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

The Snake Path Gate

Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, March 10, 2023

1. The Snake Path Gate Marker

Inscription. "The former (path) they call the snake, seeing a resemblance to that animal in its narrowness and continual windings... One traversing it must firmly plant each foot alternately. Destruction faces him, for on either side yawn chasms so terrific as to daunt the hardiest." Josephus Flavius

Eventually, at the end of the ascent, when in the past, travelers reached the plateau through this gate. Masada was revealed to them in all its splendor: on the right, the storerooms complex that adjoins the Northern Palace; ahead, the Western Palace and the small palaces nearby: and all of these surrounded by the casemate wall with its high towers that touched the sky.

(Hebrew text not transcribed)

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

Location. 31° 19′ N, 35° 21.275′ 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. Masada (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" (within shouting distance of this marker); The Commandant's Residence (within shouting distance of this marker); Life in a fortified palace

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(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.

Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, March 10, 2023

2. The Snake Path Gate Marker

Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, March 10, 2023

3. The Snake Path Gate Marker

Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, March 10, 2023

4. The Snake Path Gate Marker

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 80 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 13, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.