  | |
| Local date | 464 BC |
|---|---|
| Magnitude | 7.2 Ms |
| Epicenter | 37°05′N 22°26′E / 37.08°N 22.43°E[1] |
| Areas affected | Sparta, Greece |
| Casualties | up to 20,000 |
The 464 BC Spartan earthquake occurred along the Sparta fault in the year 464 BC destroying much of what was Sparta and many other city-states in ancient Greece. Historical sources suggest that the death toll may have been as high as 20,000, although modern scholars suggest that this figure is likely an exaggeration. The earthquake gave Spartan helots an opportunity to revolt against their aristocratic rulers, and the Spartan Pericleidas was sent to the Athenians to seek their aid. Their immediate dismissal upon arrival is said to have been a key event that led up to the First Peloponnesian War.[2][3]
- ^ Guidoboni, E.; Ferrari G.; Mariotti D.; Comastri A.; Tarabusi G.; Valensise G. "Catalogue of Strong Earthquakes in Italy 461 B.C. – 1997and Mediterranean area 760 B.C. – 1500". Retrieved 2009-10-19.
- ^ PAPAZARKADAS, NIKOLAOS (2006-03-24). "A Brief History of Ancient Greece. Politics, Society, and Culture". The Classical Review. 56 (1): 146–148. doi:10.1017/s0009840x05000764. ISSN 0009-840X. S2CID 231889409.
- ^ Holladay, A. J. (November 1977). "Sparta's role in the First Peloponnesian War". The Journal of Hellenic Studies. 97: 54–63. doi:10.2307/631021. ISSN 2041-4099. JSTOR 631021.