ABSTRACT
The political and economic activities of Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, Marquês de Pombal, clearly had a profound impact upon the development of Portuguese society in the second half of the eighteenth century. The marks he left behind could still be seen long after his death, since he was to become a symbol or image that would be either worshipped or rejected depending upon the historical importance given to him by the generations who came after him. He stirred up great passions and inspired great hatred, simultaneously serving as an example of both the good management and the squandering of public resources, arousing envy and commanding idolatry.
