Masada
Perched atop a rugged plateau overlooking the Dead Sea in Israel, Masada is an ancient fortress steeped in history and legend. Masada gained international renown for the dramatic events that unfolded during the First Jewish-Roman War in the 1st century AD when the site served as a refuge for Jewish zealots who resisted Roman rule. Their epic last stand against the Roman forces culminated in a mass suicide, a tragic but defiant act that has become emblematic of Jewish resistance. Masada, the most visited tourist site in Israel, attracts visitors from around the world to explore its archaeological ruins and absorb the rich tapestry of its historical significance.
Images:
Masada – The remains in the Judean desert of the mountaintop palace and fortress of Herod the Great, where from AD 70-73, the Jewish defenders made their last stand against Rome.
Masada is situated atop a plateau that rises about 1,500 feet above the landscape of the Dead Sea. The surface of Masada is approximately 190 feet above sea level.
Masada had all the luxuries of the era, with a multi-tiered palace, a bathhouse, and even a swimming pool.
Masada – During the Roman Empire and for centuries afterward, the only access to Masada was by way of the winding snake-path that climbs up the side of the cliff. Many people still walk this path to ascend to or descend from Masada.
Masada – Today, visitors who do not want to climb the snake-path can ascend to the top of Masada by state-of-the-art cable cars to visit the ancient ruins.
Masada – Fascinating remains of one of the two Herodian palaces found at Masada.
Masada storehouses that held a virtually limitless supply of grain with the view of the Dead Sea in the distance.
The Siege of Masada was one of the final events of the First Jewish-Roman War from AD 72 to 73. According to the Roman historian, Josephus Flavius, 960 Jewish rebels held off the Roman army for several months. The Romans encircled the mountain fortress with walled camps. The remains of these camps can still be seen today.
Masada – During that time, the Romans employed the X Legion and 15,000 Jewish prisoners of war to build a siege ramp to the top. The Jews on Masada would not kill their own people, so they could not stop the ramp from being built.
Masada – Remains of the Roman ramp are still visible today. When the Romans attacked, they found all the rebels had committed mass suicide rather than be taken as slaves.
Masada – The Synagogue at Masada is where the rebels worshipped and where they decided to defy the Romans and take their own lives.
Masada – The story of the Siege of Masada was described by two women and five children who were found alive hiding atop Masada in one of the large cisterns where water was automatically gathered and stored.
Masada – Today, Masada stands as a symbol of resilience and determination for the Jewish people.
Email Cindy at Cindy@israeladvantagetours.com.
or visit www.israeladvantagetours.com.
to plan your trip to the Lands of the Bible!
