Masada (23) - 20 May 2014

Masada is an ancient fortification in the Southern District of Israel situated on top of an isolated rock plateau on the eastern edge of the Judaean Desert, overlooking the Dead Sea. Herod the Great built palaces for himself on the mountain and fortified Masada between 37 and 31 BCE. According to Josephus, the Siege of Masada by troops of the Roman Empire towards the end of the First Jewish–Roman War ended in the mass suicide of the 960 Sicarri rebels and their families hiding there.

Masada is deservedly one of Israel's most popular tourist attractions. I found it absolutely fascinating, enjoying both the remarkably extensive remains and the stunning views of Israel (such as here), across the Dead Sea and into Jordan. This is the outline of Roman fortifications associated with the siege.

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