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Israel Wilderness of Judea Masada
Location:
Masada
Description:
Steps leading into Herod's pool at Masada. The black line on the stonework indicates the level of the original wall. Stonework above the line has been reconstructed to approximate the structure's original appearance.


Location:
Masada
Description:
Bathtub with faux marble frescoes on the walls of the caldarium at Masada.


Location:
Masada
Description:
The two structures (center) are ruins of a church built by monks during the Byzantine period. Herod's Western Palace lies behind the Byzantine church. The royal wing is located to the left of the structure.



Location:
Masada
Description:
Frescoes on the walls of Herod's palace at Masada.


Location:
Masada
Description:
Store rooms at Masada. When the Zealots committed suicide to avoid capture by the Romans (A.D. 73), they left abundant food in these store rooms to demonstrate to their enemy that they had not feared starvation.


Location:
Masada
Description:
Roman siege camp at the base of Masada.


Location:
Masada
Description:
Using the sun's reflection from mirrors, Herod sent messages from his Northern Palace to Jerusalem by way of his palace at the Herodium.


Location:
Masada
Description:
The Zealots' poverty is evidenced by the stove or cupboard that is built here on top of Herod's elegant mosaic floor, showing the contrast between the resources of Herod and the Jewish Zealots.


Location:
Masada
Description:
View from the summit of Masada, looking east, as the sun rises over the Dead Sea.


Location:
Masada
Description:
The hills of the Wilderness of Judea lie to the west of Masada.


Location:
Masada
Description:
The land drops sharply from the hills of the Wilderness of Judea to level land along the Dead Sea.


Location:
Masada
Description:
The columns and artwork that remain on the lower terrace of Herod's Northern Palace.


Location:
Masada
Description:
From this room Herod and his guests could enjoy the view north towards En Gedi.



Location:
Masada
Description:
This wall is on the middle terrace of Herod's Northern Palace. It is an example of the architecture that formed the round hall.


Location:
Masada
Description:
The entrance into the large cistern on Masada. During the winter months, wadis to the west of the fortress swell with rain water. These waters run into cisterns. Herod used slaves and animals to transport this water from the base of the mountain to this enormous cistern on top.



Location:
Masada
Description:
This fresco is an example of the artwork that lies between the columns in Herod's Northern Palace.


Location:
Masada
Description:
Ornate columns remain in the lower terrace from Herod's original construction. Between these columns are colorful frescoes, now protected by glass.


Location:
Masada
Description:
This Roman encampment was located on the west side of Masada near the siege ramp. The Roman soldiers in this encampment would have guarded the Jewish slaves for three years as they constructed the siege ramp.


Location:
Masada
Description:
The supports for the raised floor are visible in the lower left. These allowed hot air from a wood fire to circulate below, raising the water temperature.


Location:
Masada
Description:
The openings in the wall are where the furnace was located in Herod's bathhouse. Short posts were supports for the raised floor.



Location:
Masada
Description:
Located in the center of Masada, this watchtower monitored all areas of the fortress.


Location:
Masada
Description:
The two structures (center) are ruins of a church built by monks during the Byzantine period. Herod's Western Palace lies behind the Byzantine church. The royal wing is located to the left of the structure.


Location:
Masada
Description:
The entrance and steps leading into Herod's swimming pool. Water on Masada was scarce. Slaves carried large amounts of water, collected during rainy season, up the mountain to fill the pool and cisterns.


Location:
Masada
Description:
View from the central watchtower on the summit of Masada. The ruins in the foreground are storehouses. The structure in the center is the bathhouse. Herod's Northern Palace can be seen in the background.


Location:
Masada
Description:
The entrance to the large cistern is located in the northern portion of the fortress near the synagogue.


Location:
Masada
Description:
Many believe that life could not have existed on Masada because it was barren. But during the winter months, wadis to the west of the fortress swell with rain water. These waters run into cisterns. Herod used slaves and animals to transport the water from the base of the mountain to this enormous cistern on top.