Archaeological evidence for a mid-3rd century CE earthquake at Segesta (western Sicily)

Abstract

Collapse of buildings, large-scale destruction and temporary abandonment of an area documented in archaeological reports provide evidence for a major earthquake in Segesta in north-western Sicily. This, and possibly a cluster of other earthquakes as recently well-documented at Selinunte (south-western), can be derived from archaeological data. These earthquakes are not included in the Italian seismic catalogues, but can be used to set constraints on the seismic risk of this area. Although western Sicily is a low seismic moment release region, characterized by sparse, low-moderate magnitude earthquakes, the occurrence of strong earthquakes in the past would instead suggest the investigated area as having a high seismic potential. The present study improves the knowledge of past earthquakes of this area, thus contributing to a more reliable characterization of seismic hazard.