The ancient Roman city of Djerba was devastated by a tsunami 1,600 years ago

According to the future-sciences website, a tsunami-ravaged a considerable part of the Tunisian and Libyan coasts 1,600 years ago. A study indicates that geological and archaeological records indicate that 800 kilometres of Tunisian and Libyan coasts were also devastated by a powerful earthquake which happened on July 21 of the year 365 on the island of Crete.

According to the same source, a team of researchers checked the sedimentary series bordering the coasts of Tunisia which would have been more subject to the arrival of a tsunami, but also to retain traces of the event. Researchers found fragments of shells and Roman pottery dispersed randomly in a mixture of sand and gravel.

The future-science article also discusses the effect of this tsunami on Meninx, an archaeological site located on the southeast coast of the island of Djerba whose waves could have penetrated more than 500 meters inside the lands.

It added that the models show that just a seismic event of very high magnitude is capable of producing such a tsunami in the region. All the data accordingly points to the earthquake of July 21, 365, which occurred at the level of the Hellenic subduction arc.

As a reminder, the Meninx archaeological site extends two kilometres long and 800 meters wide, part of which has probably been submerged by the sea. It was initially a trading post founded by the Phoenicians. The city reached its peak during the Roman era when it became the capital of the island.

What's happening in Tunisia?
Subscribe to our Youtube channel for updates.

Top 48h

Copyright © 2019 Tunisie Numerique

To Top