Monday, March 5, 2012

Masada Museum

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This artist or scribe seemed to be painting or writing something on the sign outside the new (2007) Masada Museum.

It was very touching for me to go through the semi-dark exhibits for the first time.
Standing alone in the museum next to the life size statues, I felt very close to the people, both the Jewish zealots and also the Romans.
I even started to whisper to a few.

The end of the route and the end of the story was a lit case showing the 12 ostraca, the sherds with names written in ink, the lots by which were chosen the last rebels who would die by their own sword rather than become slaves for the conquering Romans.
This was the part that brought me tears, remembering them and all the 960 men, women, and children who chose death up on the fortress of Masada.

So it was a nice and needed lightening of heart when I exited and saw the guard dragging the outside statue guy in through the door just before closing time.
It made me laugh.
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Here is a nice 5 minute video about Masada National Park.
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(A post for Our World Tuesday and Monday Doorways .)
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16 comments:

  1. horrific memories...yet the guard moving the statue is ;-)

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  2. I have been to Masada a long time ago... The photo of the guy dragging the statue is quite funny!

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  3. I remember the first time I visited Masada, back in 1966. There was no tram up the side of the mountain, and in any case, vigorous chalutzik types would have shunned such luxury. Exhausting! And hot!

    Where is the Masada Museum? On top of the mountain?

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  4. Dina! I've missed you!!! I took a year off from my photo blog while I was in the states last year. I had visited your blog but it appeared as though you were on a hiatus too! I hope life is good. I read that Reader Wil is going to visit you soon - that's so cool. Have a wonderful time!!! Hugs.

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  5. such a deep post needs a light ending!



    Aloha from Honolulu
    Comfort Spiral

    >< } } ( ° >

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  6. hee hee...
    Good one, Dina, and a welcome contribution to Monday Doorways!

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  7. Helen, Yes, I too remember the pre-cable car days of shlepping up the Roman ramp in the heat.
    I didn't want to go to the top last week because we had a little toddler with us.
    The wonderful museum is at the base of the mountain, on the Dead Sea side.
    Guess what. They now also have restaurants, INCLUDING MAC DONALD'S!

    Susie of Arabia, welcome back to the Middle East. I will be right over (to your blog)!

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  8. Thanks for the video link. I remember seeing a tv movie about Masada once but it was long ago. The mountain and the ruins are really impressive.

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  9. a place i would want to visit one day cause this is a trip to the past of humanity in the same time!

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  10. Thank you for sharing that link; it was good to see Masada again. And I'd love to visit that museum too, someday.

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  11. How funny the guard and the statue. Good timing.

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  12. I am not familiar with the history of the event, but that kind of sacrifice rings a bell and I can understand if it brought tears to you, Dina.

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  13. You wouldn't think it would be so easy to move that statue. It looks rather heavy.

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  14. I needed that last photo too, and I was just reading your description. Great catch!

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