Click to EnlargeAvir 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.