History of the Origin and Establishment of the Inquisition in Portugal

work by Herculano

Also known as: “História da origem e estabelecimento da inquisição em Portugal”(Show More)

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

Alexandre Herculano's History of the Origin and Establishment of the Inquisition in Portugal (1854–59) is a significant historical work that examines the institution's beginnings in Portugal. The Portuguese Inquisition, an extension of the Spanish Inquisition, was established in 1547. Its primary aim was to combat heresy among converts to Christianity and suppress local Hindu and Islamic practices.1234

Herculano's research, based on previously undiscovered documents, argued that royal absolutism and clerical power collaborated through the Inquisition to confiscate the property of "New Christians" (Jews who had converted to Christianity). The Inquisition's activities led to a decline in the non-Christian population of Goa, where it operated from 1560 to 1812. The institution was ultimately suppressed in Portugal in 1821.1342

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

4 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Alexandre Herculano
…da inquisição em Portugal (1854–59; History of the Origin and Establishment of the Inquisition in Portugal). Based on hitherto unknown documents, it attempted to demonstrate that royal absolutism and clerical power had been allies in the confiscation of the property of the “New Christians” (converted Jews) through the Inquisition. He…
Read More
…da inquisição em Portugal (1854–59; History of the Origin and Establishment of the Inquisition in Portugal). Based on hitherto unknown documents, it attempted to demonstrate that royal absolutism and clerical power had been allies in the confiscation of the property of the “New Christians” (converted Jews) through the Inquisition. He…
Read More

Portuguese literature
Studies in history and literature
…of Portugal”), and with the História da origem e estabelecimento da Inquisição em Portugal (1854–59; “History of the Origin and Establishment of the Inquisition in Portugal”), Herculano established himself as a leader of the Portuguese historians of his day, among whom are Simão José da Luz Soriano (on constitutionalism), Luís…
Read More
…of Portugal”), and with the História da origem e estabelecimento da Inquisição em Portugal (1854–59; “History of the Origin and Establishment of the Inquisition in Portugal”), Herculano established himself as a leader of the Portuguese historians of his day, among whom are Simão José da Luz Soriano (on constitutionalism), Luís…
Read More