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The blessed collection by George al-Makin

Aliases
Aliases in Arabic
Jirjis al-Makīn جرجس امكين
Ibn al-ʿAmīd بن العميد
George Elmacin (Anglicized)
Georgius Elmacinus (Latin)
Background and Biography
Background and Biography

Excerpts
English from Erpenius (1625)

In the year 381, there was a great earthquake in Damascus on the 17th day of Muharram. A thousand houses collapsed. Many died. Likewise, in the district of Baalbek, there were collapses. Aftershocks continued until Friday 14 Safar. People left their homes to stay in the plains.

Latin from Erpenius (1625)

Anno 381 ortus est Damasci terræmotus magnus die decimo septimo Muharrami. ita ut ibidem corruerent ad mille domicilia : [&] ſub ruinis eorum multi mortales perirent. Corruit quoque eo die pagus quidam è pagis Balabeci. [&] non cessarunt continui motus ante diem Veneris, 14 Safari. [&] exierunt homines è domibus fais in campos.

Chronology

Main Shock
Year Reference Corrections Notes
5 April 991 CE 17 Muharram A.H. 381 none
  • Calculated using CHRONOS.
  • 5 April 991 CE falls on a Sunday (calculated using CHRONOS) in the Julian calendar
Final Aftershock
Year Reference Corrections Notes
2 May 991 CE Aftershocks continued until Friday 14 Safar A.H. 381 none
  • Calculated using CHRONOS
  • 2 May 991 CE falls on a Saturday (calculated using CHRONOS) in the Julian calendar.
  • Ambraseys (2009) notes that both editions of al-Makin give Safar 14 = 2 May.
Seismic Effects
  • A thousand houses collapsed in Damascus
  • Many died
  • Aftershocks lasted almost a month
  • Collapses in the district of Baalbek
Locations
  • Damascus
  • the district of Baalbek
Sources
Sources

Online Versions and Further Reading
References