Masada is an ancient fortification in southern 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 miles) east of Arad.
Herod the Great built two palaces for himself on the mountain and fortified Masada between 37 and 31 BC.
According to Josephus, the siege of Masada by Roman troops from 72 to 73 AD, at the end of the First Jewish–Roman War, ended in the mass suicide of the 960 Sicarii rebels who were hiding there. However, the archaeological evidence relevant to a mass suicide event is ambiguous at best and rejected entirely by some scholars.
In modern times, the story of the siege was revived as the Masada myth, a selectively constructed narrative based on Josephus's account. The mythical narrative became a national symbol in the early years of Israel's nationhood.
Masada is one of Israel's most popular tourist attractions.
Masada was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.
ramp built by the Romans to reach the top of the plateau, showcasing the ingenuity and determination of the Roman army during the siege of Masada
the ruins of the lower terrace of Herod's Palace at Masada, including columns and stonework.
the ruins of the Northern Palace at Masada, highlighting its impressive architecture and strategic location.
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