Near Arad in Tamar Regional Council, Southern District, Israel — West Asia (the Levant in the Middle East)
The Rebel's Community Life
How to organize community life under siege?
Near the western entrance square were discovered large concentrations of inscribed pottery shards (ostraca) from the period of the revolt. They bear names, combinations of letters or single letters in Hebrew. These shards were apparently used as food-rationing coupons, as a substitute for money, or to register fighting units or the families that lived on the mountain. Both types demonstrate the community life of the rebels in Masada. It is probable that the ostraca originated in this room, located near the entrance to Masada via the Water Gate, which may have been the headquarters of the rebels leaders. In this case, some of these shards may have been used as lots on the last night.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Forts and Castles • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 31° 19.067′ N, 35° 21.223′ E. Marker is near Arad, Southern District, in Tamar Regional Council. Marker can be reached from Masada National Park Service Road just west of National Route 90, on the right when traveling south. This historical marker is located in the ancient Herodian fortification, on top of an isolated rock plateau, on the eastern edge of the Judaean Desert, overlooking the Dead Sea. The historical marker is situated in the northern section of the fortifications, in one of the Roman ruins near the Northern Palace. Touch for map. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Water Gate (here, next to this marker); The Discovery Location of the "Lots" (a few steps from this marker); The Upper Terrace (within shouting distance of this marker); Bathing in Roman Style (within shouting distance of this marker); The Northern Palace (within shouting distance of this marker); How can one survive here? (within shouting distance of this marker); The Synagogue (within shouting distance of this marker); The "Casemate of the Scrolls" (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arad.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.
Also see . . .
1. Masada. This is a link to information provided by Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (Submitted on April 2, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
2. Masada. Bible Walks website entry (Submitted on June 4, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
3. Masada - UNESCO World Heritage Centre. This is a link to information provided by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (Submitted on April 2, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 2, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 502 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 2, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.