July 1, 1494 Earthquake: Crete, Greece

July 1, 1494, 14 hours [local time], 35.5 N, 25.5 E, magnitude 7.2, Helllenic Arc, Island of Crete. The strong earthquake shook the island. Much damage was done in Heracleon, dwelling houses and the bell towers of churches were damaged. In the harbour, great waves tore ships off their anchors and knocked them together with such a force that it seemed that they flew apart in bits. Water changed its color many times. (reference #2130)

July 1, 1494, evening, Crete, Heraklio, 35.5 N, 25.5 E. (reference #330)

1494 AD. July 1, Crete. Herakleion (Candia).

From Pietro Cazolis or Casola (reference #3979) we learn that while he was in Candia on his way to Jerusalem, a strong earthquake shook the island. Casola says:

... on Tuesday July 1st (1494) at about four in the afternoon, an earthquake shook Candia; it was so severe

that I was nearly thrown to the ground ... At the friary

of San Francesco in Candia the place was filled with

dust, and creaking sounds as beams were coming out of

their places ... In the city the shock caused much damage

in particular to bellfries churches and private buildings ... The population was thrown into panic ... At the harbor

great waves made the ships anchored there dash one against another so furiously that it appeared as if all would be smashed to pieces; and the sea changed many colors. ... On Wednesday the 2nd of July at three in the morning new shocks were felt ... Massages to the Governor from several parts in the island confirmed that this earthquake had destroyed many places in Crete.

Apparently the earthquake which is described by Casola was of local nature and it was not felt very far. We were not able to find any other reference to this event. It seems that it was followed by a sea-wave since the behavior of the sea at Candia quite clearly indicates characteristics of such a wave most probably involving turbidity currents.

(above from reference #26)