The University of Évora, founded in April 1559 by Cardinal D. Henrique with Pope Paul IV's approval, was Portugal's second university, established to serve the southern region. Entrusted to the newly formed Society of Jesus, the institution initially taught traditional subjects like Philosophy, Theology and Humanities, fully embedding itself in Europe's Catholic Counter-Reformation. Mathematics, Physics, and Military Architecture were introduced later under King D. Pedro II. During its first two centuries, the university achieved great European prestige, drawing brilliant scholars such as Luis de Molina, Francisco Suárez and Pedro da Fonseca. However, despite later attempts at modernization, its educational system eventually grew rigid and outdated, turning its back on the scientific advancements sweeping through the rest of Europe. This traditionalism led to its downfall. In 1759, exactly two centuries after its founding, the university was surrounded by cavalry troops following the Marquis of Pombal’s decree to expel the Jesuits. Its professors were arrested, imprisoned or deported. The historic building later housed the High School of Évora in the mid-19th century. Finally, the academic tradition was revived in 1973 with the creation of the University Institute, which officially became the modern University of Évora in 1979.