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The Story: At the beginning of
the first century Romans destroyed Jerusalem and Jews fled the city. About
1,000 made their way to this fortress. Part of the fortress ruins are the enormous storage houses built by the Roman appointed King Herod,
so perhaps the people came in search of food. Almost all the1,000 committed
suicide rather than subject themselves to the thousands of Romans laying
siege to the mountain. |
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You can still see 2,000 year old fresco art on the mountain, remnants of the splendor of King
Herod’s castle, his Roman baths with its raised floor, and of
the synagogue the Jews erected here in this stronghold. |
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But this is a place of current importance,
not just history: Israel's Armored Corps recruits come here to swear their
oath of allegiance: "Masada Shall Not Fall Again." |
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The Way Up – To reach Masada, choose the cable car, the Roman ramp or,
for the more athletic, "the Snake Path." At the top, while the Roman
storage silos are empty, the snack bars and restaurant provide for quick
snacks or a lingering lunch while you take in the grand views |
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Tip: Older kids (grades 5 and up) will
appreciate the site far more if they truly understand its significance.
Otherwise, it may just seem like a hot, dusty, ruin |
