Masada is an ancient fortress located on a high plateau in the Judaean Desert of Israel, overlooking the Dead Sea. Its history is deeply connected to Jewish resistance against Roman rule in the 1st century CE and stands as a symbol of Jewish bravery and determination.
Masada was originally built by King Herod the Great between 37 and 31 BCE as a luxurious desert palace and fortress. Herod, known for his grand construction projects, equipped the site with opulent palaces, storerooms, barracks, cisterns, and defensive walls. The fortress was designed to be a place of refuge in case of a rebellion or an attack, particularly from the Roman Empire.
Masada became famous during the Jewish-Roman War (66–73 CE), when it was the last stronghold of Jewish Zealots who fought against Roman occupation. After the fall of Jerusalem in 70 CE, a group of approximately 960 Jewish rebels, including men, women, and children, took refuge at Masada. They were led by Eleazar ben Yair, and for a time, they were able to hold out against the Romans.
However, in 72–73 CE, the Roman governor Flavius Silva led the Tenth Legion in a siege of Masada. The Romans built an enormous ramp to breach the fortress walls. Realizing their imminent defeat, the rebels made a fateful decision: rather than being captured and enslaved, they chose to take their own lives. According to the historian Josephus, the defenders drew lots to select 10 men to kill the others, and the last man fell on his own sword.
The story of Masada became a powerful symbol of Jewish resistance and heroism. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Israel’s most visited tourist destinations, reflecting its historical and cultural significance.
