Watch 1755 The Lisbon Earthquake

1755 The Lisbon Earthquake is a gripping and informative documentary from ZDF that details one of the deadliest earthquakes in history, which decimated the city of Lisbon, Portugal on November 1, 1755. The one-hour program delves into the various causes of the earthquake and analyzes its lasting impact on not just Lisbon, but the rest of Europe.

The show begins by grounding viewers in the context of 18th-century Lisbon, a bustling port city that was one of the wealthiest and most cosmopolitan in Europe at the time. It quickly establishes just how catastrophic the earthquake was, with estimates of the death toll ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 people. The documentary also explores how the disaster was felt far beyond Portugal, with reports of the earthquake and its aftermath making their way to newspapers across the continent.

The show then delves into the scientific explanations for why the earthquake occurred, including Portugal's proximity to the unstable tectonic plates along the Atlantic Ocean. By combining stunning visuals, computer-generated graphics and interviews with experts, the documentary does an excellent job of showing viewers exactly what happened beneath the earth's surface on that fateful day.

Perhaps most strikingly, the documentary delves into how the earthquake had long-lasting implications beyond the immediate death and destruction it caused. It looks at how the event affected the way people at the time understood their relationship with nature, prompting profound philosophical and religious debates. It also examines how the earthquake changed the architecture and urban planning of Lisbon, with the city being rebuilt from scratch and modernized in the wake of the disaster.

The show features interviews with historians and experts in seismology, who offer up their own insights into the causes, effects and legacy of the earthquake. Given its historical significance, it also includes several fascinating tidbits about some of the individuals who lived through the event, from the Marquis of Pombal, the prime minister of Portugal who helped coordinate the city's rebuild, to German philosopher Immanuel Kant, who wrote a treatise on the earthquake's philosophical implications.

Overall, 1755 The Lisbon Earthquake is a well-crafted and informative documentary that brings to life one of history's most devastating natural disasters. By combining stunning visuals, expert insights and well-researched historical context, it provides a comprehensive and engaging overview of the earthquake and its impact on Lisbon and beyond. Whether you're a history buff, a science enthusiast or simply interested in learning more about natural disasters, this documentary is definitely worth watching.