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Libanius

Background and Biography
Background and Biography

Excerpts

Guidoboni et al (1994) suggested that this passage comes from a eulogy Libanius delivered for Emperor Julian the Apostate.
English from Ambraseys (2009)

As for us Antiochians, not one man survived, and the earthquakes which have happened bear witness to the evil: some cities in Palestine and Syria have been flattened in parts, others completely. It seems to us that the god is showing a great sign through great calamities. (Lib. Or. i. 134/Foerster i. 147ff.).

Seismic Effects
  • the earthquakes [plural] which have happened bear witness to the evil
  • some cities in Palestine and Syria have been flattened in parts, others completely
Locations
  • some cities in Palestine
  • some cities in Syria
  • Antioch ? - It seems unlikely that the Cyril Quake(s) produced heavy destruction in Antioch but it is impossible to tell from this brief passage alone what earthquake Libanius is referring to.
Online Versions and Further Reading
References

Notes
Guidoboni et al (1994)

Guidoboni et al (1994) noted the following:

In his Epitaph in memory of the emperor Julian (Or. 18.292), Libanius records that "many cities in Palestine" were destroyed (see entry ( 148 )). A brief reference to this earthquake is also to be found in his Autobiography (Or. 1.134).