The only contemporary account of it was by Josephus, and it was the final refuge of insurgents in the Jewish Revolt.
Soldiers who have completed their basic training are sworn in on this site "which will not fall again". Roads leading to this site included the Serpent from the east, and an easier ascent from Lake Asphaltitis, and its highest point is called the White Promontory. It served as a settlement for Byzantine monks in the fifth century, and was built by a man referred to only as Jonathan, which could refer to Alexander Yannai. After being taken by Menahim, it was seized by Eleazar and his sicarii through treachery. Flavius Silva, using machines devised by Vespasian and Titus, used it as the target for gigantic ramps, the remnants of which are still visible. The only contemporary account of it was by Josephus, and it was the final refuge of insurgents in the Jewish Revolt. FTP, name this mountain fortress where only seven survived a mass suicide in 73 AD.
Soldiers who have completed their basic training are sworn in on this site "which will not fall again".
{Masada}