Near Metsada in Be'er Sheva, Southern District, Israel — West Asia (the Levant in the Middle East)

Masada

Photographed By Erez Speiser, January 1, 2000

1. Masada

Inscription. Generations go by and the mountain remains. Herod built for himself a magnificent fortress-palace, and the Romans and the Jewish rebels added a drama of siege and slaughter. Here the early monks of the Judean desert sought communion with the creator and Jewish settlers before the state of Israel found supreme ideals of resistance in the name of faith and freedom, to the last drop of blood.

Since the foundation of Israel the spades of archaeologists have brought to life the ancient story and thousands of Israeli soldiers have sworn their oath of allegiance here.

And what of us? What is our Masada? How much of all this will we take with us, and how much of our own will we add?

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 37 BCE.

Location. 31° 18.996′ N, 35° 21.27′ E. Marker is near Metsada, Southern District, in Be'er Sheva. Marker can be reached from Route 90, one kilometer west of Masada Junction (Route 90), on the left when traveling north. The marker is near the Northern Palace area of Masada. Touch for map. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Snake Path Gate (a few steps from this marker); Masada has been inscribed on the World Heritage List (a few steps from this marker); The "Commandant's Headquarters"

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(within shouting distance of this marker); The Commandant's Residence (within shouting distance of this marker); Life in a fortified palace (within shouting distance of this marker); How can one survive here? (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Bathing in Roman Style (about 120 meters away); The Discovery Location of the "Lots" (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Metsada.

Also see . . .
1. Climbing to Masada. (Submitted on January 7, 2019, by Erez Speiser of Rakefet.)
2. Masada (UNESCO). "Masada is a dramatically located site of great natural beauty overlooking the Dead Sea, a rugged natural fortress on which the Judaean king Herod the Great constructed a sumptuous palace complex in classical Roman style. After Judaea became a province of the Roman Empire, it was the refuge of the last survivors of the Jewish revolt, who chose death rather than slavery when the Roman besiegers broke through their defences. As such it has an emblematic value for the Jewish people." (Submitted on January 8, 2019.)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 7, 2019, by Erez Speiser of Rakefet. This page has been viewed 135 times since then and 11 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on January 7, 2019, by Erez Speiser of Rakefet. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Picture of the marker within its surroundings • Can you help?