Masada

We visited Masada today near the south end of the Dead Sea. Though I have read much of Masada in years past--most recently Stephen Dando-Collins's "Caesar's Legion: The Epic Saga of Julius's Caesar's Elite Tenth Legion"--I was surprised on three fronts. First, but the amazing height of the city above the Dead Sea plain. (I include here a video of the tram ride up). This is a truly spectacular summit, and indeed almost frightening on its edge with a stiff desert wind blowing. Second, I was amazed at the sheer size of the settlement and fortifications on the summit. Third, in view of all of this the engineering and military feat of the Tenth Legion in assailing this stronghold is truly remarkable.