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Herod tested the virtues of Masada early in his career, while still struggling for power. His foes were then the Hasmoneans (more exactly, that part of the family that refused to collaborate with Rome) and their ally, Rome's major enemy in the East: the Parthians. Both groups were besieging him in Jerusalem. He made a break for it, together with his family and army. After narrowly escaping defeat at the place he would later build up as Herodion, Herod and his followers reached Masada. Here he installed his family, including his lovely fiance Mariamne (herself a Hasmonean), trusting that the natural strength of the place would protect them. He then went out on his own, seeking help. His search led him to Rome, where Octavian (later to be called Augustus) and Marc Antony saw his potential and persuaded the Senate to name him King of the Jews. He then returned (the whole journey had taken a year) and found that Masada had indeed protected his loved ones. With Antony's help, he went on to defeat his rivals, winning the throne in 37 BC.
The Herodian structures on Masada The Build-up to the First Revolt Against Rome Masada and the Jewish revolt against RomeThe Synagogue on MasadaLogistics for Masada
© 2003 Near East Tourist Agency (NET) Text © 2003 Stephen Langfur |