Archaeoseismic evidence for a mid-8th-century CE earthquake at Tabaqat Fahl (Pella) is documented by collapsed structures, human and animal skeletons, and valuable objects recovered from rubble deposits, including pottery, coins, and personal belongings. The most compelling evidence derives from an early Islamic domestic level in Area IV, where Rooms 13, 14, 15, and 16 of House G preserve clear indications of sudden catastrophic collapse. In Room 15, five fallen columns and a pier were found within the destruction debris. Human and animal skeletons were distributed throughout the rooms. The destruction layer is dated to the mid-8th century CE on ceramic and artefactual grounds, while coins provide a A.H. 126 (25 October 743 – 12 October 744 CE) terminus post quem.

Comparable mid-8th-century CE earthquake evidence was recorded elsewhere at Pella. Walmsley (2007) reports damage affecting "the church complex in the central valley (Area IX)" as well as "the West and East churches (Areas I and V)."

Smith et al. (1989:94) note that the Area IX church complex had been deconsecrated and partially abandoned prior to the 749 CE earthquake, although domestic use and animal sheltering continued. Walmsley (2007) reports the recovery of two human skeletons together with "several animals, including 7 camels (one in advanced pregnancy), a horse and foal, an ass, and 4 cows," all buried beneath collapsed architectural debris. Smith et al. (1989:94) further observe that " Umayyad coins of the first half of the 8th century found on the floor of the Chamber of the Camels and coins in the possession of one of the victims confirm the date of the final destruction."

In the Western Church Complex (Area I), Smith (1973:166) describes how "virtually all of the courses of the walls" unsupported by earlier debris "collapsed, generally falling westward," burying "a few vessels in domestic use." He assigns this destruction to Phase 4 of the complex, defined as a single Umayyad stratum on the basis of debris, including pottery and coins, the five latest being " post-reform Umayyad coins dating from ca. 700–750." This phase lay immediately below the presumed 749 CE collapse.

Walmsley (2013) suggests that the earthquake occurred during winter, noting that "the animals on the ground floor were chiefly cows (Rooms 8 and 9, totaling three) and small equids (mules or donkeys; inner courtyard and Rooms 6 and 7) – more costly animals than sheep and goats, hence their owners’ wish to shelter them properly during winter, the season in which the earthquake struck."

The presence of sleeping humans and animals within collapsed structures suggests that the earthquake occurred at night. Walmsley in McNicoll et al. (1982:127) notes that one human skeleton in Area IX was found "lying, as if sleeping," while another individual in Area IV was apparently wrapped in a cloak or blanket ( Walmsley in McNicoll et al. 1982:138).

Walmsley in McNicoll et al. (1982:185) describes two human skeletons, male and female, who appear to have fallen from an upper storey in Area IV and were buried in textiles identified as fine silk, likely bed clothes or bed sheets. He observes that "apart from room 16, the main living area of the household was located upstairs," adding that although the precise layout of the upper storey is uncertain, some rooms were "well fitted out with plain mosaic floors, plastered and painted walls, as well as reused marble features." He concludes that the owners, including the couple found in Room 15 and the individual in Room 13, likely occupied the upper floor, while the apparently well-to-do stable-hand occupied ground-floor Room 16.