 in magnitude, struck the city of Lisbon during the morning of church commemorations, of the holy day of the Feast of All Saints. Within ten to fifteen minutes, after the earthquake had stopped, it was clear that two-thirds of the city lay in ruins. Survivors, in general, didn’t know where to turn as they tried in vain to avoid falling rumble. Those fortunate enough to have escaped the city towards the sea, were also soon doomed and consumed by a huge tsunami.
Many other coastal towns and villages were also affected, in particular  consumed by a huge tsunami. The death toll of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami and fires that followed has been estimated at 30,000 and upwards of 60,000 people. Large numbers of those first killed were believed to be in Lisbon’s cathedrals and churches during All Saints services during the morning.
From a cultural standpoint, the earthquake had a huge impact on the psyche of the population and intellectual community. Some theologians and philosophers also saw the tragedy as a form of punishment or divine judgment from God.