Taxel et al. (2009) argue that Phase IIA ended with an earthquake and establish a terminus post quem of 629/630 CE for repairs to damaged parts of the monastery at the beginning of Phase IIB. This assessment is based on a coin dated to 629/630 CE found below the mosaic floor in the northern aisle of the church (Locus 387), attributed to Phase IIB. Another coin of Constans II (641–648 CE) could also provide a terminus post quem, as it was recovered from the fill covering the corridor north of the main gate (Locus 281); however, this fill was noted as potentially relating instead to the construction of the blocking wall of the corridor in Phase III. Pottery found beneath the fieldstone paving in the external courtyard and dated to the mid–late seventh century also provided a potential terminus post quem. The absence of fire evidence, combined with multiple indicators of archaeoseismic damage, led Taxel et al. (2009) to conclude that the observed damage and subsequent repairs were most likely caused by one or more seventh-century CE earthquakes, possibly the 634 CE Sword in the Sky Quake or the 659/660 CE Jordan Valley Quake(s). Although destruction related to Persian and Muslim military activity could not be entirely excluded, these explanations were considered less likely.