1156-1159 CE Syrian Quakes Summary

A relentless sequence of earthquakes struck Syria, especially the northern Syria, between 1156 and 1159 CE. These earthquakes caused widespread destruction and heavy loss of life and were described by numerous authors. One contemporary writer from Damascus, Ibn al-Qalanisi, left a detailed record of the many shocks and devastation they caused. Because he lived in Damascus, his account relied on reports from northern Syria. The presence of multiple tremors in each episode, together with his secondhand information, introduces some uncertainty about the exact dates when the worst destruction occurred in the north. Five of the major earthquakes appear in the Textual Evidence section and are briefly outlined in the table below. Further discussion, including possible archaeoseismic evidence, can be found in Ambraseys (2009) and Guidoboni and Comastri (2005).

Event(s) Date(s) from
Jefferson Williams Date(s) from
Ambraseys (2009) Date(s) from
Guidoboni and Comastri (2005) Summaries

13 October 1156 CE Hama, Apamea, and Aleppo Quake(s) 13 October 1156 CE 13 October 1156 CE 13 October 1156 CE

Summary

Writing from Damascus, contemporaneous source Ibn al-Qalanisi wrote that during the night of 13 October 1156 CE (25 Sha'ban A.H. 551), another earthquake filled hearts with fear from dawn and then throughout the day with about 40 shocks. Although people in Damascus were frightened, the city was spared consequences. Most of the houses in Shaizar collapsed and many people died. People fled the towns of Kafar Tab and Hama indicating collapses there as well. Aleppo, apparently also, suffered damage. One of the towers of Apamea collapsed as a result of this shock. Foreshocks were reported on 27 September and 10 October. Late source as-Suyuti, sometimes quoting Abu Shama, added 3 more potential foreshocks in May of 1156 CE. Ambraseys (2009) noted that Abu Shmama's account (written about 100 years after the event) of the 18 May 1156 CE shock bore a strong similarity to Ibn al-Qalanisi's description of the main shock on 13 October and was probably misdated by Abu Shama. After what appears to be the main shock on 13 October, a little more than a dozen sizeable shocks were reported as being felt in Damascus leading up to a destructive earthquake on 8 and/or 9 December which damaged Aleppo.

Contemporaneous source Gregory the Priest appears to have described the same earthquake which he says was was felt everywhere with many Muslim towns on the confines of Arabia, near Aleppo, collapsed to their very foundations. He added that Christian lands were much less affected and that an incalculable number of aftershocks continued without interruption for 14 months. Depending on the translation, he dated the initial shock to 26 Oct. 1156 CE or 26 Nov. 1157 CE. This appears to be a description of the 13 Oct 1156 CE Hama, Afamya, and Aleppo Quake(s) and may indicate that multiple strong events were experienced over ~2-8 weeks.

9 December 1156 CE Aleppo Quake(s) 9 December 1156 CE 9 December 1156 CE 9 December 1156 CE

Summary

Writing from Damascus, contemporaneous source Ibn al-Qalanisi wrote that during the night of 9 December 1156 CE (23 Shawwal A.H. 551), there was a tremendous earthquake followed by innumerable aftershocks. Damascus was shaken but spared. Reports of damage came from from Shayzar, Aleppo, Kafar Tab, and Hamat. Many deaths were reported in Aleppo due to house collapses and the inhabitants of Kafar Tab and Hamat were said to have fled from their town in panic.

Ambraseys (2009) wrote that Abu Shama, writing about 100 years later, stated that ‘one or several earthquakes’ struck on 7–8 December. This was likely based on an account(s) from Damascus. Late source as-Suyuti, who sometimes relied on Abu Shama, reports that one or several earthquakes took place on the night of 8 December 1156 CE (22 Shawwal A.H. 551). No other details were provided and no locations were specified but, depending on as-Suyuti's source, the report may have come from Damascus.

April 1157 CE Hama Quake(s) 2, 3 and/or 4 April 1157 CE 2 April 1157 CE 2 April 1157 CE

Summary

Writing from Damascus, contemporaneous source Ibn al-Qalanisi wrote that during the night towards dawn on Wednesday 2 April 1157 CE (19 Safar A.H. 552), there was a tremendous earthquake followed by two aftershocks in the following days. Damascus was shaken but there are no reports of damage to the city. Reports of damage came from from Shayzar, the area around Aleppo, Kafar Tab, Hama, and Apamea. Since 2 April 1157 CE fell on a Tuesday, either the date or day of the week is wrong. If all possibilities are considered, the earthquake struck on 2 or 3 April 1157 CE or there were multiple strong earthquakes on multiple days.

Ambraseys (2009) wrote that Abu Shama, writing about 100 years later, stated that there were three earthquakes on 2, 2–3/3–4 and 4 April which, according to the news which came from the territory of Sham produced considerable effects. Late source as-Suyuti, sometimes relying on Abu Shama, reported that a very violent earthquake occurred on the night of 2 April 1157 CE followed by another earthquake on the night of 3 April 1157 CE. On the next day (4 April 1157 CE), another earthquake struck. as-Suyuti stated that reports from Sham (Syria) indicated that the effects of these earthquakes were considerable. As-Suyuti's source was probably writing from Damascus.

An inscription found commemorating reconstruction of the Mosque of Hasanayin in Hama refers to its collapse in A.H. 552 (13 Feb. 1157 CE - 1 Feb. 1158 CE) that was likely due to the April 1157 CE Hama Quake(s).

July 1157 CE Shaizar Quake(s) 14 July 1157 CE 13 July 1157 CE 5 July 1157 CE

Summary

Writing from Damascus, contemporaneous source Ibn al-Qalanisi wrote that during the night on Sunday 14 July 1157 CE (19 Safar A.H. 552), a shock occurred, followed by another of lesser intensity. Reports of damage came from from Aleppo, Kafar Tab, Hamat, Afamiyya (Apamea), Hims (Homs), and Tayma'. People were terrified in Aleppo and Hims (Homs) and destruction was reported in Hamat, Kafar Tab, Afamiyya (Apamea), and Tayma'. Structures that had been rebuilt after previous earthquakes were wrecked again.

Late source Abu Shama reports that earthquakes and repeated ground shaking had done damage to destroy the forts, citadels and houses in the provinces, and ruin the fortified towns which would have protected the Muslims [from the Crusader armies] and offered asylum to those who had survived from Hims, Chaizer, Kaferthab, Hamah, etc.. Although Abu Shama only specifies the year of the earthquake as A.H. 552 (13 Feb. 1157 CE - 1 Feb. 1158 CE), clues in the text indicate he was writing about the July 1157 CE Shaizar Quake(s).

Even later source as-Suyuti reports that on the night of 14 July 1157 CE two earthquakes struck Damascus. Reports from the north indicated the the residents of Aleppo and Homs were terrified. Widespread destruction was reported from Homs. Destruction was also reported in Hama, Kafart’ab and Taima.

August to September 1157 CE Hama and Shaizar Quake(s) 12 August 1157 CE to ~6 September 1157 CE (multiple shocks) 12, 13, and 16 August 1157 CE and 6 September 1157 CE 9 August to 7 September 1157 CE

Summary

Between August and September of 1157 CE, the 1156-1159 CE Syrian Quakes reached a crescendo. The first note struck around 3 pm on August 12 when contemporaneous source Ibn al-Qalanisi described a dreadful earthquake at Damascus, such as had never been seen before. The shocks lasted so long that people fled in terror from their houses and shops. In the ensuing panic and and confusion, the Great Mosque of Damascus was looted. It may have also received light damage from the earthquake. More shocks were felt during the day and into the night. Four days later on 16 August, the shocks returned. They continued for 4 more days. Finally, on or around September 6th 1157 CE, another earthquake struck the city. People fled from their homes towards open spaces and after one of the ensuing aftershocks, the the gates of the city were opened and people poured out - into the fields, the countryside, and the desert. They stayed there for days.

Reports came in from the north speaking of horrific destruction. The citadel and all the houses of Hama had collapsed. Only a handful of people survived. The famous castle of Shaizar had collapsed killing all inside including the governor. Damage extended to the farthest regions of Syria - including the fortresses of Jabala and Jubail. Salamiya was ruined as was al-Rahba and its surroundings. In Aleppo, some, but not all, of the buildings collapsed.

Writing from Baghdad, contemporaneous source Ibn al-Jawzi wrote that an earthquake shook Sham [Greater Syria] in the month of Rajab A.H. 552 (9 August - 7 September 1157 CE). He complied a list of towns affected in Muslim and Crusader controlled territories:

Muslim controlled territory

Aleppo - 100 victims.

Hama - Almost completely destroyed. Most of the inhabitants died. There were a few survivors.

Shaizar - All died except for one woman and her servant.

Kafar Tab - No survivors.

Apamea - The citadel was destroyed.

Homs - Heavy casualties.

Ma’arra - Part of the population disappeared.

Tell Harran - The tell split in two - exposing graves. Many homes were destroyed.

Crusader controlled territory

Krak des Chaevaliers - Completely destroyed.

Arqa - Completely destroyed.

‘Ararat - al-Jawzi's only questionable locale.

Latakia - Many victims. A statue appeared in a fissure^*, which subsequently filled with water.

Tripoli - Most killed.

Antioch - A few people survived.

The fortress of Shumays, near Salamiyah was damaged

Benjamin of Tudela visited the area just a few years after the earthquakes struck. He was told that at Tripoli, many perished when the houses and walls collapsed. In Hama, he heard that 20,000 people died. He could have been referring to the August to September 1157 CE Hama and Shaizar Quake(s) of the 1156-1159 CE Syrian Quakes and/or to the 1170 CE Quake(s).

Michael the Syrian, also contemporaneous, reiterated that collapsed structures killed thousands of people in Hama and that the Citadel in Shaizar collapsed - only a woman and her servant survived. In Homs, people fled the town, saving their lives before the houses and the Citadel collapsed. In Aleppo too, people fled and camped outside of town - escaping death from their soon to be collapsed homes. This may suggest that the main shock was preceded by a strong earthquake which frightened people out of their homes (e.g. shocks on 12/13 and 16 August). In Aleppo, 500 people, who perhaps remained in their homes after the first event, died. Kafar Tab and Apamea were equally devastated. Damages extended as far as Rehabot. In Crusader controlled territories, Krak de Chavaliers and 'Arqa completely collapsed. Only the great church in Latakia remained standing - people inside were saved. Repeating Ibn al-Jawzi, he reported that that a fissure opened in Latakia and inside the fissure, a statue was exposed^*. Most of Antioch and Tripoli were destroyed.

The anonymous author of Chronicon Ad Annum 1234, who was near contemporaneous, wrote that Shaizar was destroyed and 40,000 people died along with the governor, his children, and his servants. There was a landslide on part of the hill upon which the Citadel was built. Many died in Hama, Salamiya, and surrounding villages.

Ibn al-Athir, writing 25-50 years after the earthquakes, wrote that the citadel at Shaizar collapsed killing all inside - including the governor. At Latakia, a fissure revealed a statue immersed in water^*. The strongest shaking was at Shaizar and Hama. Fortresses at Ba`rin and Al Ma'arra [Maarrat an Numan] were also destroyed. In the surrounding area, many people died beneath collapsed structures. Continuous aftershocks were reported to have caused additional damage. Collapses were also reported in Kafar Tab, Apamea, Homs (Emesa), the castle of the Kurds, Arka, and Antioch. Partial damage was reported in many other localities. Survivors from Homs, Shayzar, Kafar Tab, Hamat and other areas fled towards coastal and border regions.

Aleppo native and local Aleppo Historian Kemal ad-Din wrote about 100 years after the earthquakes. Hama, Shaizar, Kafar tâb, Apamea, Ma'arrat-al-No`man, Homs, the citadel of Shoumaimis near Salamiah, as well as other towns in the country of the Franks were described as ruined. At Shaizar, the citadel collapsed on the prince and people of the city and all perished. Numerous deaths were also reported at Krak de Chavliers and Araza. At Latakia a chasm formed and an idol appeared^*. Afterwards, the chasm is said to have filled with water. Strangely, he did not mention any damage or destruction in Aleppo.

Damascene Abu Shama wrote about 100 years after the earthquakes struck but seems to have accessed valuable records in Damascus. Houses, Citadels, and Fortresses were destroyed in Homs, Shaizar, Kafar tab, and Hama. The most violent shocks were experienced in Hama and Shaizar - in one stroke they were completely overturned. Neighboring localities such as Hisn Barit, al-Ma’rra and other towns or villages were similarly affected. Multitudes were thought to be dead under the ruins. Nur ad-Din is reported to have provided tax relief to stricken towns and cities. The tax relief edict named Aleppo, Damascus, Homs, Harran, Sinjar, Rahabah, ‘Azaz, al-Ma’rra, Tell Bashir, and ‘Adad al-Arab although, in the case of Damascus, the tax relief was due to Crusader activity.

Bar Hebraeus, a meticulous scholar and clergyman who was reliant on Michael the Syrian, wrote about 125 years after the earthquakes. He listed damages as follows:

As for Hama, its fortress and its town and all its large houses fell down upon old men, and women, and children, and tens of thousands of its inhabitants perished therein

The fortress of Shaizar fell, every part of it, and only one woman and one eunuch escaped

The people of Homs went forth in great haste and were delivered, but their monasteries and its fortress perished

The people of Aleppo fled from the city, and sat down outside it for days and were delivered, and their houses were thrown down, but only five hundred souls perished in it

And so with Kafar Tab and Apamea - not one man escaped from them

Many other places as far as Rahbuth.

Also the cities of the Franks (Crusaders), Hisn al-Akrad (Krak de Chavliers) and 'Aria, fell completely

In Laodicea (Latakia) only the great church remained, and all those who were in it were delivered. And the ground inside it was rent asunder, and a chasm which was full of clay appeared, and in the middle of the clay a molten image was standing upright^*

Similarly the greater part of Antioch and Tripoli were destroyed

Damascus native Abu'l-Fida wrote ~200 years after the earthquakes. Hama, Shaizar, Homs, Krak de Chevaliers, Tripoli, and Antioch and surroundings were all reported as being destroyed. In Hama, a school building collapsed and killed all the children inside. No parents came to retrieve their child because the parents were presumably dead as well. The Palace and Castle of Shaizar fell on its owners killing everyone.

Later authors Ibn Tagri Birdi and as-Suyuti, writing ~300-350 years after the earthquakes reiterated previous reports while adding minor additions to the narrative, such as as:

The fortress of Apamea collapsed [into the lake] - Ibn Tagri Birdi

the Great Mosque of Damascus collapsed - which is likely an embellishment from the fact that it was looted after the first earthquake on 12 August 1157 CE

Footnotes

* embellishments about unusual objects appearing inside of earth fissures abounds in the literature of this time. Treasures of Gold and Jewels was reported in fissures in Taima in NW Arabia after the 1068 CE Quake(s) and an oracular talking mule emerged from an earth fissure in Jazira after the Sabbatical Year Quakes of 749 CE.

Images

Fig. 32 - 1156-59 sequence: shocks felt at Damascus from Guidoboni and Comastri (2005)

Fig. 32 - 1156-59 sequence: shocks felt at Damascus (from Guidoboni et. al., 2004)

from Guidoboni and Comastri (2005)

Fig. 33 - Epicenters in 1156 and 1157 CE from Guidoboni and Comastri (2005)

Fig. 33 - a, b, c, and d (from Guidoboni et. al., 2004)

from Guidoboni and Comastri (2005)

Fig. 34 - 1157 August 9 - September 7 Cumulative Effects from Guidoboni and Comastri (2005)

Fig. 34 - 1157 August 9 - September 7 Cumulative Effects (from Guidoboni et. al., 2004)

from Guidoboni and Comastri (2005)

Fig. 3.11 - Isoseismal map of the earthquake of 12 August 1157 from Ambraseys (2009)

Fig. 3.11 - An isoseismal map of the earthquake of 12 August 1157 produced by kriging of 32 groups of intensity points. Estimated location: 35.3° N, 36.4° E, M_S = 7.2 (±0.3).

from Ambraseys (2009)

Event(s)	Date(s) from Jefferson Williams	Date(s) from Ambraseys (2009)	Date(s) from Guidoboni and Comastri (2005)	Summaries
13 October 1156 CE Hama, Apamea, and Aleppo Quake(s)	13 October 1156 CE	13 October 1156 CE	13 October 1156 CE	Summary Writing from Damascus, contemporaneous source Ibn al-Qalanisi wrote that during the night of 13 October 1156 CE (25 Sha'ban A.H. 551), another earthquake filled hearts with fear from dawn and then throughout the day with about 40 shocks. Although people in Damascus were frightened, the city was spared consequences. Most of the houses in Shaizar collapsed and many people died. People fled the towns of Kafar Tab and Hama indicating collapses there as well. Aleppo, apparently also, suffered damage. One of the towers of Apamea collapsed as a result of this shock. Foreshocks were reported on 27 September and 10 October. Late source as-Suyuti, sometimes quoting Abu Shama, added 3 more potential foreshocks in May of 1156 CE. Ambraseys (2009) noted that Abu Shmama's account (written about 100 years after the event) of the 18 May 1156 CE shock bore a strong similarity to Ibn al-Qalanisi's description of the main shock on 13 October and was probably misdated by Abu Shama. After what appears to be the main shock on 13 October, a little more than a dozen sizeable shocks were reported as being felt in Damascus leading up to a destructive earthquake on 8 and/or 9 December which damaged Aleppo. Contemporaneous source Gregory the Priest appears to have described the same earthquake which he says was was felt everywhere with many Muslim towns on the confines of Arabia, near Aleppo, collapsed to their very foundations. He added that Christian lands were much less affected and that an incalculable number of aftershocks continued without interruption for 14 months. Depending on the translation, he dated the initial shock to 26 Oct. 1156 CE or 26 Nov. 1157 CE. This appears to be a description of the 13 Oct 1156 CE Hama, Afamya, and Aleppo Quake(s) and may indicate that multiple strong events were experienced over ~2-8 weeks.
9 December 1156 CE Aleppo Quake(s)	9 December 1156 CE	9 December 1156 CE	9 December 1156 CE	Summary Writing from Damascus, contemporaneous source Ibn al-Qalanisi wrote that during the night of 9 December 1156 CE (23 Shawwal A.H. 551), there was a tremendous earthquake followed by innumerable aftershocks. Damascus was shaken but spared. Reports of damage came from from Shayzar, Aleppo, Kafar Tab, and Hamat. Many deaths were reported in Aleppo due to house collapses and the inhabitants of Kafar Tab and Hamat were said to have fled from their town in panic. Ambraseys (2009) wrote that Abu Shama, writing about 100 years later, stated that ‘one or several earthquakes’ struck on 7–8 December. This was likely based on an account(s) from Damascus. Late source as-Suyuti, who sometimes relied on Abu Shama, reports that one or several earthquakes took place on the night of 8 December 1156 CE (22 Shawwal A.H. 551). No other details were provided and no locations were specified but, depending on as-Suyuti's source, the report may have come from Damascus.
April 1157 CE Hama Quake(s)	2, 3 and/or 4 April 1157 CE	2 April 1157 CE	2 April 1157 CE	Summary Writing from Damascus, contemporaneous source Ibn al-Qalanisi wrote that during the night towards dawn on Wednesday 2 April 1157 CE (19 Safar A.H. 552), there was a tremendous earthquake followed by two aftershocks in the following days. Damascus was shaken but there are no reports of damage to the city. Reports of damage came from from Shayzar, the area around Aleppo, Kafar Tab, Hama, and Apamea. Since 2 April 1157 CE fell on a Tuesday, either the date or day of the week is wrong. If all possibilities are considered, the earthquake struck on 2 or 3 April 1157 CE or there were multiple strong earthquakes on multiple days. Ambraseys (2009) wrote that Abu Shama, writing about 100 years later, stated that there were three earthquakes on 2, 2–3/3–4 and 4 April which, according to the news which came from the territory of Sham produced considerable effects. Late source as-Suyuti, sometimes relying on Abu Shama, reported that a very violent earthquake occurred on the night of 2 April 1157 CE followed by another earthquake on the night of 3 April 1157 CE. On the next day (4 April 1157 CE), another earthquake struck. as-Suyuti stated that reports from Sham (Syria) indicated that the effects of these earthquakes were considerable. As-Suyuti's source was probably writing from Damascus. An inscription found commemorating reconstruction of the Mosque of Hasanayin in Hama refers to its collapse in A.H. 552 (13 Feb. 1157 CE - 1 Feb. 1158 CE) that was likely due to the April 1157 CE Hama Quake(s).
July 1157 CE Shaizar Quake(s)	14 July 1157 CE	13 July 1157 CE	5 July 1157 CE	Summary Writing from Damascus, contemporaneous source Ibn al-Qalanisi wrote that during the night on Sunday 14 July 1157 CE (19 Safar A.H. 552), a shock occurred, followed by another of lesser intensity. Reports of damage came from from Aleppo, Kafar Tab, Hamat, Afamiyya (Apamea), Hims (Homs), and Tayma'. People were terrified in Aleppo and Hims (Homs) and destruction was reported in Hamat, Kafar Tab, Afamiyya (Apamea), and Tayma'. Structures that had been rebuilt after previous earthquakes were wrecked again. Late source Abu Shama reports that earthquakes and repeated ground shaking had done damage to destroy the forts, citadels and houses in the provinces, and ruin the fortified towns which would have protected the Muslims [from the Crusader armies] and offered asylum to those who had survived from Hims, Chaizer, Kaferthab, Hamah, etc.. Although Abu Shama only specifies the year of the earthquake as A.H. 552 (13 Feb. 1157 CE - 1 Feb. 1158 CE), clues in the text indicate he was writing about the July 1157 CE Shaizar Quake(s). Even later source as-Suyuti reports that on the night of 14 July 1157 CE two earthquakes struck Damascus. Reports from the north indicated the the residents of Aleppo and Homs were terrified. Widespread destruction was reported from Homs. Destruction was also reported in Hama, Kafart’ab and Taima.
August to September 1157 CE Hama and Shaizar Quake(s)	12 August 1157 CE to ~6 September 1157 CE (multiple shocks)	12, 13, and 16 August 1157 CE and 6 September 1157 CE	9 August to 7 September 1157 CE	Summary Between August and September of 1157 CE, the 1156-1159 CE Syrian Quakes reached a crescendo. The first note struck around 3 pm on August 12 when contemporaneous source Ibn al-Qalanisi described a dreadful earthquake at Damascus, such as had never been seen before. The shocks lasted so long that people fled in terror from their houses and shops. In the ensuing panic and and confusion, the Great Mosque of Damascus was looted. It may have also received light damage from the earthquake. More shocks were felt during the day and into the night. Four days later on 16 August, the shocks returned. They continued for 4 more days. Finally, on or around September 6th 1157 CE, another earthquake struck the city. People fled from their homes towards open spaces and after one of the ensuing aftershocks, the the gates of the city were opened and people poured out - into the fields, the countryside, and the desert. They stayed there for days. Reports came in from the north speaking of horrific destruction. The citadel and all the houses of Hama had collapsed. Only a handful of people survived. The famous castle of Shaizar had collapsed killing all inside including the governor. Damage extended to the farthest regions of Syria - including the fortresses of Jabala and Jubail. Salamiya was ruined as was al-Rahba and its surroundings. In Aleppo, some, but not all, of the buildings collapsed. Writing from Baghdad, contemporaneous source Ibn al-Jawzi wrote that an earthquake shook Sham [Greater Syria] in the month of Rajab A.H. 552 (9 August - 7 September 1157 CE). He complied a list of towns affected in Muslim and Crusader controlled territories: Muslim controlled territory Aleppo - 100 victims. Hama - Almost completely destroyed. Most of the inhabitants died. There were a few survivors. Shaizar - All died except for one woman and her servant. Kafar Tab - No survivors. Apamea - The citadel was destroyed. Homs - Heavy casualties. Ma’arra - Part of the population disappeared. Tell Harran - The tell split in two - exposing graves. Many homes were destroyed. Crusader controlled territory Krak des Chaevaliers - Completely destroyed. Arqa - Completely destroyed. ‘Ararat - al-Jawzi's only questionable locale. Latakia - Many victims. A statue appeared in a fissure^, which subsequently filled with water. Tripoli - Most killed. Antioch - A few people survived. The fortress of Shumays, near Salamiyah was damaged Benjamin of Tudela visited the area just a few years after the earthquakes struck. He was told that at Tripoli, many perished when the houses and walls collapsed. In Hama, he heard that 20,000 people died. He could have been referring to the August to September 1157 CE Hama and Shaizar Quake(s) of the 1156-1159 CE Syrian Quakes and/or to the 1170 CE Quake(s). Michael the Syrian, also contemporaneous, reiterated that collapsed structures killed thousands of people in Hama and that the Citadel in Shaizar collapsed - only a woman and her servant survived. In Homs, people fled the town, saving their lives before the houses and the Citadel collapsed. In Aleppo too, people fled and camped outside of town - escaping death from their soon to be collapsed homes. This may suggest that the main shock was preceded by a strong earthquake which frightened people out of their homes (e.g. shocks on 12/13 and 16 August). In Aleppo, 500 people, who perhaps remained in their homes after the first event, died. Kafar Tab and Apamea were equally devastated. Damages extended as far as Rehabot. In Crusader controlled territories, Krak de Chavaliers and 'Arqa completely collapsed. Only the great church in Latakia remained standing - people inside were saved. Repeating Ibn al-Jawzi, he reported that that a fissure opened in Latakia and inside the fissure, a statue was exposed^. Most of Antioch and Tripoli were destroyed. The anonymous author of Chronicon Ad Annum 1234, who was near contemporaneous, wrote that Shaizar was destroyed and 40,000 people died along with the governor, his children, and his servants. There was a landslide on part of the hill upon which the Citadel was built. Many died in Hama, Salamiya, and surrounding villages. Ibn al-Athir, writing 25-50 years after the earthquakes, wrote that the citadel at Shaizar collapsed killing all inside - including the governor. At Latakia, a fissure revealed a statue immersed in water^. The strongest shaking was at Shaizar and Hama. Fortresses at Ba`rin and Al Ma'arra [Maarrat an Numan] were also destroyed. In the surrounding area, many people died beneath collapsed structures. Continuous aftershocks were reported to have caused additional damage. Collapses were also reported in Kafar Tab, Apamea, Homs (Emesa), the castle of the Kurds, Arka, and Antioch. Partial damage was reported in many other localities. Survivors from Homs, Shayzar, Kafar Tab, Hamat and other areas fled towards coastal and border regions. Aleppo native and local Aleppo Historian Kemal ad-Din wrote about 100 years after the earthquakes. Hama, Shaizar, Kafar tâb, Apamea, Ma'arrat-al-No`man, Homs, the citadel of Shoumaimis near Salamiah, as well as other towns in the country of the Franks were described as ruined. At Shaizar, the citadel collapsed on the prince and people of the city and all perished. Numerous deaths were also reported at Krak de Chavliers and Araza. At Latakia a chasm formed and an idol appeared^. Afterwards, the chasm is said to have filled with water. Strangely, he did not mention any damage or destruction in Aleppo. Damascene Abu Shama wrote about 100 years after the earthquakes struck but seems to have accessed valuable records in Damascus. Houses, Citadels, and Fortresses were destroyed in Homs, Shaizar, Kafar tab, and Hama. The most violent shocks were experienced in Hama and Shaizar - in one stroke they were completely overturned. Neighboring localities such as Hisn Barit, al-Ma’rra and other towns or villages were similarly affected. Multitudes were thought to be dead under the ruins. Nur ad-Din is reported to have provided tax relief to stricken towns and cities. The tax relief edict named Aleppo, Damascus, Homs, Harran, Sinjar, Rahabah, ‘Azaz, al-Ma’rra, Tell Bashir, and ‘Adad al-Arab although, in the case of Damascus, the tax relief was due to Crusader activity. Bar Hebraeus, a meticulous scholar and clergyman who was reliant on Michael the Syrian, wrote about 125 years after the earthquakes. He listed damages as follows: As for Hama, its fortress and its town and all its large houses fell down upon old men, and women, and children, and tens of thousands of its inhabitants perished therein The fortress of Shaizar fell, every part of it, and only one woman and one eunuch escaped The people of Homs went forth in great haste and were delivered, but their monasteries and its fortress perished The people of Aleppo fled from the city, and sat down outside it for days and were delivered, and their houses were thrown down, but only five hundred souls perished in it And so with Kafar Tab and Apamea - not one man escaped from them Many other places as far as Rahbuth. Also the cities of the Franks (Crusaders), Hisn al-Akrad (Krak de Chavliers) and 'Aria, fell completely In Laodicea (Latakia) only the great church remained, and all those who were in it were delivered. And the ground inside it was rent asunder, and a chasm which was full of clay appeared, and in the middle of the clay a molten image was standing upright^* Similarly the greater part of Antioch and Tripoli were destroyed Damascus native Abu'l-Fida wrote ~200 years after the earthquakes. Hama, Shaizar, Homs, Krak de Chevaliers, Tripoli, and Antioch and surroundings were all reported as being destroyed. In Hama, a school building collapsed and killed all the children inside. No parents came to retrieve their child because the parents were presumably dead as well. The Palace and Castle of Shaizar fell on its owners killing everyone. Later authors Ibn Tagri Birdi and as-Suyuti, writing ~300-350 years after the earthquakes reiterated previous reports while adding minor additions to the narrative, such as as: The fortress of Apamea collapsed [into the lake] - Ibn Tagri Birdi the Great Mosque of Damascus collapsed - which is likely an embellishment from the fact that it was looted after the first earthquake on 12 August 1157 CE Footnotes * embellishments about unusual objects appearing inside of earth fissures abounds in the literature of this time. Treasures of Gold and Jewels was reported in fissures in Taima in NW Arabia after the 1068 CE Quake(s) and an oracular talking mule emerged from an earth fissure in Jazira after the Sabbatical Year Quakes of 749 CE.