The lowest point of land on the planet, the Judean Desert, is located in the fault of the continents, between Africa, Europe and Asia.

One of the saltiest water bodies in the world, the healing properties of which are known throughout the world since ancient times.

But there is almost no rainfall here. Only 20 mm a year!

Herod the Great, king of the Roman province of Judea, created a unique water supply system in the middle of the desert. He turned the top of the mountain plateau into a fortress with fountains and green gardens. Providing this barren land with water was the greatest achievement of engineering.

Indeed, a great builder. In the Hebrew language, the word for “fortress” is Masada.

The last point of the epic epic of the Jewish war against Rome. It offers stunning views of the neighboring country and much of the Jordan Valley.

Here is how Josephus described Herod’s engineering solution:

“He circled the whole summit in seven stages in circumference with a wall of white stone, twelve cubits high and eight cubits wide; 37 towers were erected on it, each of which reached fifty cubits high; from these towers it was possible to pass into dwelling houses attached to the inner side of the wall.”VII, 8.3)

Half a century later, the rebels against Rome settled in these premises.

Human history has never known a more glorious end to rebellion than the fall of Masada.

Imagine that everything is destroyed to the ground, Jerusalem is a heap of ruins, all the cities and fortresses of Judea, Samarin and Galilee are in the hands of the Romans. Only one fortress in the whole country still stands. She doesn't give up, the lonely fortress of Masada.

There is no hope of winning, no way out except surrender or flight. So, except for the shame. They will remain faithful to the idea of freedom until the end. They know what awaits them, their wives and children, if they surrender to the Romans.

And they didn't give up. Their children and wives were not enslaved, and none of the legionnaires could abuse their loved ones.

None of the rebels died a crucifixion to a harrowing slave death. How? Details on my tour of Masada.

The lift on the funicular is not included in the cost of the excursion.

And, of course, the beach, one of the most unusual in the world. There is a choice of free and paid beach.