| Masada, also referred as Metzada, is a mountain | | | | mid 19th century BC. Israeli archeologists, Yigael |
| top fortress that is located on the western shore | | | | Yadin, in the early 1960's, began excavating the |
| of the Dead Sea in Israel. The Fortress includes | | | | region. Cable cars were added to the region, in |
| barracks, storehouses, an armory, palace, | | | | order to make it accessible for tourists. The place |
| cisterns, etc. Masada is a name that is derived | | | | is considered as most popular tourist destination in |
| from unmetzade, a Hebrew word, that means | | | | Israel, outside of Jerusalem. |
| "stronghold" or "mountain castle". It is worth | | | | 10. Being considered as one of the most |
| disclosing the fact that Masada is considered as | | | | respected Jewish symbols, Israeli soldiers take an |
| one of the greatest symbols of Israel's ancient | | | | oath at this site "Masada shall not fall again". Oath |
| kingdom, its brutal destruction and Jewish revolt in | | | | taken by soldiers of Israeli army is an expression |
| the first century A.D. against Rome. Let's discover | | | | of commitment towards protecting modern Israel |
| some of the vital facts about Masada: | | | | state. |
| | | | 11. Since 2001, Masada has been counted as one |
| 1. It is located on the top isolated rock on the | | | | of the UNESCO world heritage sites. |
| edges of the Dead Sea valley and the Judean | | | | 12. On the western side of mountain, an |
| Desert, between Ein Gedi and Sdom. | | | | audio-visual light show dramatizing Masada's history |
| 2. Masada remained ignored for many centuries | | | | is presented at the night time. Whereas, during |
| and came again in limelight after a famous epic | | | | winters there is no sound and light show. |
| entitled Masada, written by popular Hebrew poet | | | | 13. Two Mikvahs and Synagogue is considered as |
| in 1920's. The epic has invoked the hidden | | | | two most exciting sites that can be seen in |
| emotions and gave a rousing account of fight. | | | | Masada till today. |
| 3. Masada plateau was naturally fortified and | | | | 14. Summers are usually hot, therefore visitors |
| surrounded by deep gorges. | | | | are not allowed to trek up the mountains during |
| 4. Cliff on the east and west edge of Masada are | | | | day time. However, it is advised that they can |
| about 400 m (1300) and 90 m (300) high | | | | trek in the wee hours of the morning. Bottles of |
| respectively. Plataea's top is flat and of | | | | water and hat are two objects that are must to |
| rhomboid-shape. | | | | carry with themselves while trekking. |
| 5. Around the plateau's top, there was a | | | | 15. Since 2007, a museum has been opened for |
| casemate wall which is 1.3 km long, 3.7 m thick | | | | the tourists showcasing detailed history of Masada |
| and has many towers. | | | | along with some interesting artifacts. |
| 6. A Jewish Roman Historian, Herod the Great has | | | | 16. Masada is one of the most popular sites for |
| fortified Masada in between 37 and 31 BCE to | | | | dead sea tourists. |
| hide himself from the massive revolt. | | | | Masada is a site of fortifications and palaces |
| 7. Sicarii, a group of Jewish rebels, defeated | | | | located in Israel, near the Dead-Sea. It was |
| roman troops and defended Masada by taking | | | | considered as last stronghold, held by Jewish's |
| control over it. | | | | zealots. They refused to surrender to Roman |
| 8. At the end of the first century, Judea's Roman | | | | Empire and preferred death to surrender. Now, |
| Governor had decided to take back Masada. | | | | Masada is well-recognized as tourists' destinations |
| 9. Masada was rediscovered by modern world in | | | | visited by tourists from around the globe. |