November 2, 1791 Earthquake: Zante, Gastuni, Greece

1791, Nov 2. Zakynthos. A locally destructive earthquake occurred in Zante. The earthquake was preceded by shocks, which continued intermittently for almost 10 days. In Zante the shock affected mainly the southeastern part of the island where, within a radius of about 8 km from the town, the shock caused heavy damage, particularly to settlements and villages situated on high ground in the alluvial plain: the six villages were totally destroyed. In the western part of the island damage was negligible. The sources of bitumen were activated by the shock…

Along the coast near the town, the ground opened up and in places settled.

In the town [Zante] 22 people were killed and about 70 were injured. The earthquake caused equally heavy damage to the part of the Peloponnese facing Zante. Gastuni was razed to the ground, with only three houses left standing. In all about 50 people were killed and 80 injured.

Aftershocks continued daily, for six weeks. These on 25 and 30 Oct (O.S.) were felt more strongly at sea than on land.

Contrary to contemporary press reports, there is no evidence that the shock caused damage in Patra and Aigio, or that it was felt in Corfu, Sicily or Italy…

The ground opened up on the coastal plains of Zakynthos as well as of the Morea (Peloponnese), destroying most of the houses, particularly in Gustani (Gastouni). The earthquake may have affected Kefalonia.

There were mild aftershocks for about six weeks, some of which caused damage. The strongest was that of 5-6/10 November (q.v.). During that time many of the inhabitants stayed outside in the open, taking part in religious processions. Heavy rains caused subsidence, and 40 years after the earthquake large ravines were seen in the hill on which the town of Zante was built.

The final casualty estimates were about 80 killed and more injured, which includes those who died of shock or became ill from exposure…

Incidentally, there is confusion in the sources regarding the spelling of two place names, namely Gastroni, Gufiun or Gatuni for modern Gastouni on the Peloponnese, and Gureadi or Gaetani for Ghaitani, a site located below the fortress of Zante.

(above from reference #9116)

1791, Nov 2, 1791. Greece, Island of Zante; shocks continued six weeks. Intensity III which corresponds to an earthquake which destroyed towns and devastated districts. (reference #1055)

1791, Nov 2. 37.8 N, 21.0 E, magnitude 6.8, intensity X (Zante, Gaitani). This was known to the inhabitants of the island as the earthquake of Aghios Iakovos, because it occurred in the day of feast of this Saint. Barbiani D.G. himself, who described the effects of the earthquake, was found under the ruins of his family house. All west part of the island suffered no damage but all houses in the eastern hills and particularly the fortress were pulled down up to the foundations. Six villages which were in the foot of these mountains were almost entirely overturned. The village Gaitani, which is under the fortress, became a pile of stones and ruins. The mainshock caused very important damage also in Gastoune and felt up to Calavria, Apoulia, Sicily and in Napoli. The aftershocks continued for more than 6 weeks and the stronger of them occurred in the 8th day with a terrible sound from the sea. Those in the caiques thought that everything was destroyed but on land the shock was not so violent. Before the earthquake optic phenomena were observed and exceptional warmth occurred (Barbiani and Barbiani, 1864; Chiotes, 1886-87). (reference #4408)

1791, Oct 23. 37.75 N, 21 E, intensity X. Gaitani (Zante); fissures, casualties. A. Sieberg (1932a); F. Montandon (1953). (reference #3719)