All of this because of an internet rumor that Raffaele Bendandini, wacky seismologist, predicted back in 1915 that this city, the piazzas, pizza and the Papa will be hit today by the big one. But Bendandini, who really did foresee a couple of quakes, actually, never said that never.

 

"I think it was all just something that went on the Internet and just got rebounded around and people are superstitious, and need something to believe in."

 

This Roman panic, a social media widefire, and a viral lie. Authorities forced to fight back online and off.

 

There are no geodynamic conditions for this to happen in Rome, this level headed egghead told local TV. And as the day wore on, nothing. Romans claimed they were never scared anyway.

 

"How can you believe a thing like that?"

 

Now it's after midnights and the eternal city is still here, still eternal.

 

Nick Wart, ABC news, better safe than sorry, in London.