Overview
Masada Israel is an ancient mountaintop fortress located in the Judaean
Desert near the Dead Sea. It is one of the country's most interesting and
popular tourist destinations. Visitors to the site are captivated by the
striking scenery that surrounds it as well as the dramatic story behind the
fort.
History
King Herod built the Masada Israel fortress in 30 BC. He also constructed a palace at the site in the classic Roman architectural style. Its location and steep cliff sides made it an excellent place to protect Herod's kingdom from outside invasion.
During the Great Jewish Rebellion in 66 AD, Jewish rebels attempted to oust Roman rule from Israel. Roman forces put down the rebellion and destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD. The surviving rebels and Zealots fled the city with their families and went to Masada, where they defeated the Roman garrison there and took it as their own. They managed to keep control of the fortress for three years, conducting raids against the Romans.
In 73 BC, Rome's Tenth Legion began a siege against Masada Israel. The Jewish rebels held out against the Romans until the spring of 74 BC, when the Roman soldiers used a battering ram to destroy the walls of the fortress. The rebels knew that they and their families were about to be captured and likely killed or sold into slavery. In a final act of defiance, the 960 defenders of Masada Israel chose to commit suicide and burn the fortress.
Traveling to Masada
UNESCO named Masada Israel a World Heritage Site in 2001. Tours to the top of the fortress are readily available. Visitors can climb the Snake Path or ride a cable car to the top. It is popular for visitors to arrive in time to view the sunrise from the mountain top.
History
King Herod built the Masada Israel fortress in 30 BC. He also constructed a palace at the site in the classic Roman architectural style. Its location and steep cliff sides made it an excellent place to protect Herod's kingdom from outside invasion.
During the Great Jewish Rebellion in 66 AD, Jewish rebels attempted to oust Roman rule from Israel. Roman forces put down the rebellion and destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD. The surviving rebels and Zealots fled the city with their families and went to Masada, where they defeated the Roman garrison there and took it as their own. They managed to keep control of the fortress for three years, conducting raids against the Romans.
In 73 BC, Rome's Tenth Legion began a siege against Masada Israel. The Jewish rebels held out against the Romans until the spring of 74 BC, when the Roman soldiers used a battering ram to destroy the walls of the fortress. The rebels knew that they and their families were about to be captured and likely killed or sold into slavery. In a final act of defiance, the 960 defenders of Masada Israel chose to commit suicide and burn the fortress.
Traveling to Masada
UNESCO named Masada Israel a World Heritage Site in 2001. Tours to the top of the fortress are readily available. Visitors can climb the Snake Path or ride a cable car to the top. It is popular for visitors to arrive in time to view the sunrise from the mountain top.
