The research counters a long-held narrative about the first-century Roman siege of the fortress. The legend of Masada is etched into Jewish lore: For years, the story goes, ancient Jews held out ...

Finally, in late 73 CE Flavius Silva approached Masada. The Sicarii were still awaiting the End, which they thought would be presaged by heavenly chariots, not Roman legions. It is likely that ...