FPL12092 – What Really Happened at Masada?

Masada is an ancient fortification located about 80 miles southeast of Jerusalem, overlooking the Dead Sea. Situated on top of an isolated rock plateau, it is one of Israel’s most popular tourist attractions. Tour guides tell visitors that the final confrontation of the First JewishÐRoman War (66 Ð 73 CE) took place there when Roman troops laid siege to the fortress and constructed a massive ramp they used to enter the fortress. When they arrived, the Romans discovered that the 960 defenders had killed themselves, preferring “death to slavery.” This version of the story has become one of the most significant and enduring sources of pride among Israelis. But what really happened at Masada? How accurate is the contemporary account written by Josephus? What have we learned from more recent archeological expeditions? Is there real evidence about what actually took place at Masada in 73? Let’s find out.