From Where Did the Romans Breach into Masada?

A new archaeological analysis challenges the long-standing narrative of Masada's Roman conquest. Contrary to Flavius Josephus' account, which describes a breach through the western wall using a siege tower and ramp, this study argues that the Romans entered Masada from the south via the Southern Gate. The research relies on a critical re-evaluation of Josephus' detailed descriptions, combined with archaeological evidence, to reconstruct the likely path of the Roman invasion. This reinterpretation not only revises our understanding of ancient siege tactics but also sheds light on the strategic considerations of the Romans during their campaign against Jewish forces in the First Jewish-Roman War.

Hadas, G. (2023). From Where Did the Romans Breach into Masada? Jerusalem Journal of Archaeology, 4, 137–154. https://doi.org/10.52486/01.00004.6