This is my best tour of Masada and the Dead Sea. The tour is focusing on the cultural-historical aspects of the region. Especially when we will tour Masada National Park. So we will talk about the unavoidable clash between the Jewish world and the Roman Empire. Frankly said these two distinct cultures were bound to clash. In other words, Judaism is a monotheistic religion; which puts its faith in one transcendental good. And on the other hand, the Romans were polytheistic and worshiped multiple gods. So as you can gather, it was just a matter of time till the confrontation between the two worlds.
Best Tour of Masada And The Dead Sea: Masada National Park
The years 7–26 were relatively calm. But after 37 the province again began to be a source of trouble for Emperor Caligula. Furthermore, the cause of tensions in the east of the Empire was complicated; involving the spread of Greek culture; Roman Law, and the rights of Jews in the empire. Caligula did not trust the prefect of Egypt, Aulus Avilius Flaccus. Flaccus had been loyal to Tiberius, had conspired against Caligula’s mother, and had connections with Egyptian separatists.
THE ROMAN BATHS FOUND AT MASADA
In 38, Caligula sent Agrippa to Alexandria unannounced to check on Flaccus. According to Philo, the visit was met with cheers from the Greek population; who saw Agrippa as the king of the Jews. Flaccus tried to placate both the Greek population and Caligula by having statues of the emperor placed in Jewish synagogues. A big no-no for Jews.
THE ROMAN SIEGE CAMP AT THE BOTTOM OF MASADA
Tensions like these were occurring repeatedly along the first century till it climaxed in the First Jewish Revolt that broke out in the year 66 CE. Masada National Park was the very ending note of that revolt and we will discuss it more in length during the tour. Furthermore, we would examine why Romans insisted too much on conquering Masada. This remote fortress in the Judaean Desert. Why did they insist on investing so much effort in defeating a few hundred Jews; Mostly were women and young children. The men were not even fierce fighters.
THE LOWER LEVEL OF HEROD’S PALACE
Best Tour of Masada And The Dead Sea: Masada A World Heritage Site
One of the reasons why Masada was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO is due to the very well preserved siege system. While touring we will examine the Roman camps and I will elaborate on the Roman 10th Legion and the rest of the forces that took over Masada. One of the main reasons why it got preserved so well is due to the very dry conditions in the desert, and the fact the Romans used the local rocks as their building material. Contrary to wood and sawdust in Europe.
