Masada is a fortress or place built for Herod to escape to if Jerusalem fell. It did fall but Herod didn't make it to the fortress. You can look up Masada on Wikipedia or watch the mini-series or movie. It is too much to cover here. Needless to say, the Romans did capture Masada but all of the Jews were dead. Each man had to kill his wife and children then the men killed each other and finally the leader fell on his sword. When the Romans entered Masada, only a couple of women and children were alive. Almost a thousand were dead. The key thing about Masada is that it is on top of a mountain. We rode a cable car up to the ruins of Masada.
Masada is on top of the "mountain"
Cable car ride up to Masada.
King Herod the Great had Masada built with all sorts of amenities. He had storerooms built, bath houses and a palace. Since water was difficult to get, he but an amazing way to fill his 10 cisterns. He captured the water from the flash floods that occurred from time to time.
Our guide (under the umbrella) explaining to our group in a food storeroom.
Ramp built by the Romans to conquer Masada
Next, we traveled to Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. A group of devout Jews or religious zealots moved out to near the Dead Sea and made copies of the Bible at that time. A copy of the book of Isaiah was found that was 3000 years old. We couldn't take pictures inside the museum but we could the outside of the building. When we got outside Pastor Brian was snapping pictures of us in front of the museum. I have none to post at this time.
The Dead Sea looks like any other large lake. Below is a picture taken as we drove along the highway.
Dead Sea shore.
The Dead Sea mud is suppose to be therapeutic. We all rubbed it on. Terry was amazed that I really floated in the Dead Sea. There is so much salt and minerals dissolved in it that I do float.
Rubbing mud on us.
What a way to spend my birthday. It was great.
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