After the fall of the civilization in 1355 due to several wars and invasions caused by the imperialist expansions of a militaristic group coming from the west, the city and the temple were besieged and soon destroyed.

 

All the riches of the temple, as well as the precious stones and gold that adorned the temple and the statue were taken by the invaders.. Over the next few centuries, the place was the target of looting several times, until it was forgotten and abandoned by time.

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Geological and climatic changes contributed to the geographical isolation of the region for centuries. Those changes were caused by rising sea levels, which turned the region into an arid and desert-like area that was no longer likely to be occupied by human groups.