The Torre do Tombo archives, containing nearly 90,000 documents dating from 1161 to 1696, were rescued from destruction under the personal direction of Manuel da Maia following the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. This action secured a vast collection of Portuguese history, leading to its eventual relocation to the Convent of São Bento.
Academic and Military Engineering
Maia held the position of Regent at the Aula de Fortificação in Lisbon, an academy dedicated to military engineering and architecture. During his tenure, he provided instruction to the Prince of Brazil, the future King José I of Portugal. Between 1703 and 1704, he managed various fortification projects throughout the Estremadura province. By 1754, his professional standing resulted in his appointment as High-Engineer of the Kingdom, accompanied by his elevation to the rank of general in the Portuguese army and Fidalgo of the Royal Household.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Public Works and Infrastructure
Before the middle of the 18th century, Maia contributed to significant infrastructure developments within the Kingdom of Portugal. In 1747, he participated in the construction of the new facility for the Queen Leonor of Viseu Thermal Hospital located in Caldas da Rainha, following plans developed by Eugénio dos Santos. Later, as High-Engineer, he oversaw the construction of the Águas Livres Aqueduct.
Reconstruction of Lisbon
Following the near-total destruction of Lisbon in the 1755 earthquake, Maia assumed responsibility for the city's reconstruction. Collaborating with Eugénio dos Santos and Carlos Mardel, he produced designs for the Lisbon Baixa district. These plans are categorized by historians as early examples of rational city planning within modern Western history.
Archival Stewardship
On 12 November 1745, the state appointed Maia as High-Guardian of the Torre do Tombo, the central repository for archives and library collections. Following the 1755 disaster, he led a team to São Jorge Castle to secure the contents of the archive. He subsequently requested that Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, the prime minister under King Joseph I, provide a permanent facility for the recovered documents.
Fast facts
- Born: 1677, Lisbon
- Died: 1768, Lisbon
- Occupations: Architect, engineer, archivist
- Military rank: General
- Appointed High-Guardian of Torre do Tombo: 12 November 1745
- Appointed High-Engineer of the Kingdom: 1754
- Nationality: Kingdom of Portugal
Questions readers ask
What was Manuel da Maia's role during the Lisbon earthquake?
He coordinated the city's reconstruction efforts and personally led the team that saved the contents of the Torre do Tombo archives.
Where were the Torre do Tombo archives moved?
Maia requested a new location from the prime minister, leading to their eventual storage in the Convent of São Bento.
