Time Line of Masada

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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.