Masada (460 m) is a mountain-fortress in Israel, on the south-west shore of Dead Sea. In view of its height, in strictly geographical terms perhaps it should not be called a mountain. But if you visit it, you will realize that this is a mountain, and what a mountain indeed!
It is unique from many points of view, and it has played a great role in the long history of Jewish people. I had a rare privilege to visit this extraordinary place, and here I want to share with you my impressions about it.
[Handel: Suite No 4 in D Minor, HWV 437, Sarabande]
The base of Masada is at a negative altitude because it raises above the Dead Sea, the lowest depression on the planet. The mountain starts at 420 meters below the world’s sea level and it raises above the Dead Sea up to 460 meters. This means that it is only around 40 meters above the world’s sea level, a truly unique feature.
The summit of the mountain is rather flat, an area of about 550 m by 270 m, and it contains ruins of an old fortress and the palace of King Herod.
As far as I could see there was only one route to the top, called ‘snake path’, which zigzags from the Dead Sea side, up the eastern slope of the mountain. You will start your walk in the area which is above the car parking and below the cable car station. The start of the route is marked by a green flag.
Of course, this is a popular place and when you set off for your pilgrimage toward the summit, you will have gondolas all the time going up and down above your head. The path is well maintained, with stone stairs at many places.
Near the top, at the altitude of +33 m (note, this is with respect to the world’s sea level), the route joins the passage from the upper cable car station. After just a few meters you are at the top. If you have walked your way up, you will be thirsty but do not worry; the first thing in front of you will be a place with excellent tap water.
All the route can be climbed within 40 minutes if you are fast, more realistically up to one hour, and you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Dead Sea and Jordan on the other side of the Sea. The area can be reached by car or by bus. It is on the attractive road from Jerusalem to Eilat, passing Kumran (Qumran) on the way. You will reach Masada in about one hour and a half from Jerusalem.
The text I found on Wikipedia says that the Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces initiated the practice of holding the swearing-in ceremony of soldiers who had completed their training, on top of Masada. The ceremony ends with the declaration: “Masada shall not fall again.”
When you read about the history of Masada you realize why this is so and why it is necessary for Jewish people to keep the memory of Masada alive. According to history books, there was a long siege of Masada by Romans in years 73 and 74 of the Christian era. They built a wall around the mountain so that nobody from the fortress on the top could escape. Their camps are still clearly visible everywhere around almost 2000 years later, including the wall they built, see the photos which I give here.
Romans could not do anything until they built a huge assault ramp which is still there. As you can imagine, the story ended tragically, but not in the way Romans expected. When they finally entered the fortress, they realized that all 960 inhabitants committed a collective suicide of the kind never seen before or after that.
It appears that each man killed his wife and children first. Then they drew lots and killed each other, and finally, the only remaining one killed himself.
In the museum at the foot of Masada, they keep actual lots, eleven of them with names, found in one of the rooms on the top of the mountain. Apparently, these are the names of the last 11 who were taking part in the final deadly lottery.
After 20 centuries Jewish people are still under siege, and with an uncertain future, but indeed the same holds for many others around as well. The Masada tragedy should never repeat again.
Please leave your comments below, I shall be happy to read them.
Mustard Honey Online says
This is a quality content, marvelous story you had presented. I also went through different posts those were also with full of authentic information provided by you. This topic was very sticky and touchy one.
Jovo says
Thank you. I was deeply touched with the history of the place. Masada will remain with me forever. I visited many places in that stay in Israel, including the Yad Vashem museum which I left in tears. So Masada is the part of the global picture I got there.
Valerie says
I really enjoyed reading your post on Masada. My husband and I were fortunate to visit Israel about 8 years ago and one of our stops was a climb up to Masada. We actually climbed up the side that the Romans built the siege ramp on and then we went down the Snake Path on the Dead Sea side. Reading your post brought back a lot of great memories of visiting Masada. It was a bit of a climb but the view from the top is just magnificent. We explored the fortress and climbed down into the cistern and back up again. It is a great place to visit and I would also highly recommend it. Thanks for letting me reminisce about my visit.
Jovo says
Thank you Valerie for visiting my site and for the comment. I shall never forget the experience on Masada. So it appears I missed to walk the siege ramp built by Romans, not sure if this was possible when I was there. But indeed I have seen many people coming from that direction, I probably just overlook it.
Tony says
Awesome site. i really enjoyed reading about Masada and seeing your pictures. Well done. I think it is pretty neat that I saw your site so soon after watching NBC’s the Dovekeepers before Easter. I have always liked history so your site is right up my alley. I am looking forward to seeing more.
Jovo says
Thank you Tony, your words mean a lot to me. I myself was fascinated with Masada and with the story which lead to the title. Jovo
Gary says
Jovo,
Wow, your site is really looking great, I recall reading a bit that I really enjoyed, a while back and decided to get another taste.
I love this read on Masada and the great pics really help with the description!
I always find it so interesting when they are able to discover the base of a land mass that is invisible to the naked eye, and from the view described it certainly does sound mountainous!
Thanks again for the great read, time well spent, my best,
Gary
Jovo says
Many thanks Gary, Masada is rather unique in several ways. If you have chance to visit it do not hesitate. Jovo
Tammy says
Wow!! I loved your Masada post. The pictures are great and your information is very interesting. I would love to visit one day and float in the Dead Sea:-))
I love your site so much…I bookmarked it.
Thanks so much,
Tammy
Jovo says
And I love your reaction Tammy, many thanks. Jovo
Jewel Carol says
Hi Jovo
Wow, nice pictures you have on your “mountainsforeverybody” website. 🙂
Thank you for yr site, at least, seriously, I know about Masada, one day maybe I should visit Masada since I like historical places, lol. 😉 I didn’t know about the history behind, about the long siege of Masada by Romans in years 73 and 74 of Christian era, it is so sad and really tragic. ;(
Last but not least, I still love your blog post. Once again, thank you very much for writing such a great review on “Masada shall not fall again”. Great job!!
Jewel Carol
Jovo says
Very kind words Jewel, I am happy to read your lines. Many thanks. Jovo
Katie says
Enjoyed your article it was very interesting, and I loved the history behind the region to we do have some beautiful places around the world
Jovo says
Thanks for the comment Katie. Jovo
Judy says
Hi Jovo,
Enjoyed reading your blog about Masada. What a sad tragedy. Would like to make that journey sometime. I like visiting historical places. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Judy
Jovo says
Thank you Judy. Masada played a great role in Jewish history. I was touched with everything I saw there. Jovo
NemiraB says
Great website. So much information what I did not know. Thank you.
Jovo says
Thanks a lot NemiraB. Glad you liked it. Jovo
Dave says
Great inspiring photography along with facinating historial insights.
Jovo says
Thank you Dave. It was a great experience for me. Jovo
Peggy Menke says
Hi, Jovo. What a great article, I really love the photos. This place is awesome and such a tragedy it was. Thank you for sharing!
Jovo says
Thanks a lot Peggy. It makes me happy that you like the text and photos. Best regards. Jovo
Ty Jord says
I’ve always been fascinated with nature’s architecture and places like this, also with the stories of the past that have brought what we see here today into existence.
The pics really add a feeling to your post as if I was personally visiting, thanks for sharing this experience.
Best wishes.
Ty
Jovo says
Those are very kind words Ty. Many thanks. Jovo
K says
What a fascinating place – full of history. A very interesting read.
Jovo says
Many thanks, it is fascinating in every sense. Jovo
Laura says
It looks so…. without life. All those rocks and absolutely no grass, nothing green at all. I guess staying there for some time would depress a person a little.
Just a thought. 🙂
Judging from the smiles on your faces, you had a wonderful time. Good for you!
🙂
Laura
Jovo says
Thank you Laura. They say that 2000 years ago they could grow vegetable on the top. Otherwise they would not survive 2 years of siege. Jovo
Kristina says
Hi! Interesting post and great pictures! I would love to go see Masada some time. There are so many interesting places to visit in that area, and the history is fascinating. I really like that you not only show some pictures but also tell the story, thank you!
Blessings, Kristina
Jovo says
Many thanks Kristina, kind words. Indeed fascinating area with a lot of history. Jovo
Darius says
Wow, very beutifull pictures there, enjoyed reading and keep it up, great job! – Darius.
Jovo says
Thank you Darious, it is great to read your comment. Jovo