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

The Northern Palace

הארמון הצפוני

Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, March 10, 2023

1. The Northern Palace Marker

Inscription. "There too, he built a palace on the western slope, beneath the ramparts on the crest and inclining towards the north" (Josephus Flavius, The Jewish War VII, 289).

The Northern Palace is without a doubt the architectural pearl of Masada and one of the most daring structures built by King Herod anywhere in the country. This isolated palace was uniquely built on three terraces, with enormous retaining walls and connected by an external staircase. From the palace balcony and its windows the king could enjoy the spectacular landscape of the Dead Sea, the Mountains Moab and the oasis of En Gedi. The fortified palace included sleeping quarters, a balcony, library, rooms, reception and banquet halls as well as a private bathhouse. The palace walls were adorned with frescoes and its floors with mosaics, its plan incorporating influences from both the Hellenistic and the Roman worlds.

(Hebrew text not transcribed)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Forts and Castles.

Location. 31° 19.08′ N, 35° 21.25′ E. Marker is in Metsada, Southern District, in Be'er Sheva. Marker can be reached from Southern District Route 3199. Touch for map. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Upper Terrace (a few steps from this marker); Bathing in Roman Style

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

Also see . . . Masada (Wikipedia).

Overview: Masada (Hebrew: מְצָדָה məṣādā, "fortress") is an ancient fortification in the Southern District of 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 mi) east of Arad.

(Submitted on April 19, 2023.)

Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, March 10, 2023

2. The Northern Palace Marker

Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, March 10, 2023

3. The Northern Palace Marker

Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, March 10, 2023

4. The Northern Palace Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 12, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 47 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 12, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.