Masada plateau - view of the western palace. Sun rays filtering through the clouds on an unusually cloudy day
The rocky plateau of Masada is the site of ancient palaces and fortifications on the eastern edge of Israel's Judean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea. Apparently built by King Herod between 37 – 31 BCE, Masada became famous after the First Jewish-Roman War (also known as the Great Jewish Revolt) when Roman governor of Judaea, Lucius Flavius Silva marched against Masada in 72 CE, the with the Roman legion X Fretensis and laid siege to the fortress. After failed attempts to breach the wall, they built a circumvallation wall and then a rampart against the western face of the plateau, using thousands of tons of stones and beaten earth which finally allowed them to breach the walls. When defeat became imminent, the Jewish Sicarii fugitives – men, women and children - committed mass suicide to prevent capture and humiliation.
Size: 5100px × 3299px
Location: Masada, Judean Desert, Dead Sea, Israel
Photo credit: © Dan Rosen / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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