Masada

The fortress of Masada was located near the western shore of the Dead Sea. Originally constructed during the reign of Alexander Jannaeus. Herod's family and supporters, about 800 in number, took refuge at Masada during the three-year reign of the Hasmonean Antigonus (Ant. 14.14.6-15.3; 390-412; War 1.15.1-6; 286-302). After he became king, Herod expanded and renovated the fortress at Masada. Josephus describes the fortress at Masada as follows, "After following this perilous track for thirty stadia (one stadion = c. 185 m.), one reaches the summit, which, instead of tapering to a sharp peak, expands into a plain. On this plateau the high priest Jonathan first erected a fortress and called it Masada; the subsequent planning of the place engaged the serious attention of King Herod." (War 7.284-86). Josephus then goes on to describe the details of Herod's expansion of Masada (War 7.286-94). Herod encloded the entire summit with a wall seven stadia long, twelve cubits high (one cubit = c. .5 meter) and eight cubits thick. The wall included thirty-seven towers, from which access to rooms built into the exterior wall was possible. Herod built a system of large cisterns to collect the little rain water that fell; the result was a ample supply of water year round. He also built storehouses for food and wine, which he kept fully stocked. On the northwest, Herod built a palace, which included, among other things, a bathhouse. At the extreme north of the summit is located a three-tiered private palace or villa for Herod's personal use.

Remains of the Caldarium from the Bathhouse

Frescoes and Pilasters on the Southern Part of the Lower Terrace of Herod's Private Palace or Villa