Masada

Masada
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Masada is the name for a site of ancient palaces and fortifications in the South District of Israel on top of an isolated rock plateau, or large mesa, on the eastern edge of the Judean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea. Masada became famous after the First Jewish-Roman War (also known as the Great Jewish Revolt) when a siege of the fortress by troops of the Roman Empire led to a mass suicide of the site's Jewish Sicarii fugitives when defeat became imminent.

Masada is both recognized for its Roman fortifications and as a symbol of Jewish cultural identity.

Year Decision Comments
2001 Inscribed Reasons for inscription

Reviews

Xeres Nelro (Canada):
Masada holds a special place in the hearts of the Jewish people. It was there, in the first century A.D. the Jews made their last stand on Masada, in the end deciding to commit suicide rather then be captured. Because of this, Israeli army cadets take an oath of allegiance when the join the army, on Masada, with the word "Masada shall not fall again!". I was lucky enough to see one of these ceremonies during my trip, quite a site, many uniformed soldiers with guns, in the midst of 2000 year old ruins, the Israeli flag flapping in the breeze.
Dawn at Masada is very special, the light coming up over the hills, makes the stones glow with a radiance of their own.
the ruins themselves are fairly standard of the middle east, what makes them impressive is that they are on a massive mesa in the middle of the desert. its hard to see how they could move all the material needed to build the fortress/palace complex. The Highlight of my trip to Masada, was looking over the edge, a viewing all the way down. The second highlight was the bathhouse, very nice mosaics.
interesting fact: if you yell from the top of Masada, you can be heard at the bottom. but if you yell from the bottom, you can't be heard at the top. So during the siege, the Jews would rain down insults on the romans, who where unable to reply.
Date posted: November 2008
Kim Harton (USA):
I too loved Masada on my visit in Nov. 2006. It was one of my favorite places that I visited during my trip to Israel. I would love to go back again. The gift shop was excellent. I bought several items and was wondering if anyone knows if they have a web-site that you can order things from on-line. I bought some beautiful jewelry and would love to purchase more for gifts. My cousin bought me the DVD of the movie, Masada, starring Peter O'Toole. It's a good visual teaching tool.
Date posted: September 2008
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I went to Masada and it was an exciting experience for me. To walk among the ruins and learn the incredible history and bravery of the Jewish people was something I will never forget . I went with a tour so the entry fee was paid for in advance. It had magnificent views from all sides. You can view the Roman encampments below and just vision what must have happened so long ago. Visiting Israel was the best trip of my life and I will be returning. I was excited to say that I walked "down" the Snake path and it took about an hour or so. What an experience. It was a sweet blessing to be in Israel. Everyone should visit Masada, it is worth it!
 
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Masada is breath taking. the scenery surrounding masada is incredible! the ruins are cool too, but not nearly as much as the surronding scenery of jagged mesas. the best parts of the ruins are the Bath house and watch tower.
 
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Masada was an amazing experience!! Everything was so cool!! Hiking up the Roman Ramp, seeing the sunrise atop Masada, seeing the Dead Sea. I think what makes this such an important and touching site is the history behind it. The Jews that commited suicide in order to not be enslaved by the Romans. It also has a nice gift shop!!!! I loved Masada!!!
 
Christer Sundberg (Sweden):
Zillions of sightseeing tours can take you from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem to Masada and it is actually the most convenient way to visit the site. It’s an interesting piece of Jewish history to be told here, but not the most interesting of World Hertitage sights. Once up on the mountain you realise easily that it was virtually inaccessible for the Romans, who needed more than two years to concur it and when they finally did, all Jewish people had then committed mass suicide.

Make sure that your “tour” also includes a visit the Dead Sea. Wheather you want to roll yourself in healthy mud or just walk along the salty beaches is up to you but don’t miss the opportunity to visit a unique piece of nature. The Dead Sea is located -400 meters below sea level and the water contains over 25% salt. Make sure you have not shaved before you jump into the water…!
Date posted: June 2006
Paul Tanner (UK):
Whilst non Jews might not be fully aware of the history surrounding the event for which Masada is most famous they will have come across the word “Zealot”. These were anti Roman rebels who, during their final stand at the fortress, committed suicide rather than fall into the hands of their captors.

The Masada Fortress is at the top of an imposing 440 metre high “battleship” of a crag which stands apart from other hills close to the Dead Sea. It is eminently defendable.

Today its grandeur is perhaps slightly diminished by the huge car park and the cable car which takes many visitors to and from the summit. There is a footpath however (not difficult) which would qualify you to wear one of the “I conquered Masada” T shirts if you were so minded!

The view from the top over the Dead Sea is very fine and there is enough left of the excavated “buildings” to give a reasonable picture of what existed at the top. The site is well worth taking in if you are in Israel
 


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