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Masada
Arguably Israel’s most inspiring historic site, the ancient hill-top fortification of Masada should be part of any Israel tour. Rising 400 meters above the Dead Sea, Masada is a symbol of freedom and self determination for the Jewish people. It was on the summit of Masada, in 73 CE, that Jewish zealots made their last stand against Roman rule. In 2001, Masada was declared a UNESCO world heritage site. Today, the remnants of the fortress with its royal palaces and public baths are testament to a 2000 year old civilization, and the summit plateau offers stunning views of the Dead Sea and the surrounding Judean Dessert.
A Brief History of Masada
Masada’s significance as a national symbol originates from the time of the Great Revolt, (66-73 CE) although the fortress was built earlier by King Herod, sometime between 37-31 BCE. Jewish Zealots, led by Elazar Ben Ya'ir, fled Jerusalem and went to live at Masada, remaining there during the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. In 72 CE, the Romans, led by Lucius Flavius Silva, laid siege on Masada, building a rampart up its western flanks. Realizing that the fortress was about to be overrun, the Jews of Masada preferred death by their own hands rather than capture, slavery and possible execution at the hands of the Romans.
Masada Today
Masada was thoroughly excavated in the mid 1960s by Israeli archeologist and former Israel Defense Forces Chief of General Staff Yigal Yadin. A great deal of restoration work was carried out on the site in order to enable visitors on a tour of Israel to gain an insight into life in the fortress during Roman times. Some Israel Defense Forces units conduct military ceremonies on the summit of Masada, where new recruits swear their allegiance to defend Israel.
Visiting Masada
The ascent of Masada generally begins at the visitors’ center, located on its eastern side (facing the Dead Sea). From the visitors’ center there are two options: a forty five minute hike to the summit via the winding snake path, or a ten minute cable car ride. Either way, the summit affords glorious views of the Judean Desert, the Dead Sea, and the mountains of Moab in Jordan. Masada can also be reached from the west, by driving through the town of Arad. The summit is then reached by a twenty minute climb. The story of the last stand of the Jews of Masada is also told by a unique audio-visual show, which takes place on the western side of Masada, Between March and October, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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