735 Vayots Dzor Province earthquake
735 CE.
Shown on the map at 39.750°, 45.500°.
The 735 Vayots Dzor Province earthquake affected the Vayots Dzor Province on 3 July 735 AD. The earthquake reportedly destroyed an entire valley. The reported casualties included at least 10,000 victims. The Armenian sources report that the earthquake caused the collapse of buildings, several landslides, and changes to the area's water supply network. The earliest surviving primary source on the earthquake is the chronicle of Movses Kaghankatvatsi (10th century). He reports that the earthquake was accompanied by "an impenetrable darkness" over the borders of Mozu. According to his narrative the earth kept shaking for 40 days, and nearly 10,000 people were "swallowed up". According to Movses, the earthquake caused the area to be named "Vayots Dzor", which he translates as the "valley of woe". A more detailed account is given by the historian Stephen Orbelian (13th century). He viewed the earthquake as a divine punishment. He reports a thick darkness covering the region for 40 days, but a single, powerful and destructive earthquake. The upheaval of the earth reportedly caused widespread damage, from the depth of the abysses to the great heights of the region.
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