"Masada Sun Rise" Masada by freya_heaven

Masada Travel Guide: 170 reviews and 464 photos

Masada Sun Rise

Masada is a huge Rock next to the Dead Sea.

To get to the top you could take one of the two paths, or get the cable car.

Masada was first built on and used as a fortress in 103 BC. In 35 BC Herod the Great took Masada and planned to use it as a bolt hole should things turn sour for him with Cleopatra. In 66 AD Zealots captured the fortress, which them became a Jewish refuge, With a very tragic end...........................

The story goes, there were 967 people living on the summit of Masada, The Romans were about to successfuly storm and capture Masada, but the Jews decided they would rather die then be captured by the Romans.

So it was decided 10 people would kill the other 957 men, women & children, then 9 of the remaining would then kill themseves, the one remaining survivor would then set fire to the place before then killing himself.

Once the Romans were in Masada they found a woman & child who had hidden from the killing, which is how the story of what happened was told.

Very Tragic

There are of course other theories, but the above is the most dramatic & moving.

Today the story of Masada is important as a symbol of Israel, all Israeli school children visit Masada and the army have their swearing in ceremonies up there.

We got to Masada before Dawn and walked up to capture the Sunrise over the Dead Sea. Quite Hard work, but very worth it.

It is quite incredible what was built on the summit, villas with swimming pools, barracks, houses, public baths, advanced water storage system. The ruins of many of these can still be seen today.

Masada was forgotten for centurys, then it was seen from a boat on the Dead Sea in the 1800's and was then rediscovered

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beautiful views, Great history
Cons:Damn big walk to the top! (~_~)
In a nutshell:A "must "place to visit in Israel,

Intro Updated Jul 25, 2004
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Reviews (5)

More Masada Views Things to Do (4)

It is very understandable why someone would want to live up here, its beautiful. Once you get on the top one can... more travel advice

Dawn Hike Things to Do (4)

We set off before dawn to reach the summit and see the sun rise over the Dead Sea. It is quite a hike, apparently... more travel advice

Dead Sea Views Things to Do (4)

The views on all sides from Masada are gorgeous, but are particularly lovely on the Dead Sea Side, which is the side... more travel advice

Masada Summit Things to Do (4)

As mentioned in the introduction, there are still plenty of ruins up there to keep you busy, I dont think this photo... more travel advice

Warnings Or Dangers (1)
Torch Needed

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Written Feb 27, 2004

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Comments (9)

magor65 Sep 22, 2005 at 12:17 PM Report Abuse

I also climbed up Masada before dawn and must admit it is one of my greatest memories from Israel.
goingsolo Sep 8, 2005 at 7:38 PM Report Abuse

Beautiful photos! I visited Masada many years ago and remembered it being striking. Didn't hike to the top though. :) Maybe next time!
Bwana_Brown Jun 10, 2005 at 8:15 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for the little tour! I have always been impressed by that story and this place since I first read about it many years ago. It was nice to finally see what it really looks like!
cachaseiro Dec 3, 2004 at 5:58 PM Report Abuse

masada is totally amazing. i went there a couple of times myself when i lived in israel.
orke Nov 7, 2004 at 1:57 PM Report Abuse

great pics - climbing at early morning- thats really cool :-)
mariaschmidt Aug 17, 2004 at 11:16 PM Report Abuse

I admire your comments -they are very interesting and enlightening - mary
deecat Jul 30, 2004 at 11:29 AM Report Abuse

Unique. Outstanding introduction with interesting story and lots of information. Some incredible photographs. Thanks for such an enlightening tour.
almogaver May 24, 2004 at 3:24 PM Report Abuse

Wonderful your intro about the history of Masada. So many blood in this part of the world.........
kazander May 10, 2004 at 11:38 AM Report Abuse

Louis has tol me of his climb up Masada. Thank you for giving me some background info:)