Masada, overlooking the Judean Desert and in the distance, the Dead Sea, is the ancient mountaintop fortress in southeastern Israel that is the site of the last stand of Jewish fighters against the Roman Army after the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE. Is is the location of a pivotal event in the First Jewish-Roman War. The siege from late 72 or early 73 CD culminated in the death of nearly 1000 fighters and their families according to the only contemporary account of the siege – that of Jewish traitor Flavius Josephus.
This brief study by historian and archaeologist Patrick Hunt discusses the topography, major commanders, order of battle, chronology, and unusual decisions and tactics to provide a clear overview of the siege. Viewing the archaeology of the site and history of the siege, he gives readers a unique perspective on the history, controversies, and legacy of “the last stand” of Jewish rebels who chose death over slavery.
About the Author:
Patrick Hunt, Ph.D. is an archaeologist and historian who has taught at Stanford University sine 1993. National Geographic Society’s Expedition Council sponsored his Hannibal Expedition in 2007-2008. He is the author of more than two dozen books and more than one hundred peer-reviewed journal articles.
