In 1755 on November 1st, a .9 Earthquake struck the Iberia Peninsula levelling Lisboa. It would be known as The Great Earthquake of 1755. Very few areas were spared. Fires raged. 40 minutes later the Tsunami from that Earthquake would wipe most of the rest away. Nearly 100,000 people were killed.
One of the remaining cities: Alfama
All very troubling to the clergy at this point since Alfama (among other things) was the "red light" district. They could not fathom why God would destroy the Cathedrals and kill the devout but spare those they deemed sinners. They would later chalk this up to being "tested".
The Great Earthquake did spur the scientific minds at the time, though, and the field of seismology ( albeit rudimentary) would emerge from this catastrophe.
In Alfama, today, the mixture of Roman and Arabic influences remind.
Exploring one of Alfama's better known Street Fairs- Fiera da Ladra (The Thief’s Fair)
Which is basically a citywide flea market. Piles of new and used merchandise on sidewalks and in some instances places directly on the street itself. A Hoarder and Haggler's Paradise.
Now off to catch up with the Primaries. Florida, Missouri, Ohio, North Carolina, and Illinois.
More anon...
