Masada Wall, tragic fortress in the sky Israel cover photo - 235070517

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Masada Hebrew: ×ž×¦×“×”â€Ž metsada, `fortress`[1] is an ancient fortification in the Southern District of Israel situated on top of an isolated rock plateau, akin to a mesa. It is located on the eastern edge of the Judaean Desert, overlooking the Dead Sea 20 km 12 mi east of Arad. Herod the Great built two palaces for himself on the mountain and fortified Masada between 37 and 31 BCE. According to Josephus, the siege of Masada by Roman troops from 73 to 74 CE, at the end of the First Jewishâ€“Roman War, ended in the mass suicide of the 960 Sicarii rebels who were hiding there. However, the archaeological evidence relevant to this event is ambiguous at best and rejected entirely by some scholars. Masada is one of Israel`s most popular tourist attractions. The site attracts around 750,000 visitors a year. Photo taken December 7th 2007

aerial ancient antique archaeological archaeology archeology architecture beautiful building cliff conquerers dead desert dry east famous fort fortification fortress heritage herod historic historical history israel israeli jewish jordan judaean judaism judea judean king landmark landscape masada massada middle mountain national nature old outdoor palace panoramic park place plateau region rock roman ruin ruins scenic sea site stone tourism tourist travel view