Yassine & van der Steen (2012:81–83) identified possible earthquake destruction in Stratum VI on the main mound at Tell el-Mazar. Stratum VI yielded fragmentary but substantial architectural remains, likely belonging to one or more public buildings. Associated pottery does not differ significantly from that of overlying Stratum V, which dates to the Assyrian period at the end of the 8th century BCE and into the 7th century BCE. During the reign of Tiglath-Pileser III (745–727 BCE), Ammon, which Tell el-Mazar was part of, became an Assyrian vassal state. According to Yassine & van der Steen (2012:81–83), "the transition of Ammon into an Assyrian vassal state seems to have been peaceful." Because military conquest does not explain the destruction of Stratum VI, an earthquake remains a plausible cause for the "traces of a violent destruction," including burnt remains and layers of mudbrick rubble. The excavators noted that Phase IX in Deir Alla, which dated to the same period, was destroyed by a violent earthquake in the second half of the 8th century BCE. Rows of houses and industrial weaving installations at Tell es-Saʿidiyeh were likewise destroyed during this period.