Considering a holy land tour? Make sure that the trip includes a visit to Masada Israel. Off the coast of the Dead Sea lies a historic fortress that is well worth the visit. In Hebrew the word ‘Masada’ means fortress and it is soon apparent that the name is appropriate. The cliffs are approximately 1300 feet high on the east side and 300 feet on the west side and approach from any direction is extremely difficult.
Before the birth of Jesus this area was all ready famous as the site where a few Jewish rebels who opposed the Roman occupation of Israel stood off the massive Roman Empire for years. The ramps that were built by the Romans to gain entry to the fortress are still visible from the western side of the site as are the location of several of the Roman Legions campsites.
When the Romans finally entered Masada they were surprised to find that all of the rebels were all ready dead. It is commonly believed that the rebels drew lots and carried out a murder suicide pact rather than submit to Roman rule. Modern day Israel solders after basic training have their swearing in ceremony at the top of Masada Israel.
The Museum at Masada Israel
This holy land tour begins at the museum and gift shop at the base of the fortress. At the museum tourists can watch a movie that explains a little of the history of Masada Israel. The movie can be watched in English as well as Hebrew and takes about a half hour. The museum is also the best place to get maps of the site.
There are two choices to get to the top of the site, for a small fee visitors can take a cable car and not have to worry about the physical exertion of the climb, or for the full ‘Masada Experience’ they can hike up the snake path to get to the top. The snake path is a series of steps that switch back and forth across the east face it is steep but there are rails on the side.
Because the area is very hot and dry plan to bring plenty of water. Water and insulated thermos cups can be purchased at the gift shop. When the tour is complete consider returning here for a cold fresh squeezed pomegranate juice on the outside terrace overlooking the Dead Sea. A wide variety of the world famous Dead Sea Cosmetics are also available here.
Herod the Great's Bathhouse at Masada Israel
At the top trails lead all across the fortress in every direction. Most of the site is still in ruins but restoration efforts have recovered many parts. From here visitors can see where store rooms used to be, houses of the rebels, the synagogue and models of what the original site used to appear like in antiquity.
To gain access to the bath house steps and rails are provided on the side of the fortress that offer panoramic views of the landscape. The stone columns have been partially restored and some of the original tiles from Herod the Greats time are still visable here but the colors are faded.
The area of the Bathhouse is open to the elements and even with the restoration efforts much of the site is becoming damaged. The view from Herod the Greats Bathhouse is awe inspiring you can clearly see many of the Roman Legions campsites clearly from here as well as part of the ramp the Romans built to gain access to the site.
The Southern Cistern at Masada Israel
When the heat of the day becomes overwhelming it is time to visit the Southern Cistern. Cisterns are large rock tanks where water was stored for use by the people at the site. Having water readily available was a major ingredient in allowing the rebels to keep from succumbing to the siege much earlier. This Cistern is empty now but it offers a cool respite from the high desert temperatures. Remember climbing all of the steps down to the bottom of the Cistern is easier than climbing back up and there is only the one entrance.
Other sites to see at Masada Isreal
From the Southern Bastion are amazing views of the Dead Sea and across the compound at the Western Gate you can see most of the ramp that the romans built and several of the Legion campsites.
In short no holy land tour would be complete without a trip to Masada Israel near where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found and one of the many sites where Dead Sea Cosmetics are available. For additional information on Masada Israel or Jewish history in general visit the Jewish Virtual Library
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