The 526 Antioch earthquake struck Syria and, in particular, the city of Antioch in the Byzantine Empire. It occurred some time in late May 526, probably between 20 and 29 May, during mid-morning, killing approximately 250,000 people. This was in the seventh year of the reign of the Byzantine emperor Justin I and occurred under the consulship of Olybrius. In Antioch the earthquake was followed by a fire that destroyed most of the buildings left standing after the earthquake. The maximum intensity in Antioch is estimated to have been between VIII (Severe) and IX (Violent) on the Mercalli intensity scale.
A catastrophic earthquake hits Antioch, killing several thousands including patriarch Euphrasius.
On May 29, in the year 526, A catastrophic earthquake hits Antioch, killing several thousands including patriarch Euphrasius. This event is recorded as a Historical Events event in the history of May 29, one of 449 recorded events on this date across all of history.
Key Facts
- This event took place on May 29, 526 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Historical Events event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 3 Wikipedia articles.
- The event is associated with a specific geographical location (see map below).
- Wikipedia source last updated on 21 May 2026.
On This Date in History 449
This article draws on content from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
More on May 29
A doublet earthquake, of combined magnitude 6
The 2008 Iceland earthquake was a doublet earthquake that struck on 29 May at 15:46 UTC in southwestern Iceland. The recorded magnitudes of the two main quakes were 5.9 Mw and 5.8…
A doublet earthquake, of combined magnitude 6
France rejects the Constitution of the European Union in a national referendum
France, officially the French Republic, is a country primarily located in Western Europe. Its overseas regions and territories include French Guiana in South America, Saint Pierre…
France rejects the Constitution of the European Union in a national referendum
The National World War II Memorial is dedicated in Washington, D
The World War II Memorial is a national memorial in the United States dedicated to Americans who served in the armed forces and as civilians during World War II. It is located on …
The National World War II Memorial is dedicated in Washington, D
The U
The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) is the highest court in the federal judiciary of the United States. It has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all U.S. federal co…
The U
Olusegun Obasanjo takes office as President of Nigeria, the first elected and civilian head of state in Nigeria after 16
Chief Olusegun Matthew Okikiola Ogunboye Aremu Obasanjo is a Nigerian politician, statesman, agriculturalist, and former army general who served as Nigeria's Military Head of Stat…
Olusegun Obasanjo takes office as President of Nigeria, the first elected and civilian head of state in Nigeria after 16
Space Shuttle Discovery completes the first docking with the International Space Station
Space Shuttle Discovery is a retired American Space Shuttle orbiter. The spaceplane was one of the orbiters from NASA's Space Shuttle program and the third of five fully operation…
Space Shuttle Discovery completes the first docking with the International Space Station
Comments 0
Sign in to join the discussion.