15 facts about Masada – Dead Sea, Israel

Masada, also known as Metzada, is a mountaintop fortress located on the western shore of the Dead Sea in Israel. The Fortress includes barracks, warehouses, armory, palace, cisterns, etc. Masada is a name that is derived from unmetzade, a Hebrew word meaning “fortress” or “mountain castle.” It is worth revealing the fact that Masada is considered to be one of the greatest symbols of the ancient kingdom of Israel, its brutal destruction and the Jewish revolt in the 1st century AD against Rome. Let us find out some of the vital facts about Masada:

1. It is located on top of isolated rock on the edges of the Dead Sea Valley and the Judean Desert, between Ein Gedi and Sdom.
2. Masada remained ignored for many centuries and came back into the spotlight after a famous epic titled Masada, written by a popular Hebrew poet in the 1920s. The epic has invoked hidden emotions and given a gripping tale of struggle.
3. The Masada plateau was naturally fortified and surrounded by deep gorges.
4. The cliffs on the eastern and western edge of Masada are about 400 m (1,300 ft) and 90 m (300 ft) high respectively. Platea’s upper part is flat and rhomboid in shape.
5. Around the top of the plateau, there was a casemate wall that is 1.3 km long, 3.7 m thick and has many towers.
6. A Jewish Roman historian, Herod the Great, fortified Masada between 37 and 31 BC. C. to hide from the mass revolt.
7. Sicarii, a group of Jewish rebels, defeated the Roman troops and defended Masada by taking control.
8. At the end of the first century, the Roman governor of Judea had decided to take back Masada.
9. Masada was rediscovered by the modern world in the mid-19th century BC. Israeli archaeologists, Yigael Yadin, in the early 1960s, began excavating in the region. Cable cars were added to the region to make it accessible to tourists. The place is considered to be the most popular tourist destination in Israel, outside of Jerusalem.
10. Being considered one of the most respected Jewish symbols, Israeli soldiers take an oath at this site “Masada will not fall again”. The oath taken by soldiers in the Israeli army is an expression of commitment to protecting the modern state of Israel.
11. Since 2001, Masada is counted as one of the UNESCO world heritage sites.
12. On the western side of the mountain, an audiovisual light show dramatizing the history of Masada is presented at night. Whereas, during winters there is no sound and light show.
13. Two Mikvahs and Synagogue are considered as the two most exciting sites to be seen in Masada to this day.
14. Summers are often hot, so visitors are not allowed to climb the mountains during the day. However, it is advised that they can walk in the early hours of the morning. Water bottles and a hat are two essential items to take with you during the trek.
15. Since 2007, a museum has been opened for tourists showing the detailed history of Masada along with some interesting artifacts.
16. Masada is one of the most popular sites for tourists to the Dead Sea.

Masada is a site of fortifications and palaces located in Israel, near the Dead Sea. It was considered the last bastion, held by the fanatics of the Jews. They refused to surrender to the Roman Empire and preferred death to surrender. Now, Masada is well recognized as a tourist destination visited by tourists from all over the world.