1857 Basilicata earthquake
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| Date | December 16, 1857 |
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| Magnitude | 7.0 Mw (est) |
| Epicenter | Basilicata |
| Areas affected | Kingdom of the Two Sicilies |
| Max. intensity | XI (Extreme) |
| Casualties | 10,000 dead |
Coordinates: 40°30′N 16°30′E / 40.5°N 16.5°E
The 1857 Basilicata earthquake (also known as the Great Neapolitan earthquake) occurred on December 16 in the Basilicata region of Italy southeast of the city of Naples. The epicentre was in Montemurro, on the western border of the modern province of Potenza. Several towns were destroyed, and estimated fatalities were around 10,000. At the time it was the third largest known earthquake, and has been estimated to have been of magnitude 7.0 on the moment magnitude scale.
The principal shock occurred at about 10pm on December 16, 1857, and had been preceded by minor disturbances and was followed by numerous aftershocks which continued for some months.
The earthquake was felt as far away as Terracina to the northwest, the main places suffering damage being Potenza, Polla, Diano, Sala, and Padula in the Val di Diano, and Tito, Sarconi, Marsico Nuovo, Saponara, and Montemurro. The latter two places, along with Padula and Polla, were virtually completely destroyed.
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