University of Évora
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Transcript
The University of Évora was founded in the sixteenth century under Jesuit leadership, with royal and papal support. It became an important centre of education in theology, philosophy and related disciplines.
Its fortunes changed dramatically when the Marquis of Pombal expelled the Jesuits from Portugal in 1759. The university closed and was only re-established in modern form in the twentieth century.
That institutional break is useful. Historic universities often advertise continuity; Évora’s history makes interruption impossible to hide.
Jesuit education was also connected to Portugal’s global Catholic networks. Members of the order travelled through Portuguese imperial routes as missionaries, teachers and scholars.
We finish in a classroom because empires require trained people as much as ships. Somebody has to learn the theology, law and languages that convert ambition into administration.