Masada01

If there is a bigger symbol of the independence of the Nation of Israel than Masada, I missed it during my stay here. Since I don’t have a lot of time to write, I will just share a few brief notes and some pictures.

Masada was originally built by Herod the Great as a place for he and his family to flee for safety in the event they ever needed to (those in his family he had not killed I suppose). In theory, it should have just been  a fortified place with food and water stores. However, that would not have been Herod’s style. and the end result was basically a Roman City on the mountain top. Oddly Herod never spent a day in his mountain fortress.

I think most are vaguely familiar with the story of the siege and fall Masada in the year 73 AD; if not, there are plenty of accounts out there. This story is not without controversy, even today in Israel. Some see Masada as a monument to Israeli bravery and independence, while others see it as a symbol of extremism and a refusal to compromise.

I think most know where my thoughts are on the above scale. I would be a safe bet to say that when I leave this country, part of my heart will be left behind. I do know that when the fortress fell in 73 AD, the last remnant of the Jewish Nation went with it, and was not seen again until May 14, 1948 when Israel became a nation again.But, enough of all that; let’s just look at some pictures.

Cable car up to the mountain top

masada cable car

The synagogue at Masada used by the Jewish Zealots after they came

The Roman Style bathhouse

This is the ramp the Roman army built using slave labor to bring their siege engine up so they could breach the walls. Day, after day, the defenders watched the progress of this and knew time was running out for them.

masada ramp