srettig24 View of the Dead Sea from the top of Masada
As I walked around Masada the history although very real seemed so far-fetched. In my head, it just seemed so outlandish. An ancient King with expensive taste who takes his spa days seriously, built a Mansion which doubled as a impenetrable Fortress which just happens to be on the top of a plateau oh and don’t forget the stunning views of the Dead Sea and surrounding Wadi. Later, Jewish Rebels take over the fortress, a dramatic battle ensues which climaxes with the death of the Rebels who manage to avoid capture. While Masada itself is beautiful- with stunning views that you can’t find anywhere else it’s the stories which make this place head spinning.
Located about an hour and a half from Jerusalem this historic site is worth the visit and the climb. You can take a cable car to the top of Masada or walk up one of the paths. I walked up the switchbacks of the Snake path which took about 30 mins.
It is considered to be the most intact fortress from the Roman Era today. Masada was built by King Herod the King of Judea as his fortress in the East. Later during the Second Temple Period, Jewish Freedom Fighters used Masada to make their rebellious stand against the Roman Empire. Due to limited evidence and a personal account which has not been the outcome of this stand against the Romans is disputed. It is believed that all the rebels were killed or committed suicide rather than be captured by the Romans. The actions of the Jewish Rebels symbolize strength and courage to Jewish Israelis today.
Despite being November it was warm and sunny. As the sun moved the rocks and the sky changed as well. I found Masada to be extremely peaceful and quiet although this was impeded greatly by hordes of rushing tour groups. There is plenty of information offered at Masada to help you to immerse yourself in such a well preserved site.
Masada was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.
The center of the Byzantine monastery was the church which was decorated with pottery shards as you can see on the left wall. The room is semi-circular to preserve its height. The roof was made from thousands of clay tiles which were found in the excavation.
View on the North Side
Located between En Gedi and Sodom and is surrounded at its base by Wadi Ben Yair on the West and Wadi Masada on the South and East. To the North, you can see these beautiful plateaus made of sediment left by the Dead Sea which has been weathered and broken over time.
Wadi Masada
Roman Bath house
King Herod built a luxurious bath house and the remains can still be seen today. On the left, you can see the many tiles which made up the floor of the bathhouse. You can see remnants of columns on the left. In Masada, the inner structures where the living and bathing houses would have been.
Western Palace is the largest structure on Masada at 3,700 Sq meters and was built by King Herod. The Western Palace had 29 large storehouses for food and wine and weapons. Herod was known for having lavish wine and servants when he spent time at Masada.
