Near Arad in Tamar Regional Council, Southern District, Israel — West Asia (the Levant in the Middle East)
The Discovery Location of the "Lots"
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, March 11, 2013
1. The Discovery Location of the "Lots" Marker
Close up view of the text on the historical marker.
"...then, having chosen by lot ten of their number to dispatch the rest... these, having unswervingly slaughtered all, ordained the same rule of the lot for one another, that he on whom it fell should slay first the nine and then himself last of all."
Josephus Flavius
Here several hundred inscribed pottery shards (ostraca) were found. Outstanding among them was a group consisting of names and nicknames, including the name "Ben Ya'ir." Yigael Yadin, the most distinguished of Masada's excavators, connected this group with Josephus Flavius' story of the drawing of lots on the last night of the revolt.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Forts and Castles • Patriots & Patriotism.
Location. 31° 19.066′ N, 35° 21.233′ 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
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Water Gate (a few steps from this marker); The Rebel's Community Life (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); Life in a fortified palace (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.
Also see . . .
1. Masada. This is a link to information provided by the See the Holy Land website. (Submitted on April 3, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
2. Masada. This is a link to information provided by BibleWalks.com. (Submitted on April 3, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, March 11, 2013
2. The Discovery Location of the "Lots" Marker
View of the historical marker, in the ruins, in the northern palace area.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, March 11, 2013
3. The Discovery Location of the "Lots" Marker
Close-up view of the photographed pottery shards, that it is believed were used for the drawing of lots, at Masada.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, March 11, 2013
4. The Discovery Location of the "Lots" Marker
View of a tour guide explaining about the discovery of the lots to his tour group.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 21, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 2, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 946 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 3, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.
