<p>OxCal code for VIF 27.</p>

To ensure chronological precision and mitigate the old-wood effect, sampling prioritized short-lived annual plants and the outermost growth layers of small-diameter timber. Radiocarbon data were processed using the IntCal20 calibration curve and constrained by independent historical <i>termini ante quos</i> derived from mural inscriptions and prayer texts.

The findings delineate three primary developmental phases: an Early Construction Phase (mid-to-late 15th century) encompassing the VIF27 complex, dated to 1457–1471 CE; a White Temple Phase (mid-16th century) focused on Buddha statues, which ended between 1556 and 1560 CE; and a Late Defensive Phase (mid-17th to late 18th century) involving the reinforcement of Watchtower VIII D2 (1661–1813 CE), possibly in response to regional conflicts.