Masada is an historical site in Israel, known for its ancient fortress and its significance in Jewish history. It is located on a high, isolated plateau overlooking the Dead Sea, and is a popular tourist destination.
Masada was originally built as a fortress by King Herod the Great in the last century BCE. It became the site of a famous siege during the First Jewish-Roman War, where Jewish rebels known as the Sicarii held out against the Roman army.
Masada is a powerful symbol of Jewish resistance and the struggle against oppression, especially due to the story of the mass suicide of the Jewish rebels before being defeated by the Romans.
The well-preserved ruins of the fortress and palaces, along with the Roman siege works, are a major draw for visitors and researchers. Recognized for its historical and cultural significance, Masada was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.