Publications
From Masada to Sarikamis: Trauma and Defeat Turns Into Heroic Resistance and Ontological Security
Right-wing populist elites in Turkey and Israel leverage historical traumas—such as the Battle of Masada (73 CE) and the Battle of Sarikamis (1914–1915)—to construct national-religious narratives that foster ontological security. Despite differing socio-political contexts, these cases demonstrate how defeat is reframed as 'heroic resistance,' strengthening nationalist identity. The study analyzes speeches to propose a socio-psychological framework explaining this process, showing how trauma becomes a tool for collective memory and political mobilization.
The Roman siege system of Masada: a 3D computerized analysis of a conflict landscape
A novel analysis of the Roman siege system at Masada reveals that its circumvallation wall, standing 2–2.5 meters tall, served multiple strategic functions—acting as both a physical barrier and a psychological deterrent while also providing a platform for counterattacks. Using surface surveys and photogrammetric 3D modeling, researchers determined the wall's construction likely occurred rapidly, challenging previous assumptions about the duration of such military operations. This study advances our understanding of Roman siege tactics by applying contemporary archaeological methods to a remarkably preserved but understudied conflict landscape.
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.
Photogrammetric Documentation and Visibility Analysis of the Roman Siege Works at Masada
A novel application of photogrammetry reveals critical insights into the Roman siege works at Masada, demonstrating how these structures influenced visibility and tactical control during the siege. The study identifies key vantage points and obstacles that shaped the Romans' strategic approach, offering a detailed spatial analysis of the site's defensive layout. By integrating high-resolution 3D modeling with visibility simulations, researchers reconstruct the operational dynamics of the siege, providing unprecedented clarity on how ancient engineering and military tactics intersected at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Las arengas de Eleazar y el asedio de Masada en Flavio Josefo: una crítica a los excesos de la retórica?
A critical analysis of Flavio Josefo's account of the siege of Masada reveals that Eleazar's famous speeches, far from being mere exhortations to fight, subtly critique the excesses of rhetorical rhetoric. The study, published in 'Sources et Modèles Des Historiens Anciens,' focuses on two prominent arengas where Eleazar, instead of urging resistance against Roman forces, advises the Jewish fighters to kill their women and children—a radical departure from traditional military rhetoric. By examining these speeches through a lens that questions their sincerity and purpose, the research uncovers a layered critique of rhetorical extremes, challenging both ancient and modern interpretations of Josefo's historical narrative.
Masada: From Jewish Revolt to Modern Myth
Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of Jewish resistance during the First Jewish-Roman War (66–73 CE), has long lacked a comprehensive overview beyond its popular excavation narrative. This study bridges that gap by synthesizing archaeological evidence with historical context, revealing Masada's layered significance from its Roman siege to its modern mythos. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating Yadin’s 1966 excavations with later findings and textual analysis to challenge long-held assumptions about the site’s occupation and abandonment. A key insight is the nuanced timeline of Masada’s use, particularly its post-revolt phase, which complicates traditional narratives of its destruction. The study also explores how Masada has been mythologized in Israeli culture, contrasting archaeological reality with national memory.
Dead Sea Earthquake-Source Scaling Using Masada Deep Borehole Data
Research at the Masada deep borehole (MDBI) reveals critical insights into earthquake source scaling along the Dead Sea rift, leveraging its unique low-noise environment. The study found that small-magnitude earthquakes can be effectively recorded using a triaxial seismometer installed 1256 meters below ground and 1516 meters below sea level. By analyzing P- and S-wave data with a general source relationship model, the team identified key parameters such as corner frequency (f0), which helps in understanding earthquake mechanics. This approach provides valuable data for seismic hazard assessment and further studies on tectonic activity in the region.
Length of the Siege of Masada
The siege of Masada, long believed to have been a prolonged and arduous endeavor, is estimated to have lasted only four to seven weeks. This conclusion emerges from analyzing the logistical constraints faced by the Romans and experimental data on construction rates. The Roman forces would have prioritized swift capture due to the challenges of maintaining a siege, making it unlikely that the small number of Jewish defenders significantly prolonged the operation. Historical and experimental evidence suggests the siege ramp—built over a natural spur—could have been constructed within this timeframe, aligning with a start date around March 1st and an end in mid-April.
Once Again: Who Captured Masada? On Doublets, Reading Against the Grain, and What Josephus Actually Wrote
A critical reassessment of Josephus' account reveals that Masada was captured by Jewish rebels, not Romans, during the First Jewish-Roman War (66 CE). The study challenges traditional interpretations by closely analyzing two conflicting passages in Josephus' 'War': one describing a Roman storming of Masada (2.408) and another attributing its capture to Eleazar ben Jair and the Sicarii (7.297). By avoiding overreliance on source-criticism or compositional analysis, the research demonstrates that Josephus' narrative is consistent when read contextually—both passages refer to Jewish rebels capturing Masada from Roman forces, with no actual doublet or intentional omission. This approach underscores the importance of contextual reading in historical texts.
Recovering Josephus: Mason’s History of the Jewish War and the Siege of Masada
Archaeological evidence supports the historical accuracy of Josephus' account of the siege and fall of Masada, contradicting Steve Mason's post-modern literary approach that questions its reliability. The study focuses on the assault ramp at Masada, demonstrating that empirical analysis of archaeological remains aligns with Josephus' testimony, providing confidence in its essential accuracy over alternative scenarios proposed by Mason.
Seismic Observations of Microearthquakes from the Masada Deep Borehole
Researchers have uncovered significant seismic activity beneath the Dead Sea basin (DSB) using a deep borehole seismometer installed at 1516 meters below sea level near Masada, Israel. This innovative approach recorded 1491 high-quality seismograms with a significantly higher signal-to-noise ratio than surface observations, detecting microearthquakes down to magnitudes well below M = 0. The study identified clusters of earthquakes occurring at depths of 10–25 km, providing unprecedented insights into the tectonics and hazards of the DSB. The findings suggest that the b-value for these events is higher than previously observed in the broader DSF area, indicating a unique seismic behavior in this region.
The Architecture of Herod, the Great Builder
Herod the Great's architectural achievements, particularly at UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Masada and Caesarea Maritima, showcase his engineering prowess during the Second Temple period. Ehud Netzer's analysis reveals Herod's strategic use of terrain, advanced construction techniques, and monumental designs that integrated both Hellenistic and local traditions. The study combines historical records with archaeological evidence, including illustrations and reconstructions, to shed light on Herod's role as a visionary builder who left an indelible mark on the landscape of ancient Israel.
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