In 1356, a powerful earthquake struck offshore Portugal, causing severe structural damage across medieval Lisbon. This event, known as the Great Lisbon Earthquake, had profound social and economic consequences, leading to loss of life and property. The disaster prompted discussions about urban planning and building safety in the aftermath, influencing future architectural practices. The earthquake remains a significant historical event, illustrating the vulnerability of cities to natural disasters.

The Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1356 prompted a shift in Iberian court poetry, as troubadours began to reflect on moralization rather than lighthearted romance. This change marked a transition towards deeper existential themes, exploring the fragility of human constructs in the wake of disaster.