MEA Weekly Picture from Israel

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Avir is making his way down a steep descent to the Northern Palace of King Herod, situated at Masada.   King Herod, ruled Israel on behalf of the Roman Empire at the end of the first century B.C.E.  During his reign he built splendid cities, fortresses and villas.  At Masada, he built two massive constructions on this mountain top.  This included two luxurious palaces, a swimming pool, several lavish bathhouses, and a giant water system.  Hence became known as King Herod the Great.

The Northern Palace is located on the highest part of the mountain.  It is built on three levels along the northern edge of the cliff and commands magnificent views of the Dead Sea, the adjoining mountains and desert.   On the upper terrace of the Northern Palace one can find the remains of the living quarters for the king and a semi-circular portico.  A stairway continue down to the middle terrace that was a decorative circular reception hall.  The lower terrace was also for receptions and banquets. It was enclosed on all four side with porticos and included a Roman bathhouse.    The bath house was not only for washing but also for relaxing, enjoying spa-type treatments and for socializing.  Private bath houses were a luxury afforded for only the very wealthy, especially those living on Masada in the middle of the desert, where water was a rare and valuable commodity.

Masada National Park was declared a United Nations World Heritage Site in 2001.

MEA Weekly Picture from Israel

Pictures from Israel

Click to Enlarge

Avir at the Byzantine West Gate in the ruins at Masada

Avir is taking a photo close by to part of the Masada fortress, known as the Byzantine West Gate which was so named by Byzantine Monks who lived here in the 5th Century onwards. The settlement consisted of a small group of monks who built “cells” scattered over the summit.  Some also probably lived in caves because of the crosses that were painted on the walls.  It is assumed that they were forced to leave this location when the Persian conquest of Judea began in the 7th Century.  The Monks were the last inhabitants of Masada, which left Masada unoccupied and ‘lost’ to antiquity until it was rediscovered in 1838 by an American named Edward Robinson.

Today, visitors to Masada can either walk up to the top along the very steep and ancient ‘Snake Path’ or by cable car which provides spectacular views of the surrounding landscape right across Ein-Gedi National Park and the Dead Sea.

A visit to Masada offer a thrilling and exciting experience.  The chilling stories and the archaeological remains contribute to a special atmosphere preserved by historic events and the imagination of a time when a David and Goliath battle took place, but with a different outcome.

You will see more of Avir and his exploring of Masada next time.