How did the story of Masada become known?

Answer 1

Josephus Flavius included the story of what occurred on Masada in his history of the Jewish revolt against the Romans and the fall of Jerusalem in 70 CE. He wrote that two women and five children hid themselves during the mass suicide and they told him of the events that took place on top of Masada. They also told him of the last speech of the Zealot leader, Elazar Ben Yair.

In the 1950s and '60s, archeological excavations led by archeologist Yigael Yadin proved the truth of much of Josephus' writings.

Answer 2

It is famous for an ancient battle that happened there during the first Jewish-Roman war. the settlement was a formidable fortress held by the Jewish rebels. they retreated to the fortress after rebellion collapsed in 72BC. the siege of the fortress is particularly of interest to military historians because it demonstrated intricacies of Roman siege techniques during the period.

also Masada has in recent years become a symbol of Jewish determination and resistance because through archeology done by Yigael Yadin, it was found that the Jews committed mass suicide rather than surrender to the Romans. Currently members of IDF are sworn in at the site of the fortress