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

Life in a fortified palace

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 10, 2023

1. Life in a fortified palace Marker

Inscription. "For the actual top, being of rich soil and softer than any plain, was given in the king to cultivation: in order that, should there ever be a dearth of provision from outside, those who had committed their lives to the protection of the fortress should not suffer from it... Moreover, at each spot used for habitation, both on the summit and about the palace, as also before the wall, he had cut out in the rock numerous large tanks, as reservoirs for water, thus procuring a supply as ample as where springs are available." Josephus Flavius

What does one need in a fortified palace to lead a regular life?

First and foremost food and water, then defense, and finally a sumptuous lifestyle worthy of the king's status. Masada's isolation from inhabited areas required special attention to basic needs. The enormous storerooms complex, the cisterns within and around the fortress, and the possibility of growing crops on the plateau enabled a pleasant life in peaceful times and survival for a long period during an emergency.

In addition to these, and in accordance with the king's lifestyle, the palace included magnificent living rooms, reception and meeting halls, and baths.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles.

Location. 31°

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19.027′ N, 35° 21.26′ E. Marker is in Metsada, Southern District, in Be'er Sheva. It can be reached from Southern District Route 3199. Touch for map. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Asia,

specifically in West Asia,

in the Middle East,

in The Levant,

on the Red Sea,

in a coastal Mediterranean country,

and in the Western World.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Byzantine Empire,

the Ottoman Empire,

a British Mandate,

and the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Commandant's Residence (a few steps from this marker); The "Commandant's Headquarters" (a few steps from this marker); How can one survive here? (within shouting distance of this marker); The Snake Path Gate (within shouting distance of this marker); Masada (within shouting distance of this marker); Masada has been inscribed on the World Heritage List (within shouting distance of this marker); Bathing in Roman Style (within shouting distance of this marker); The Discovery Location of the "Lots" (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line). 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. Life in a fortified palace Marker

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 10, 2023

3. Life in a fortified palace Marker

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 10, 2023

4. Life in a fortified palace Marker

A scale model of the fortified palace image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 10, 2023

5. A scale model of the fortified palace

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 10, 2023

6. A scale model of the fortified palace

Credits. This page was last revised on April 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 153 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 13, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.