Descend 1,200 metres from Jerusalem through the wilderness to the Dead Sea and, with Jericho in the distance. We continue along the shores of the Dead Sea to Masada. As we ascend in the cable car, we look down at the Snake path which was used two thousand years ago when King Herod built this fortress cum palace. In fact, there were two palaces, as well as a swimming pool and a well-preserved beautiful bath-house.
Maintained by a small Roman legion after the death of Herod, it was seized by Jewish zealots at the beginning of the Jewish revolt against the Romans which culminated in the destruction of the Second Temple in the year 70 CE. We stand over the ramp, built for the Romans by their Jewish slaves, which facilitated the breaching of the wall after three years of siege.
On our return journey we pass the oasis of Ein Gedi where David hid from the wrath of King Saul (I Sam 24:1ff) and stop to see the caves at Qumran where the two thousand year old Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.
At a Dead Sea resort we take the opportunity to cover ourselves with black mud, even our faces and bald spots! As long as two thousand years ago, Queen Cleopatra realised that it was the mud which kept her young and alluring for Mark Anthony! We wash the mud off in the sulphur pool, fed by the nearby springs.
Finally we enjoy a therapeutic swim in the Dead Sea. The water is 35 percent salt and even those who cannot swim can float. Tired but feeling and looking years younger we end the day!
