This earthquake in the Middle East in 1201-1202 was the largest in history. It had an estimated magnitude between 7.6-11 on the Richter scale and caused over 1 million deaths across Syria, Iraq, Anatolia, Upper Egypt, Acre, Tyre and Naplusa from the direct effects and subsequent drought and famine. Scientists debate whether it was actually one extremely large earthquake that occurred over two dates or two separate but large earthquakes in May 1201 and June 1202 based on accounts of the impacts and damage.