Barzilay (2012) reported that excavations at Tel Shiqmona (aka Samak) revealed a Byzantine settlement built in the late sixth century after destruction of an earlier fourth-century city, followed by a second abrupt and violent demolition in the seventh century. In Area A, deformation patterns suggested possible earthquake damage, and Barzilay estimated that, if seismic, the local intensity would have exceeded VII ( MSK-64). However, Barzilay also noted that the damage could have resulted from the cumulative effects of swelling and shrinking clay soil. Because such soil movement is slow and usually produces random damage with evidence of repairs, he considered the observed deformations more consistent with seismic effects, though uncertainty remained.

Torge and ‘Ad (2012) described the structural context, and Torge (personal communication, 2021) attributed the deformation instead to the site’s highly active clay substrate. According to this view, foundation “box” construction constrained soil movement, causing upward compression and stone fracture at the corners. Taxel (2013:79–80) also questioned a seismic explanation for the abandonment. The mapped deformation patterns below show mainly vertical uplift consistent with expansive soil activity. A seismic origin would require the site to lie near the hypocenter of a powerful earthquake producing intensity IX or higher, which would likely have caused more extensive damage at Shiqmona (aka Samak) and nearby sites and is unlikely given the tectonics of the area. Accordingly, a seismic cause is possible but unlikely.

Deformation Map - Click on image to open in a new tab - modified by JW from Fig. 2 of Torge and 'Ad (2012)