Masada fortress is one of the most popular tourist spots in Sarael and one of the most magnificent ancient ruins.
Originally built by Herod the Great a Roman puppet king in Judaea in the 1st century BC.
Located above a 400 meter high rock plateau, natural rocks that surround the plateau are so sharp and almost impossible to climb.
There are only two paths through rock formations that lead to the entrance of the fortress.
Throughout history, Masada has proven to be a fortress that is worth maintaining because it has the advantage of its strategic layout.
In the second half of the first century, several hundred years after Masada was built, the Jewish extremist group, known as Sicarii, managed to enter the fortress and slaughter all Roman troops.
They rebelled against Roman rule and looted Jewish villages in favor of the Roman Empire.
After conquering Masada, Sicarii chose him as their headquarters.
But their defenses finally collapsed after a 3-month Roman siege involving 15,000 soldiers in the 8th century.
However, when the Roman army entered the fort, they found unimaginable horror scenes.
All storage places, arsenal and residences on earth were destroyed by Sicarii.
The only people who live inside the Masada fortress are only two women and five children.
While the Romans prepared for the siege, Sicarii scouts noticed that the army consisted of Roman soldiers and Jewish prisoners who were forced to fight their brothers.
The Sicarii leader decided not to engage in fighting against Jews.
Next he ordered all Sicarii members to commit suicide so as not to fight with fellow Jews.
The Sicariis were so loyal to their leaders that 960 of them committed suicide or killed those who chose not to obey orders.
Only seven people chose to hide and waited to be captured by the Romans.
The mass suicide incident in Masada is considered one of the largest and most grim mass suicides in recorded history.
Source
This article airs on Online Digest with the title: Masada fortress, Where 960 Jews Kill Bulk.