In the same territory where Nova Lisboa emerged, the old Rio de Janeiro and its traditions continued to exist. While Rio represented barbarism, backwardness, and the preservation of colonial habits and customs, Nova Lisboa was shaping up as the space of civilization.
The installation of the Portuguese Court brought about major changes in the geographic space. In addition to population density growth, the opening of the ports intensified Atlantic trade and the circulation of foreign goods at the Port of Rio.
Image description: This is a colored illustration depicting a historical scene at a port. On the left, there is a tower with a dome and ornamental architectural details. In the center, several people are interacting in an open setting. On the right, a man dressed in a military uniform stands beside a small structure. The background features several ships docked at the port.The opening of the ports favored the entry of foreign goods into the city. Refreshments at Palace Square - Jean-Baptiste Debret, 1826.
Capital of the Portuguese Empire, turned toward Europe and international trade relations, the new city no longer depended on the bay, which began to be occupied by those excluded from spaces of power, the rural landowners and those excluded from the central region.
Divided between these two cities, the new and the old, enslaved Africans moved throughout the entire urban territory performing various services – from waste hauling to civil construction. They played a fundamental role in the construction of urban space, stamping it with their identities and influencing the conditions of eating, dressing, and living.
Image description: This is a colored illustration depicting a market. The scene is set in front of a building with classical architecture, possibly a church, with a tower and a crucifix on the roof. On the left side, there is a woman wearing a red and green dress, holding a wooden tray. On the right side, a woman in a green dress is talking with another woman in a blue dress. Between them, there is a wooden stall covered with straw, where various products such as fruits and vegetables are displayed. In the background, other individuals are interacting, some holding wooden containers.A market stall (Uma barraca de mercado) - drawing by Henry Chamberlain and engraving by John Clark
