𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗱𝗮 - 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲 #history #historyofjerusalem #biblicalplace #ancientisrael #travel #masada

Location
1. Masada is located at the Dead Sea's southern end, about 40 miles (64 km.) southeast of Jerusalem.
2. It's a natural flat mountain that rises up from the valley floor some 1,000 ft. (305 m.). It's like a huge column with sheer cliffs on every side that makes it virtually unreachable.
3. Ancient Gomorrah lies at the base of Masada and ancient Sodom is south of Masada about 14 miles (23 km).

Historical Background Leading up to the Fall of Masada
1. Masada was one of 3 fortified fortresses King Herod built for pleasure purposes and from which to protect his territories. He built Masada in about 24 BC.
2. Masada was fortified with elaborate water cisterns fed by diverting water from the nearby mountains. It even had swimming pools and many of the luxuries life afforded at that time.
3. Besides ample water storage, Masada had 15 food storehouses, enough for 10,000 people for 10 years.
4. In 66 BC, events began to unfold in Israel that caused the Jews to rebel against Roman rule.
5. In 66-70 AD, when the nation was in revolt, Jewish Zealots who had fled from Jerusalem and the surrounding areas took the fortress of Masada from Roman occupation. They were national Freedom Fighters who opposed Roman rule. In their conquest, they gained possession of all the food and water stored at Masada.
6. Between 66–70 AD, Rome conquered all the northern cities of Israel.
7. In 70 AD, under Titus's command, the Romans destroyed