Masada

Masada has an incredible history.  Jewish zealots lived on top of this large plateau that overlooks the Dead Sea.  The Roman Empire took control of the plateau, and over 900 jews threw themselves off the cliffs to avoid being taken captive.

We stayed at a hostel at the base of the plateau and got up around 4 A.M. for a sunrise hike.  The hike was a little rough because it was straight up the plateau.  The view at the top made it totally worth it.  We made it up just in time to get settled and watch the sunrise over the Dead Sea.  It was amazing.

We then walked around and saw all the ruins.  It's so incredible to me that an entire civilization lived and thrived up on this desolate plateau.