How did an ancient Roman harbor end up in ruins? Scientists realized the culprit was a long-forgotten natural disaster that left tell-tale geological clues -- and possibly an eyewitness account in an ancient religious text. But solving this mystery led to a bigger question: what if it happens again? For more information on this episode visit nationalgeographic.com/overheard

Want more?Learn about the science of tsunamis -- including why Indonesia may be due for another big one.Could earthquakes explain some biblical stories? Scientists matched a tale of "fire and brimstone" with geological records of Israel's seismic history.A surprise tsunami in 2018 was far worse than early-warning systems expected. Here's what we're learning about different types of earthquakes.

Also explore:A forgotten, 600-year-old tsunami explains the rise of a powerful Islamic kingdom.More about Beverly Goodman and her work at the Charney School of Marine Sciences.And want to learn more about the Talmud? Henry Abramson helps teach it, one page a day.Scientists didn't know an area in Mexico was prone to big earthquakes - until they factored in centuries-old Aztec records.

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