The Roman siege system of Masada

A 3D computerized analysis of a conflict landscape

Datos Bibliográficos

ID12373630
AutoresHai Ashkenazi (0000-0002-4096-1311, Goethe University Frankfurt, autor de correspondencia), Omer Ze'Evi-Berger (University of Bonn), Boaz Gross (Tel Aviv University), Guy D Stiebel (0000-0002-1509-1000, Tel Aviv University)
Año2024
Volumen37
Número1
Páginas215-240
Fecha de publicación2024-06-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaJournal of Roman Archaeology (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1047-7594 • E-ISSN: 2331-5709
EditorialCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s1047759424000084
OpenAlexW4402011656
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas24

The 1st-c. CE Roman siege system of Masada exhibits a high degree of preservation due to its remote location and the arid climate. However, unlike the thoroughly excavated Masada fortress, the siege system has not received due attention. This article is part of a research project aimed at advancing our understanding of the conflict landscape around Masada using contemporary archaeological methods. Following a comprehensive surface survey and photogrammetric 3D modelling, we show that the circumvallation wall stood to a height of 2–2.5 m and served several functions – as an obstacle, a means of psychological warfare, and a platform from which to mount counterattacks. Based on our measurements and workload estimations, we argue that the construction of the siege wall and the camps around Masada occurred fairly quickly

Ancient history · Archaeology · Art · Fortress (chess · Geography · Mount · Pelican · Siege · Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology and History · Archaeological Research and Protection · Archaeology and Historical Studies · Engineering · History