diff --git a/synapse/handlers/federation.py b/synapse/handlers/federation.py
index ef9ed274df..0430a8307e 100644
--- a/synapse/handlers/federation.py
+++ b/synapse/handlers/federation.py
@@ -85,6 +85,6 @@ class FederationHandler(BaseHandler):
             try:
                 yield self.store.persist_event(event, backfilled=True)
             except:
-                logger.debug("Failed to persiste event: %s", event)
+                logger.exception("Failed to persist event: %s", event)
 
         defer.returnValue(events)