Masada, ISRAEL: An aerial photo of the ancient hilltop fortress of Masada in Judean desert,  20 April 2007. A new museum will be inaugurated 03 May 2007 and will house the archeological findings of the Herodian Palace. Masada was the mountain fortress constructed by King Herod that was occupied by Jewish rebels after the Jewish revolt in the first century. The rebels defended themselves from a Roman army for months. When it appeared that the Romans would finally conquer the fortress hundreds of rebels committed suicide rather than be taken prisoner by the Romans. Although this fort is not mentioned in the Bible it does give insight into the Roman military method as well as the life of King Herod and his construction.  AFP PHOTO/MENAHEM KAHANA (Photo credit should read MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP/Getty Images)
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