An Italian geologist, while researching the 1456 earthquakes, accidentally came across records of events ten years earlier. Apparently, a Jewish prayer book from 1446 records the story of a series of earthquakes that lasted several months.
A geologist researching the Vatican’s historical records came across an ancient note in a Jewish prayer book that shed light on a series of earthquakes that shook Italy in the 15th century. This serendipitous discovery tells the story of a series of earthquakes that occurred in Camerino, Italy, in 1446, according to LiveScience.
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Paolo Galli, an earthquake expert working for Italy’s Civil Protection Agency, discovered this note while searching for records of another earthquake in 1456. On the back page of a Jewish prayer book written in medieval Hebrew in the town of Camerino in 1446 was a handwritten note describing a series of earthquakes that shook the area for several months.
The note mentions multiple earthquakes from March to August that caused the destruction of many houses in Camerino and other surrounding settlements. Hundreds of people came to Camerino to help the people and bring them wine, food and all the supplies they had salvaged from the ruins. The note also talks about the unity of the Jewish community and how they help each other according to the Jewish proverb: “All Israel is a friend” (chaverim kol Yisrael).
This unexpected find opens a unique window into historical seismic activity. Galli’s research shows the importance of this ancient definition for understanding earthquake patterns.
A later series of earthquakes in 1456 are relatively well documented; these events account for approximately half of the 450 earthquake observations recorded in 15th-century Italy. However, important details such as the location of earthquake epicenters and seismic sources are missing from the statements. This is where the newly found note becomes invaluable.
Realizing the need for experts, Galli translated the medieval text. A brief but vivid description revealed the intensity of the earthquakes, indicating a rating of approximately 8 on the modified Mercalli intensity scale at the epicenter. This scale ranges from 1 (barely detectable) to 10 (strongest). This historical narrative not only provides a glimpse into the past, but also provides important information for modern seismologists.
Important
Galli notes that the 1446 earthquake probably had common origins with a more recent event that occurred in the same area of Camerino in 1799. Understanding the seismic history of a region is important for predicting future earthquakes and assessing their associated risks.
“Even a new catalog entry like this helps us understand the seismic cycle that occurs in each region,” explains Galli.
From a practical perspective, this exploration does not just mean diving into the past. It has direct implications for the prediction of current seismic hazards. By creating a more detailed database of past earthquakes, scientists can improve their ability to predict and prepare for future events; This will ultimately contribute to the safety and resilience of communities in earthquake-prone areas.
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Source: Focus
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