Time Line of Masada
1st - 2nd cent BCE The Hasmonean Kingdom first discovered Masada and utilized
the mountain as a fortress.
37 - 4 BCE Masada was fortified by Herod the Great.
66 CE The Great Revolt of the Jews against the Romans, rebel fighters made Masada their headquarters.
70 CE The destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem; rebel fighters
who survived the attack on Jerusalem fled to
Masada, increasing the fortress' population to almost 1,000 people.
70 - 73 CE Jewish rebel fighters continued to carry out attacks against the Romans from their headquarters on Masada.
73 CE The Roman 10th legion, consisting of over 8,000 troops was sent to lay siege to Masada. After a few months of siege, the Romans successfully breached the walls of the fortress. The Romans conquered the mountain and stationed troops there for a few decades.
5th century A group of Byzantine Monks made Masada their home and remained on the mountain for about 100 years.
19th century Attempts were made to rediscovered Masada.
1920 - 1955 Masada became the destination for
youth groups traveling by foot to Masada in search of a
symbol of inspiration and strength. These pilgrimages
became particularly significant during the 1940’s while the Holocaust was underway in Europe.
1955-56 Archaeological excavations led by Shmarya
Gutmann unveiled ancient remains of Masada’s history.
1963-65 Archaeological excavations continued under the leadership of Yigal Yadin.
1966 Masada National Park was opened for tourists.
1971 The cable car was constructed opening up Masada to close to a million visitors annually.