Day 3 in the morning at Masada along the Dead Sea

We began our first day off pilgrimage at Masada, a fortress built by King Herod and later used by Jewish leaders as they revolted against Rome in 70 AD. 

We took a tram to the top of the fortress that is now a national park in Israel and serves as a rallying cry for survival.

As you come to the top of the tram there is a catwalk built which takes you to the top. From the top you see a stunning view of the Dead Sea.

Below is another catwalk built to take you by the cisterns which held water for those living in the fortress.

In the photo below you can see our group looking over the edge of the fortress towards the area where the Romans arrived for the great showdown in 74 AD as they built a battering ram to enter the fortress that was being controlled by leaders of the Jewish Revolt.

There were many rooms like the one below constructed on top of Masada too house people and food that was stored. There was even a synagogue for worship.

The Jewish flag stands atop Masada reminding visitors of the pride felt for those in the revolt who would ratther die than live as slaves in the Roman Empire. This event was remembered in the Hollywoood  blockbuster Masada featuring Peter O'Toole if any of you would like to see more of the fortress or that conflict. The flag below stands atop Masada today.