Date: Tue, 24 Aug 1999 23:29:55 +0900
From: Yoshi Kinugasa Subject: [eq-geo-net 107]
info for the eq-geo-net, fwd Sender: owner-eq-geo-net@gsjeq.gsj.go.jp
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From: "Stathis C. Stiros" To:
Subject: info for the eq-geo-net
Date: Thu, 19 Aug 1999 16:52:30 +0300
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Kinugasa-san
Attachedplease find some information on an historical eq which hit Izmit,
Turkey on 24 August 358AD. The recent Izmit eq was probably a repeat of
this historical event, reported to have hit about 150 towns. No
information on surface faulting is made in the ancient text, but I believe
this could be used, among others, to constrain dating in trenching. The
358AD event is one of the most well-described ancient eqs, and some of its
effects are not different from the present day disaster. Please note that
this information is an Appendix from an Archaeoseismological article on an
eq of Crete at circa 365AD, submitted to the Journal of Seismology,
Special Issue edited by M. Meghraoui.
Sincerely
Stathis Stiros
Description of the effects of the AD358, Nicomedia (Izmit, Turkey)
earthquake by Ammianus Marcellinus (17.7.1-8), a 4th century writer
(English translation from Guidoboni et al., 1994).
"..At the same time fearful earthquakes shattered numerous cities and
mountains throughout Asia, Macedonia and Pontus with repeated shocks. Now
pre-eminent among the instances of manifold disaster was the collapse of
Nicomedia, the metropolis of Bithynia; and I shall give a true and concise
account of the misfortune of its destruction. On the twenty fourth of
August, at the first break of the day ?? a terrific earthquake, utterly
destroyed the city and its suburbs. And since most of the houses were
carried down the slopes of the hills, they fell one upon another, while
everything resounded with the vast roar of their destruction. Mean while
the hilltops re-echoed with all manner of outcries, of those seeking their
wives, their children and their relatives. Finally, after the second hour,
but well before the third, the air, which was now bright and clear,
revealed the fatal ravages that lay concealed. For some who have been
crushed by the huge bulk of the debris falling upon them perished under
its very weight; some were buried up to their necks in the heaps of
rubble, and might have survived had anyone helped them, but died for want
of assistance; others hung impaled upon the sharp points of projecting
timber. Most were killed instantly, and where there had been human beings
shortly before, were now seen confused piles of corpses. Some were
imprisoned unhurt within fallen house roofs, only to die in agony and
starvation. Among them was Aristaenetus, vice governor of the recently
created diocese which Constantius, in honour of his wife, Eusebia, had
named Pietas; now he died in agony as a result of the disaster. Others,
who were overtaken by the suddenness of the disaster, still lay hidden
under the ruins; some with fractured skulls or severed arms or legs
hovered between life and dearth, imploring the aid of others in the same
situation; but they were abandoned, despite their strong entreaties. And
the greater part of the temples and private houses might have been saved,
and of the population as well, had not a sudden onrush of flames, sweeping
over them for five days and nights, burned up whatever could be consumed."
____________________________________________________
Stathis C. Stiros
Geodesy Lab., Dept. of Civil Engineering Patras University, Patras 26500,
Greece
tel/fax: +3061-997877; e-mail:stiros@hol.gr; stiros@upatras.gr
____________________________________________________
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Yoshihiro KINUGASA
Department of Environmental Science and Technology TOKYO INSTITUTE OF
TECHNOLOGY
4259 Nagatsuda, Midori-ku, Yokohama, 226-8502 Japan Phone: +81-45-924-5556
Fax: +81-45-924-5557 e-mail: king@depe.titech.ac.jp
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