Ben-Tor et al. 1996:19–20 suggested that the 1033/4 CE earthquake(s) may have affected Yoqneʿam, pointing to the pronounced tilting of Stratum IV walls, including W.18 in square N/21. They also noted that the scarcity of restorable vessels on Stratum IV floors indicates that the settlement had already been largely abandoned shortly before the earthquake. On the basis of ceramic evidence and the presence of a sterile accumulation separating Stratum IV from overlying Stratum III, Ben-Tor et al. 1996:19–20 dated the end of Stratum IV to the early 11th century CE. They understood this hiatus to precede the subsequent Crusader period occupation in Stratum III, which they considered to have begun in the early 12th century CE.