The Lisbon Massacre begins, in which accused Jews are being slaughtered by Portuguese Catholics.

The year 1506 witnessed a dark chapter in the history of Portugal, as Lisbon became the stage for a brutal outburst of religious violence. Known variously as the Lisbon Massacre, the Lisbon Pogrom, or perhaps most chillingly, the 1506 Easter Slaughter, this event in April saw hundreds of individuals, primarily those of Jewish descent forced into conversion, mercilessly persecuted, tortured, killed, and burned at the stake. These horrific acts were perpetrated by a fervent crowd of Catholics, including local residents and foreign sailors whose ships were anchored in the Tagus River, driven by accusations of deicide and heresy against their victims. This tragic episode unfolded in the bustling capital of the Kingdom of Portugal, a mere nine years after the forced conversion of Jews in 1497 and three decades before the formal establishment of the Portuguese Inquisition, underscoring a period of intense religious tension and vulnerability for the nation's "New Christians."

Historical Background: A Precarious Existence

For centuries, a vibrant Jewish community had flourished in Portugal, contributing significantly to the nation's cultural, intellectual, and economic life. However, the late 15th century ushered in a period of escalating religious intolerance across the Iberian Peninsula. Following the 1492 expulsion of Jews from Spain, many found refuge in neighboring Portugal, only to face similar pressures. King Manuel I, under political and marital pressures, particularly from his marriage to Isabella of Aragon, issued a decree in 1496 expelling all Jews from Portugal. This was swiftly followed by a royal edict in 1497 that presented an agonizing choice: conversion to Catholicism or exile. Most chose conversion, becoming known as "Cristãos Novos" or New Christians. While outwardly embracing Christianity, many secretly maintained their ancestral Jewish practices, creating an atmosphere of deep suspicion and mistrust among the "Old Christians" and the authorities. This forced conversion, rather than integrating the community, created a new class of vulnerable citizens, constantly under scrutiny and facing latent hostility.

The Spark Ignites: April 1506

The spring of 1506 found Lisbon grappling with severe drought and a devastating plague that was sweeping through the city, claiming many lives. In a society deeply rooted in religious belief, such calamities were often attributed to divine wrath, believed to be brought upon by the sins of heretics. Against this grim backdrop, the Easter week began. On April 19, 1506, during Mass at the Church of Santo Domingo, an elderly man purportedly saw a luminous glow emanating from a crucifix, interpreting it as a divine miracle – a sign that God would end the plague if "heretics" were purged. A "New Christian" bystander, likely cautious or skeptical, attempted to clarify the phenomenon, perhaps suggesting it was merely a reflection. This attempt at rational explanation was immediately seized upon by the fervent crowd as an act of sacrilege and heresy, igniting the tinderbox of popular resentment.

Three Days of Terror: The 1506 Easter Slaughter

The initial spark quickly escalated into a raging inferno of mob violence. The "New Christian" who dared to question the miracle was dragged from the church and brutally murdered. What began as an isolated incident rapidly spiraled into a full-scale pogrom. Encouraged by Dominicans and other friars, who paraded through the streets brandishing a crucifix and shouting "Heresy! Heresy!", the mob swelled. The crowd was a terrifying mix of desperate local residents, inflamed by religious zeal and economic hardship, and a significant number of foreign sailors – particularly Dutch, German, and French mariners anchored in the Tagus, who were often short on money and eager for plunder. For three horrifying days, from April 19 to April 21, the streets of Lisbon became a hunting ground. Homes and businesses of "New Christians" were ransacked, and their occupants were dragged out into the open. The victims faced unimaginable cruelty: torture, mutilation, and ultimately, death by stoning, stabbing, or burning. Hundreds were murdered, their bodies piled high and consumed by bonfires in the city's squares, particularly the Rossio. Neither age nor gender offered protection; women, children, and the elderly were all caught in the indiscriminate frenzy. The sheer brutality and systematic nature of the killings, driven by religious fanaticism and xenophobia, left an indelible scar on the city and its population.

Aftermath and Royal Retribution

King Manuel I, who was not in Lisbon during the initial outbreak, reacted with swift and severe condemnation upon learning of the atrocities. Appalled by the breakdown of order and the gruesome spectacle, he ordered the immediate suppression of the violence. Royal troops were dispatched to restore control, and severe punishments were meted out to those deemed responsible for instigating the pogrom. Many of the instigators, including the Dominican friars who had incited the crowd, were arrested and executed. The city itself faced consequences, with some of its privileges revoked as a royal punishment for its citizens' participation in the violence. While the king's response demonstrated a commitment to law and order, and perhaps a degree of protection for his New Christian subjects whose skills were valuable to the kingdom, the massacre sent a chilling message. It powerfully underlined the precarious and often terrifying existence of "New Christians" in Portugal, living under the constant threat of popular resentment and suspicion, even before the formal establishment of the Portuguese Inquisition in 1536. The memory of the 1506 Easter Slaughter served as a stark reminder of the ever-present danger of religious extremism and mob rule.

Legacy of a Dark Day

The Lisbon Massacre stands as a harrowing testament to the dangers of religious intolerance and mob hysteria. It revealed the fragility of forced conversions and the deep-seated prejudices that lingered despite official decrees. For centuries, the event remained a painful memory, particularly for those of Jewish heritage, symbolizing the ultimate betrayal of trust and the tragic consequences of unchecked fanaticism. Today, it serves as a critical historical lesson, reminding us of the importance of vigilance against all forms of persecution and the enduring value of human rights and dignity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was the primary cause of the Lisbon Massacre?
The massacre was primarily triggered by a combination of severe drought and plague in Lisbon, which the populace attributed to divine punishment for the presence of "heretics" (New Christians). A perceived "miracle" involving a crucifix, which a New Christian questioned, then ignited the violent outbreak.
Who were the "New Christians" targeted during the massacre?
The "New Christians" (Cristãos Novos or Conversos) were Portuguese Jews who had been forcibly converted to Catholicism in 1497 under King Manuel I. Despite their outward conversion, many were suspected of secretly practicing Judaism and were thus viewed with suspicion and hostility by Old Christians.
When and where did the Lisbon Massacre take place?
The Lisbon Massacre occurred over three days, from April 19 to April 21, 1506, in Lisbon, the capital of the Kingdom of Portugal.
How many people were killed in the Lisbon Massacre?
While exact numbers vary in historical accounts, estimates suggest that hundreds of people, potentially ranging into the thousands, were brutally killed during the massacre. Contemporary accounts often cite around 2,000 victims, though a precise figure is difficult to ascertain.
What was King Manuel I's reaction to the massacre?
King Manuel I, who was not in Lisbon at the time, reacted with outrage. He condemned the violence, dispatched royal troops to quell the mob, and ordered severe punishment for the instigators, including the execution of several Dominican friars and the revocation of some of Lisbon's municipal privileges.
How did the Lisbon Massacre relate to the Portuguese Inquisition?
The Lisbon Massacre occurred 30 years before the formal establishment of the Portuguese Inquisition in 1536. It demonstrated the intense popular religious fervor and anti-Jewish sentiment that already existed in Portugal, which later provided fertile ground for the Inquisition's work in persecuting suspected heretics and crypto-Jews.