Masada: Searching for Answers in the Desert

Situated on top of an isolated rock plateau, Masada, an ancient fortress  overlooking the Dead Sea, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Israel. Built by Herod the Great, King of Judea, it is believed that Masada is where the final confrontation of the First Jewish–Roman War (66–73 A.D.) took place. After breaching the fortress, Roman troops discovered that the 960 Jewish Zealots gathered in this last stronghold, had killed themselves, preferring “death to slavery.”

This version of what happened at Masada has become one of the most significant and enduring sources of pride among Israelis. But what really happened at Masada? How accurate is the contemporary account written by historian Josephus Flavius? Drawing on findings from recent archaeological digs, historian Ralph Nurnberger explores the myths and realities of this famous settlement and UNESCO World Heritage site. 

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