“MASADA FORTRESS” OF KING HEROD

Abstract

King/Great Herod/Hirodes (37-4 BC), one of the most important characters in Jewish history, had his name written on many important architectural works in and around Jerusalem during his time as a governor of Rome. This fortress-palace built by King Herod in the Judean Desert on a cliff is a reflection of his imagination and entrepreneurial spirit. King Herod, who was interested in architecture and urbanism, succeeded in succeeding in every job he attempted, no matter how unfavorable the geographical and topographical conditions were. Caesarea Maritima (ancient port city), Herodium (Fortress-palace), and Masada fortress-palace are among the best examples of this. In particular, the three-terraced "suspended palace" located in the Masada complex is one of the most important architectural examples of the Early Roman Empire. It also has an important place in Jewish history, as it is also known as the "Siege of Masada" in the history of Masada Castle, as a symbol of the resistance of the Jews against the Roman soldiers. The entire area where the Masada fortress-palace is located is a National Park and was established in accordance with the provisions of the National Parks, Nature Reserves, Monument Sites, and National Protected Areas Act (1998). Also, it is completely surrounded and protected by the "Judaean Desert Nature Reserve" established in accordance with the 1998 Act. The region was entitled to be included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2001.