The Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755
A Devastating Natural Disaster
A Concise and Informative News Lead
On November 1, 1755, at approximately 9:40 AM, an intense earthquake struck the city of Lisbon, Portugal, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. The earthquake, which had an estimated magnitude of 8.7, triggered a devastating tsunami that reached heights of up to 10 meters. The combined effects of the earthquake and tsunami destroyed most of the city's buildings and caused tens of thousands of deaths in Portugal and Spain.
This copper engraving, made in the aftermath of the disaster, depicts the widespread damage caused by the earthquake. The engraving shows the ruined buildings, collapsed walls, and fires that ravaged the city.
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