Masada

About

Situated on a steep plateau overlooking the Dead Sea, Masada has been fortified since the 1st century BC, originally by Alexander Jannaeus, and later by Herod the Great. The site was etched into the annals of history when a group of nearly 1000 Jews made a desperate last stand against the Romans in 72 CE, choosing death rather than submit to the invaders. While the ruins of the vast palace are impressive, and there’s and excellent map-brochure and audio guide, the architectural highlights are the world’s best-preserved Roman siege-works. To reach the palace ruins, you can hike up the Roman siege ramp (there’s also a cable car if you don’t want to walk), and once atop the plateau, you’ll see at least one of the eight siege camps and the siege wall if you look down in any direction.