Most of the damage however, was a result of the fires that went on for many days in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, made worse by the wind.

[3] Amongst the many victims was Euphrasius, the Patriarch of Antioch, who died after falling into a cauldron of pitch being used by wineskin makers, with only his head remaining unburnt.

[4] The contemporary Chronicle of John Malalas, a native of Antioch, is the main primary source that describes the impact of the earthquake.

[4] Another reported miracle was that on the third day after the earthquake the Holy Cross appeared in the clouds above the northern district of the city, leading those who saw it to weep and pray for an hour.

[9] In Constantinople, Emperor Justin I reportedly reacted to the news of the earthquake by removing his diadem and crimson chlamys.

[8] The rebuilding of the Great Church and many other buildings was overseen by Ephraim, the comes Orientis, whose efforts saw him replace Euphrasius as the Chalcedonian Patriarch of Antioch.

[4] Justinian immediately made considerable efforts to increase the aid sent to Antioch for its reconstruction, with specific emphasis on the rebuilding of Christian holy sites.

Under his leadership the hospice was repaired, in addition to baths and cisterns, allowing for a return of the inhabitants to Antioch.

Moreover, Justinian I also hunted down and prosecuted individuals who had rioted, and had robbed and murdered the innocent during the chaos that followed the earthquake and breakdown of the local government.