Masada: The Zealots' Fortress

Judea was ruled by Rome two thousand years ago, and in AD 66, a Jewish Revolt flared into a full-scale war that raged for four years – until the Roman general Titus destroyed Jerusalem. But one outpost alone held out against the Romans. It was the fortress of Masada built high above the Dead Sea on top of a barren mountainous plateau, and it's where one of the most heroic and incredible stories of all history was played out when a small group of Jewish Zealots defied the power of Rome.

Due to its natural features, steep sides, and lack of easy access, the place is virtually invincible. Herod the Great also recognised this natural fortress's unique characteristics and strategic advantages. He was a Roman client king of Judea who ruled this region from 37 BC to 4 BC. He wanted a fortress, a place of refuge, in case the Jews should rebel against him or the Egyptian pharaoh Cleopatra, who wanted Judea, should try to have him killed. So, he fortified Masada with walls, gates and towers.   

This ancient stone fortress was also a place of safety for King David when he was threatened by danger during his fugitive years before he became king. Like Herod and the Zealots a thousand years after him, David recognised the strategic advantages of Masada. He realised that with its steep sides and difficult access, it was a perfect hiding place and easy to defend. He knew he could find safety there