Masada

Ancient floor mosaic at Masada, on the western shore of the Dead Sea in Israel. The fortified palace was built by Herod the Great in the 1st century BC. Excavation of the site was directed by Israeli archaeologist Yigael Yadin.

The ancient site of Masada in Israel. At the start of the Jewish rebellion in 66, Masada was occupied by the Zealots (a revolutionary Jewish nationalist group). Later, it was besieged by 10,000 Roman soldiers for more than a year. The 960 rebels held out until 73, when they chose to commit mass suicide rather than be enslaved.

Rock fortress 396 m/1,300 ft above the western shore of the Dead Sea, Israel. Site of the Hebrews' final stand in their revolt against the Romans (AD 66-73). After withstanding a year-long siege, the Hebrew population of 953 committed mass suicide rather than be conquered and enslaved.

The site was excavated 1963-65, including the palace of Herod, and is now an Israeli national monument.