Masada is an ancient fortification in the Southern District of Israel situated on top of an isolated rock plateau, akin to a mesa. It is located on the eastern edge of the Judaean Desert, overlooking the Dead Sea 20 km east of Arad. The rhomboid-shaped mountain towers 434 metres above the level of the Dead Sea. It was built as a palace complex, in the classic style of the early Roman Empire, by Herod...