881 Acre earthquake took place in the vicinity of Acre in 881 ( Hijri year 268 ) . Alexandria was reportedly affected by the same earthquake . According to the geophysicist August Heinrich Sieberg ( 1875 – 1945 ) , the earthquake caused a seismic sea wave ( tsunami ) . The tsunami affected mainly the city of Acre ( Acca ) and its vicinity , where it caused much damage . Sieberg 's main source on the subject was the geologist Bailey Willis ( 1857 – 1949 ) , who in turn cited the physician Joseph Désiré Tholozan ( 1820 – 1897 ) as his source on the historical earthquake . Tholozan 's account estimates the earthquake to have taken place in either 881 or 882 . Except Acca , other areas affected by seismic waves were reportedlyt the coast of Alexandria , and the coasts of the Syria region . The narrative also mentions that the earthquake causes similar waves in the river Nile . Tholozan 's account is nearly identical to the description of the 1303 Crete earthquake ( Hijri year 702 ) , which also affected Alexandria . The journal Annals of Geophysics has raised doubts on the historicity of this earthquake , suggesting that Tholozan had misdated the events depicted in the narrative .
1303 Crete earthquake
1303 Crete earthquake
881 Acre earthquake