Masada

Masada is an ancient Judaic fortress found in the Judean Desert of Israel near the Dead Sea. Since its discovery in the mid-1800s, it restoration is a sign of Jewish resistance against repression.

History of Masada

The stronghold, whose name in Hebrew means fort, is on a spectacular plateau of rock surrounded by vertical crags. King Herod the Great built a defensive palace on top of the upland. During the Jewish revolt against the Romans, the Zealots took shelter at Masada and remained there for seven years.

The Fall of Masada

The citadel was the last of the Jewish strongholds conquered by the Romans in 73 CE. The zealots, who survived a siege of two years, chose to kill themselves instead of capture by the Romans. Masada represents the forced departure of the Jewish people from the Holy Land. The cruel fall symbolizes the courage since Israel was established in 1948.

Entry and Access to Masada

The site has entry fees for both walking up the path and riding a cable car in both directions. The quickest way to get to the fortress is by cable car, but the car does not start its ascent until 8 am, so that does not permit the opportunity to view the sunrise at the fort.

Masada

There are two other routes up to the fort. The Snake Path starts from the Dead Sea Highway in a sequence of switchbacks that snake up the cliff. This ascent takes from one to two hours. The Roman Ramp, reached by a road on the west side of the cliff, is not as demanding as the Snake Path.

Attractions

Features to be viewed at Masada include the compound of Herod’s palace that has bathhouses and displays of Roman-designed mosaics. In addition, the tour includes buildings of the zealots, including their homes, storerooms and synagogues. Further away are views of the remains of the Roman camps, the splendor of the Judean Desert and glimpses of the Dead Sea.

Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage site, represents the end of Judaic life in the Holy Land in ancient history and symbolizes the founding of the new Jewish nation.