Severe earthquake strikes Cilicia and Syria

1228

A powerful earthquake devastated the coastal regions of Cilicia and northern Syria, toppling castle walls and killing thousands. Crusader fortresses in the Antioch region suffered significant damage, weakening defenses that the Mamluks would exploit decades later. Armenian chroniclers recorded the destruction with apocalyptic language. The earthquake was felt from Cyprus to Mosul and triggered landslides that blocked mountain passes for months.