1705 CE Quakes
These earthquakes appear to have been described by only one author,
al-Nabalusi, who was an eyewitness
to the events and personally experienced them in
Damascus. According to
al-Nabalusi, the first shock struck
at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, 24 November 1705 CE. The earthquake woke him,
caused roofs throughout Damascus to sway, and produced a loud clatter.
About eleven hours later, a second and stronger shock occurred, lasting
what he estimated to be ten minutes—though it likely only felt that long.
This second shock reportedly caused structural damage to houses,
buildings, and minarets in Damascus, as well as building collapses and
fatalities in the city and surrounding areas. Damage was also noted at
the Qastal Fortress (possibly in
al-Qastal) and at a monastery in
Yabrud. Lighter aftershocks
continued until approximately 17 December 1705 CE.