Judean Desert from Masada - February 2011
Masada is an ancient fortification built by Herod the Great between 37 and 31 BCE in the Southern District of Israel. It is situated on top of an isolated rock plateau, akin to a mesa, on the eastern edge of the Judaean Desert, overlooking the Dead Sea. According to Josephus, the Roman troops laid siege to Masada from 73 to 74 CE, which ended with the mass suicide of the 960 Sicarii rebels who were hiding there.

The Israel Defense Force (IDF) holds their swearing-in ceremonies for the Israeli Armored Corps basic training on top of Masada. The ceremony ends with the declaration: “Masada shall not fall again.” Masada is one of Israel's most popular tourist attractions.