Masada is a rugged natural fortress, of majestic beauty, in the Judaean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea. It is a symbol of the ancient kingdom of Israel, its violent destruction and the last stand of Jewish patriots in the face of the Roman army, in 73 A.D. It was built as a palace complex, in the classic style of the early Roman Empire, by Herod the Great, King of Judaea, (reigned 37 – 4 B.C.). The camps, fortifications and attack ramp that encircle the monument constitute the most complete Roman siege works surviving to the present day.
Criteria for inclusion as a World Heritage Site
| # | ||
|---|---|---|
| iii | To bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared. | All |
| iv | To be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history. | All |
| vi | To be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance. (The Committee considers that this criterion should preferably be used in conjunction with other criteria). | All |
Nearby
Sites
| Name | Since | Distance | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| David’s Waterfall | 2020 | 17.3km | site_ao | ||
| Kerak Castle | 2019 | 36.3km | site_ao | ||
| Ma’in Hot Springs | 2019 | 41km | site_ao | ||
| Jordan’s Breathtaking River Canyons | 2019 | 26.9km | site_ao | ||
| Fortress of Machaerus | 2018 | 38.2km | site_ao | ||
| Masada: Israel’s Ancient Fortress | 2017 | 0.3km | site_ao | ||
Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town  | 2017 | 32.9km | site_whs |
About the source: UNESCO
Within UNESCO's broad remit, this specialised agency of the UN works towards international cooperation agreements to secure the world's cultural and natural heritage, designating venues of exceptional value as World Heritage Sites.