Archaeological evidence for a possible first century AD earthquake in the necropolis of Abakainon (NE Sicily)

Abstract

The Greek necropolis of Abakainon (NE Sicily, southern Italy) was destroyed suddenly, some time after the 2nd century BC. In order to identify the destruction cause of the necropolis, we analyzed geological, geomorphological data, and site stratigraphy. Evidence on the site suggests that the observed collapse and deformation may be consistent with a seismic event. Optically Stimulated Luminescence dating constrains the age of the collapse to the 1st century AD, probably during the time-span 14e37 AD, when other nearby sites were also damaged by an earthquake, as reported by historical sources. This study contributes to a better characterization of earthquakes in the area during the first millennium AD and improves knowledge on historical seismicity in NE Sicily.