This desert fortress by the Dead Sea stands as a timeless testament to the courage of the Jewish people.

In the southern Judean Desert in Israel, adjacent to the massive Dead Sea, stands the desert fortress of Masada, one of the most unique sites of all time and a testament to the courage of the Jewish people. The fortress at Masada was built by King Herod the Great atop an immense plateau of rock overlooking the Dead Sea, complete with two palaces and living quarters that could sustain nearly a thousand inhabitants. During the Great Jewish Revolt against the Romans (66 ? 73 A.D.), more than 900 Jewish Zealots took up residence at the fortress, using it as the last outpost of defense against the Romans. Hike or take the cable car to explore this remarkable site, including what remains of one of the oldest known synagogues in the world.