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

The Commandant's Residence

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 10, 2023

1. The Commandant's Residence Marker

Inscription. Who could be entrusted with the defense of the refuge fortresses in the desert built by a king who feared rebellion from within and enemies from without?

The commandants of the desert fortresses were apparently trusted associates of the king, prominent men who had held public office. This splendid residential building, located at the main entrance of the storerooms complex and the Northern Palace, was probably the commandant's residence.

During the period of the revolt, the building was occupied by several families, who have left behind a few poorly built walls and baking ovens. These traces of a modest lifestyle in emergency conditions contrast with the splendor of the original rooms.

(Hebrew text not transcribed)

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

Location. 31° 19.02′ N, 35° 21.261′ 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,

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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 Headquarters" (here, next to this marker); Life in a fortified palace (a few steps from this marker); The Snake Path Gate (within shouting distance of this marker); Masada (within shouting distance of this marker); How can one survive here? (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 (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Discovery Location of the "Lots" (about 90 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Metsada.

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 10, 2023

2. The Commandant's Residence Marker

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 10, 2023

3. The Commandant's Residence Marker

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 10, 2023

4. The Commandant's Residence Marker

Interior of the Commandant's residence image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 10, 2023

5. Interior of the Commandant's residence

Credits. This page was last revised on April 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 100 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 13, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.