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Ancient Texts Reveal Earthquake Horrors and Divine Blame

8/2/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Ancient texts unveil the harrowing effects of earthquakes and tsunamis, with Ammianus Marcellinus recounting a tragic quake in Nicomedia in 358 AD that claimed countless lives and left survivors trapped. The Greeks and Romans often blamed these calamities on vengeful gods like Poseidon. Today, despite our progress, the specter of such natural disasters still looms large.

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Story summary

Ancient texts unveil the harrowing effects of earthquakes and tsunamis, with Ammianus Marcellinus recounting a tragic quake in Nicomedia in 358 AD that claimed countless lives and left survivors trapped. The Greeks and Romans often blamed these calamities on vengeful gods like Poseidon. Today, despite our progress, the specter of such natural disasters still looms large.