The reason it makes sense to view these prophecies as past events, is because Israel, the temple, the old covenant, Rome; all had significantly more meaning than any of them do today.
Who was the bride in the OT, if not Israel? No other nation was in a covenant relationship with God, only Israel was guilty of harlotry (spiritual adultery). Nearly all the prophets kept giving constant warnings to Israel to return to Yahweh and give up their pagan and idolatrous practices.
This continued when Jesus came on scene and even John the Baptist warned them to repent for the kingdom of Heaven was at hand. It was Jerusalem who had continually failed to keep the covenant and it was Rome who had the military power and influence to crush Jerusalem if they got out of line.
The harlot was Jerusalem because of their continued adultery with the pagan nations. Who did the leaders of Jerusalem pledge their loyalty to? Rome. Who destroyed Jerusalem? Rome. Who was riding the beast? The Harlot. Who turned and devoured the Harlot? The beast. It’s not difficult to make the connection.
Why does that matter? The old covenant was in effect during this time. The temple, the Passover, circumcision; all these were the signs and requirements to be members of the Old covenant and the old covenant nation, which was Israel.
This all ended when the old gave way to the New. Baptism replaced circumcision, the old Passover was replaced by the Eucharist, animal sacrifices were replaced by the one true sacrifice, Christ. The old covenant nation of Israel was replaced by the new covenant nation, The Church. The Temple was the dwelling place of God, it was made desolate and destroyed because God dwells with everyone every time we are at Mass in the Eucharist. All of these realities have already taken place.
