Dear colleagues,

We would like to invite you to the 8^th International Colloquium on Historical Earthquakes, Palaeo- Macroseismology and Seismotectonics, to be held in Lixouri, Kefalonia Island, Greece, on 17-20 September, 2023.

Seventy (70) years have passed since the occurrence of the three earthquakes that destroyed Kefalonia and Zakynthos islands, which host the highest seismicity rates in Greece. In view of the recent devastating earthquakes in SE Turkey and Northern Syria, the detailed knowledge of seismotectonics in retrospect is considered now even more crucial. Past earthquakes lead us to estimate what will happen in the future; the study of their effects in historical times and their extrapolation in our time motivate awareness and influence our attitude towards protecting the built environment.

We cordially invite you to participate, as one of the main purposes of the colloquium is to give the opportunity to all colleagues to continue, or establish new, fruitful international collaborations in areas of mutual academic interest, exchange experience and handover to young scientists. We also believe that it will be a great chance for you to meet old friends and make new ones.

Within the 2-days sessions, we plan a special one dedicated to the recent catastrophic earthquakes in SE Turkey and Northern Syria. On the third day a field trip will be organized that will include visits to the ruins of the 1953 earthquakes, damages that occurred due to the 2014 earthquakes, expression of active tectonics and an overall experience of the morphology/landscape of the island, as a result of intense seismotectonic activity.

Apart from the scientific program, there will also be a lively social program, which will give you the opportunity to enjoy Kefalonia, its attractions and traditions.

The Colloquium abstracts will be published in the “Bulletin of the Geological Society of Greece”, Special Publication vol. 11, 2023.

The Colloquium Chairs
Prof. Vasiliki Kouskouna, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
George Katsivelis, Mayor of Lixouri