The Jewish roots of Christianity

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A Synagogue at Masada
A Synagogue at Masada

Masada is a high hill cut out of the mountain range by deep gorges surrounding its base. It’s located about 2.5 miles from the western edge of the Dead Sea. It’s 1/2 miles by 220 yards and rises 2,000 feet above the level of the Dead Sea.

Masada was first built on in the 2nd century B.C. Herod the Great built a huge fortress on top of Masada in 40 B.C. In A.D. 70, a band of Jewish patriots captured Masada. Two years later, the Romans held siege against Masada. Rather than be captured by the Romans, 960 Jewish defenders of Masada killed themselves just before the Romans broke through the walls.

Excavations of Massada began in 1955–56 by Professor Yigael Yadin along with volunteers from many countries.

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