Ben-Menahem (1979:259) and Ben-Menahem (1991:20198) reported that three structures in the Araba were fortified to withstand earthquakes between 9 BCE and 50 CE. This may represent indirect evidence for a recent earthquake, reflecting a Nabataean pattern of rapid repair following seismic damage during this prosperous period. The fortified structures were located at Petra, Tel el-Haliefe, and Wadi Ramm. The sources cited for this claim were Avi-Yonah (1975), vol. III and IV, and Glueck (1943).

However, Ben-Menahem (1979:259) and Ben-Menahem (1991:20198) did not specify which structure at Petra was fortified. The reference may have been to the “Temple of the High Places,” but in the absence of explicit identification, the claim cannot be evaluated. Although possible archaeoseismic evidence exists at the site, including fractures in the steps and platform, this evidence remains undated.