4The 526 Antioch Earthquake
In 526 CE, the ancient city of Antioch (modern-day Antakya, Turkey) was struck by a powerful earthquake. The quake, believed to have been between 7.0 and 8.0 in magnitude, caused extensive damage to the city and its surroundings. An estimated 250,000 to 300,000 people perished in the disaster, with many buildings collapsing and fires breaking out in the aftermath. Antioch, one of the most important cities of the Byzantine Empire, was left in ruins, and the earthquake significantly impacted the region’s political and economic stability.
