Multiple authors recorded the earthquake of 1212 CE, but only Abu Shama — the sole contemporary author — mentioned Ayla. He wrote that during the night of 1 May 1212 CE, “there was a tremendous earthquake which destroyed many parts of old and new Cairo,” as well as towers and houses at al-Karak and Shubak. Many women and children were said to have perished in the ruins. According to Abu Shama, the most violent shock occurred at Aylat on the coast.