On the western perimeter of Shivta, in Building 121, Erickson-Gini (2013) reported evidence for earthquake-related destruction, including the "collapse of the ceilings and parts of the walls". Collapsed arches were also identified, and their fallen stones formed a crescent-shaped pattern, suggesting structural failure during a seismic event.

The building was originally constructed and occupied in the Late Byzantine period and continued in use into the Early Islamic period. As Erickson-Gini (2013) states, "the excavation revealed that the structure was built and occupied in the Late Byzantine period (fifth–seventh centuries CE) and continued to be occupied as late as the Early Islamic period (eighth century CE). The structure appears to have collapsed sometime after its abandonment, possibly in the Middle Islamic period."

Dateable finds from Room 2 of Building 121 consisted of material from the Late Byzantine and Early Islamic periods, indicating that the building remained in use into the eighth century CE before its eventual collapse, which was attributed to an earthquake occurring after the site’s abandonment.