On December 5, 1456, a catastrophic earthquake measuring Mw 7.2 struck the southern regions of Italy, causing unprecedented destruction and a staggering death toll. The epicenter of the quake was near the city of Apulia, a region already grappling with signs of geological instability. Historical records indicate that the quake caused buildings to crumble, roads to split, and countless lives to be lost in mere moments. Municipal structures were particularly vulnerable, collapsing under the sheer force of the quake and burying many under the debris. The intense shaking lasted for a considerable duration, leading to repeated aftershocks that left survivors terrified and wary of potential further damage.

The extensive destruction was not limited to Apulia alone; neighboring towns and villages experienced the same fate. Historical accounts indicate that entire communities vanished, with survivors left to mourn their losses amid the ruins. The vast scale of the disaster prompted expressions of grief and solidarity across Italy, as townspeople from various regions came together to provide assistance and respite to those affected. Aid efforts were further complicated by the lack of established emergency response systems, making recovery slow and laborious.

In the months following the earthquake, local governments and church leaders convened to discuss rebuilding efforts and measures to prevent future catastrophes. Some towns began implementing building codes aimed at earthquake resistance, marking a turning point in how architectural practices were viewed in light of natural disasters. The quake had significant ramifications for the study of geology and tectonics, prompting scholars to begin documenting seismic activity more rigorously, increasingly acknowledging the need to understand the phenomena that had caused such devastation.