Masada

Model of Herod's Northern most palace on the top of Masada. After Herod put to death two of his sons for allegedly plotting against him, Caesar Augustus reportedly said, "It is better to be Herod's pig than his son." (Since the Jews didn't eat pork) Macrobius, Saturnalia, Book II.

Herod would use the lower palace as lodgings for important visitors and for meetings with VIP's from Rome.

This model shows channels on the lower part of the mountain to catch rainwater, which was fed into cisterns. Teams of donkeys would bring the water the rest of the way up.

A view of the Roman siege ramp built by the 10th legion.  The Romans pushed a siege tower to the top of the ramp, overcoming the last defenders of the Jewish war. 

About half of our group rode the cable car to the top of Masada and the rest walked up. Our pastor Matt and his wife Joyce finishing their walk with Neil in the center.

View from the top of Masada with the Dead Sea in the distance.