20-29 May 526 A.D. Earthquake

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Sources of Earthquake Records:

– Malalas: A large catastrophe occurred in Antioch. Citizens were buried under the debris. The houses, located only near the mountain, survived. The rest of the buildings were completely destroyed. Fire following the earthquake destroyed the Big Church (so was named the ancient church of Antioch) and the remaining houses. There were 250.000 casualties because of holidays. Shocks lasted 18 months. Some buildings in Selucea and Dafneh fell down.

– John of Ephesus: In Antioch, the disaster was on the 7th hour, fire from the land and sky. City wall, houses and churches were destroyed. There was a fire following the earthquake. The Big Church was burned after 7 days and destroyed completely. There were 255.000 casualties as Malalas.

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– Procopius of Caesarea: A severe earthquake occurred in Antioch where most of the buildings and the most beautiful ones fell down. There were 300.000 casualties.

– Evagrius Scholasticus: An earthquake, followed by a fire, occurred in Antioch.

– Chronicon Edessenum (Urfa): A great earthquake ruined Antioch.

– Zachariah of Mitylene: A severe earthquake in Antioch. Houses fell down over their inhabitants.

– Giovanni Lido: The earthquake split Antioch and Selucea, no damage to the desert place between the mountain and the city where runs the river of Orontes.

– Marcellinus Comes: A severe earthquake destroyed Antioch. The fire, following the earthquake, increased by the wind.

– John of Nikiu: An earthquake and a fire were in Antioch. Houses were completely destroyed as well as a house located on the nearby hill. Many churches were destroyed or divided in two parts from the bottom to the top. The Big Church was destroyed. The casualties were 250.000. Towns of Dafneh and Selucea at 20 miles from Antioch were destroyed.

– Theophanes: A large part of Antioch was destroyed by the earthquake. The survived citizens were killed by the fire.

– Chronicle of 819: A severe earthquake. Antioch was destroyed. The casualties were 255.000.

– Georgius Monachus: An earthquake and a fire were in Antioch. There were many casualties.

– Leo Grammaticus: Most of Antioch was destroyed by the earthquake and fire.

– Georgius Cedrenus: There was an earthquake, followed by 6 days fire. There were many thousands of casualties.

– Michael Glykas: The earthquake produced a big opening. The fire killed the survivors.

– Chronicle of 1234: An earthquake and a fire occurred in Antioch, destroying all buildings and churches.

– Girgis Bar Hebraeus: An earthquake occurred in Antioch. The casualties were 255.000. Shocks continued for one year and six months.