The Siege of Masada (72-73 CE) was a pivotal event in the First Jewish–Roman War, occurring at a fortified hilltop in present-day Israel. Our primary historical source for this event is Flavius Josephus, a Jewish leader turned Roman historian.^[100] Masada, described as an isolated table-mountain, was initially a Hasmonean fortress, later fortified by Herod the Great. It became a refuge for the Sicarii, a Jewish extremist group, during the Roman War.^[101] The Sicarii, along with families, occupied Masada after overtaking a Roman garrison and used it as a base against both Romans and opposing Jewish groups.^[102]

In 72 CE, Roman governor Lucius Flavius Silva besieged Masada with a large force, eventually breaching its walls in 73 CE after constructing a massive siege ramp.^[103] Josephus records that upon breaching the fortress, the Romans found most inhabitants dead, having chosen suicide over capture.^[104] However, modern archaeological findings and scholarly interpretations challenge Josephus' narrative. There's no clear evidence of mass suicide, and some suggest the defenders were either killed in battle or by Romans upon capture.^[105]

Despite historical debates, Masada remains a potent symbol of Jewish heroism and resistance in Israeli national identity, often associated with themes of bravery and sacrifice against overwhelming odds.^[106]