Beirut Earthquake

Date: July 9, 551 • Location: Beirut, Lebanon

An estimated 30,000 people died when a massive earthquake struck the Roman province of Phoenice.

An earthquake occurred in Byzantine Phoenicia on 9 July 551 with an estimated magnitude of about 7.5 on the moment magnitude scale and a maximum felt intensity of X (Extreme) on the Mercalli intensity scale. It triggered a devastating tsunami which affected the province's coastal towns, causing great destruction and sinking many ships. Overall, large numbers of people were reported killed, with one estimate of 30,000 by the anonymous pilgrim of Piacenza for Berytus alone.