1759Nov, 25
An earthquake hits the Mediterranean destroying Beirut and Damascus and killing 30,000-40,000.
The Near East earthquakes of 1759 were a series of devastating earthquakes that shook a large portion of the Levant in October and November of that year. This geographical crossroads in the Eastern Mediterranean were at the time under the rule of the Ottoman Empire (now includes portions of Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, Israel and Palestine). The ruins of Baalbek, a settlement in the Beqaa Valley of Lebanon east of the Litani River, were badly damaged. These 1759 events, along with the earlier 1202 Syria earthquake, are likely the strongest historical earthquakes in the region.
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Events on 1759
- 11Jan
Life insurance
In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the first American life insurance company is incorporated. - 25Jul
Fort Niagara
French and Indian War: In Western New York, British forces capture Fort Niagara from the French, who subsequently abandon Fort Rouillé. - 1Aug
Battle of Minden
Seven Years' War: The Battle of Minden, an allied Anglo-German army victory over the French. In Britain this was one of a number of events that constituted the Annus Mirabilis of 1759 and is celebrated as Minden Day by certain British Army regiments. - 18Sep
Quebec City
Seven Years' War: The British capture Quebec City.