Fifth Empire

As seen when viewing the book of Daniel 2, in the Hebrew scriptures (Old Testament), in Bible, Father António Vieira came to this myth based on a biblical passage that tells the story of King Nebuchadnezzar and his dream, with a statue that featured five kinds of materials.

As for the Fifth Monarchists later in England and other authors, although with some differences, Vieira, with an elaborate exegesis based on his vast knowledge of the Bible, believed that the timing was significant because the calendar year 1666 was approaching.

The number 666 had been identified in the Book of Revelation with the ultimate human despot to rule the world, but who would be replaced by the second coming of the Messiah; this added to his belief that the Fifth Monarchy was possibly about to begin.

The Hidden One represents the fulfillment of the destiny of mankind, designed by God since before Time, and, at the same time, the accomplishment of Portugal which, in Pessoa's vision is the chosen nation, the one that will bear the New Messiah and lead the way towards the Fifth Empire: There will be a meeting of the two long separated forces, but long approaching: the left side of wisdom – i.e. science, reasoning, intellectual speculation, and the right side of wisdom – that is, the hidden knowledge, intuition, the kabbalistic and mystical speculation.

[5] In Pessoa's vision, lusophone countries such as Brazil have a key role in this mission, supported by the Portuguese international alliances, including the Iberian nations, Britain, Ireland, the Atlantism, Greece and its legacy, and beyond.

[6] Brazilian writer Glauco Ortolano writes in 2023 a novel, O Canibal do Quinto Império, where its main character, a Portuguese living in Brazil for more than 500 years, has a prophetic dream that reveals to himself that he is, in fact, O Encoberto ("The Hidden One") returning in the 21st Century to launch the Fifth Empire.