We set out early on the fourth day. We wanted to reach Masada before the day grew hot, and before the crowds grew. Masada is a popular destination.

When the Jews rebelled against the Romans in 70 AD, the Romans were ruthless in the quelling of the rebellion. They attacked Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple, and lined the roads with crucifixions.

 King Herod built Masada atop a 440 meter tall mesa overlooking the dead sea. The King placed his palace and supporting buildings upon it. The zealots took it over and held out against a Roman siege for seven months. Masada was equipped with a source of water and stocked with ample food to endure the siege. However, the Romans used slaves to build a ramp on one side of the mountain.

 The Zealots saw that the Romans would eventually be able to break through and overtake them. They took the extraordinary action of committing mass suicide rather than be enslaved. They destroyed all their valuables but left all the remaining food. They wanted to show the Romans that they died of choice rather than need.