HISTÓRIA DE RONDÔNIA - Ep 03 - O Real Forte Príncipe da Beira

Summary

This video explores the history of the construction of the Forte Príncipe da Beira, one of the largest fortifications in northern Brazil, located along the Guaporé River. It begins with the establishment of Vila Bela da Santíssima Trindade as the capital of Mato Grosso in 1752 and the strategic defense efforts, including the construction of forts like Nossa Senhora da Conceição and Bragança. The video details the fort's eventual abandonment, its significance in maintaining Portuguese territorial control against Spanish expansion, and its lasting historical importance despite challenges like epidemics and poor construction materials.

Takeaways

• 😀 In 1776, Governor Luís Albuquerque de Melo Pereira e Cáceres emphasized the importance of fortifying regions for Portugal's sovereignty and respect.
• 😀 The construction of one of the region's largest fortifications, the Forte Príncipe da Beira, is mentioned as a significant event.
• 😀 The capital of Mato Grosso, Vila Bela da Santíssima Trindade, was established in 1752 by Rolim de Moura along the Guaporé River as part of a territorial defense strategy.
• 😀 Rolim de Moura built the first military fort, Forte Nossa Senhora da Conceição, to protect the region from Spanish attacks. The fort faced multiple assaults, including one by 1,200 Spanish soldiers.
• 😀 After a successful military action led by Rolim de Moura, the Spanish forces were expelled, marking a key victory.
• 😀 In 1755, Rolim de Moura was replaced by his nephew, João Pedro da Câmera, who renamed the fort to Forte de Bragança in honor of the Portuguese royal family.
• 😀 Forte de Bragança was destroyed by flooding in 1771, prompting the construction of a new fort by the fourth Captain of Mato Grosso, Luís de Albuquerque Mello Pereira e Cáceres.
• 😀 The new fort, Forte Real Príncipe da Beira, was built between 1789 and 1793 on the eastern bank of the Guaporé River near modern-day Costa Marques.
• 😀 The fort's design was influenced by French military architecture and created by French officer Sebastian Vaughan. It included a quadrangular structure, bastions with guard posts, and 14 cannon emplacements.
• 😀 After construction, the fort was abandoned due to lack of resources, materials, and the death of its architect from malaria in 1780, despite being strategically important to Portuguese territorial consolidation.
• 😀 By the late 19th century, the region entered a period of decline, and the fort was eventually abandoned, later rediscovered in 1930 by Major Cândido Rondon, who built military installations nearby.

Q & A

What was the significance of the Fort Príncipe da Beira in the context of Portuguese territorial defense?

Fort Príncipe da Beira was a key military structure intended to strengthen Portuguese control and defense over the northern region of Brazil, specifically along the Guaporé River. Its construction was part of Portugal's broader strategy to assert dominance and prevent Spanish incursions into the region.

What led to the construction of Fort Príncipe da Beira?

The construction of the fort was initiated by the governor of Mato Grosso, Luís Albuquerque de Melo Pereira e Cáceres, in response to the need to protect Portuguese territory from potential Spanish invasions and to consolidate Portuguese rule in the remote western areas of the colony.

Who was responsible for the original settlement and fortification efforts in the region of Mato Grosso?

Rolim de Moura was the individual responsible for establishing the capital of Mato Grosso in 1752 and initiating the construction of military fortifications, including the first fort, Fort Nossa Senhora da Conceição, to defend Portuguese territory from Spanish aggression.

How did Rolim de Moura contribute to defending the region from the Spanish?

Rolim de Moura played a pivotal role in defending the region by leading a successful military action against a Spanish expedition. Despite having fewer troops, he managed to repel the Spanish forces, which solidified his leadership and defense strategies in the region.

What happened to the first fort built in the region, Fort Nossa Senhora da Conceição?

Fort Nossa Senhora da Conceição was repeatedly attacked by Spanish forces and was eventually abandoned after suffering significant damage. Rolim de Moura was transferred from his post, and his successor, João Pedro da Câmara, renamed the fort to Fort Bragança in honor of the Portuguese royal family.

Why did Fort Bragança fail to remain operational?

Fort Bragança was unable to withstand the harsh climatic conditions of the region, particularly the frequent flooding caused by the Guaporé River. These natural factors led to the fort being destroyed by floods in 1771, which prompted the construction of a new fort.

What was the role of the Portuguese authorities, specifically the Marquês de Pombal, in the construction of Fort Príncipe da Beira?

The Marquês de Pombal, a prominent Portuguese official, was behind the strategic plan to build Fort Príncipe da Beira as part of a broader effort to reinforce Portuguese sovereignty in the region, ensuring that Spanish expansion in the area was prevented.

What architectural features characterized Fort Príncipe da Beira?

Fort Príncipe da Beira was designed with a quadrangular layout, featuring 119-meter-long sides, a two-meter-deep surrounding moat, and bastions with guard towers and 14 cannon placements. Its design was influenced by French military architecture, with the project overseen by French officer Sebastian Vaughan.

What challenges did the construction of Fort Príncipe da Beira face?

The construction of the fort faced several difficulties, including shortages of materials, lack of qualified workers, and frequent epidemics. These challenges, along with the untimely death of the project's lead engineer in 1780, hindered the fort's completion.

What was the ultimate fate of Fort Príncipe da Beira after its construction?

Although the fort was strategically important for Portugal, it was abandoned shortly after its inauguration due to its incomplete construction. It eventually fell into disrepair and was forgotten until it was rediscovered in the early 20th century by Major Cândido Rondon, who established a military presence nearby in 1930.