The Roman Siege of Masada is one of those fascinating stories that continues to teach future generations.

If ONLY we listen…

Masada is a fortress in Israel, built over 2,000 years ago on top of a mountain above the Dead Sea.

Today, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations, and it is named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Why is it so popular?

Masada remains a symbol of “determination and heroism” because of the Jews who withstood the attack of the Romans in this ancient fortress. 

Here’s a breakdown of what took place:

The Siege of Masada occurred after the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD when around 1,000 Jewish citizens resisted Roman rule.

Their form of resistance was heading to the fortress of Herod the Great, which was designed to make it nearly impossible for the besiegers.

Essentially, the only way to defeat those within Masada would be to wait them out—until they were out of supplies.

However, the Jews were prepared for a prolonged battle.

War History explains, “Masada was well placed to resist any threat. Cisterns cut deep into the rock stored rainwater from storms. Large storerooms were filled with supplies. There was even some space on which to grow crops, providing the inhabitants with fresh food.” 

Even though the Jews in Masada were outnumbered five to one, they managed to survive in Masada for months on end. (Note: the exact duration of the siege is contested, with some saying months, others saying years.)

Even then, the Romans did not win the battle as they expected.

Upon making their way into Masada, the Romans discovered the remaining Jews had killed themselves as they chose to die at their own hands rather than their enemy’s hands.

Rick Steves explains:

The Jewish rebels realized they were doomed to a life of slavery, or worse. So, on the eve of the inevitable Roman breakthrough, Masada’s rebels methodically took their own lives. Today, that mass suicide is the symbol of Israel’s staunch ‘they’ll never take us alive’ commitment to freedom. And ‘Masada shall never fall again’ is a popular slogan, declaring Israel’s determination to remain free.

The defenders’ determination to outlast their enemies would not have worked without their sense of preparedness.

Preparedness Lessons from Defenders of Masada 

Here’s what we can learn from the Siege of Masada:

#1 – Resource Management

The Romans likely thought that they could just wait it out because, without supplies, the Jews would be easily defeated.

However, the inhabitants of Masada managed their resources very well.

According to Britannica, “Masada was chiefly developed by Herod, who made it a royal citadel. His constructions included two ornate palaces (one of them on three levels), heavy walls, defensive towers, and aqueducts that brought water to cisterns holding nearly 200,000 gallons (750,000 litres).”

The Jews knew water was essential for survival.

The defenders of Masada collected and stored rainwater in large cisterns.

Do you have a means for collecting and storing water?

Do you have water filtration tools to get clean water after disaster?

[Related Read: Survival Depends on Clean Water: How to Purify It]

Masada also had massive storage.

The inhabitants had stockpiled food, enabling them to survive for a prolonged period.

Do you have a stockpile of your own long-term emergency food? Do you know how to preserve food?

Every resource in Masada was carefully managed, which shows the importance of inventory management and rationing in survival situations.

#2 – Strategic Positioning 

Masada was situated on a plateau, making it difficult for attackers to succeed.

In addition to its strategic location, it was also built to protect against threats.

If SHTF, do you have a safe and secure bug-out location? 

Is your current home protected against outside threats? A fence, a security system, and strategic landscaping can go a long way toward protecting you against intruders.

[Related Read: Do You Have a Survival Retreat Plan? If Not, Get One ASAP.]

#3 – Problem Solving under Pressure

The defenders of Masada adapted to changing circumstances, such as repurposing resources and modifying strategies to counter the Roman siege techniques. 

Flexibility and the ability to adapt plans as situations evolve are critical skills for preppers.

Do you know how to MacGyver your way out of a dangerous situation? Start by learning different ways to use duct tape or vinegar in emergencies.

#4 – Community Cohesion

The unity and collective decision-making of the defenders highlight the importance of community and mutual support. 

Building a cohesive, supportive community can enhance survival chances.

Do you have like-minded friends in your community who value preparedness? Can you share ideas and supplies with them?

Another idea is to create your own bartering food supply line for when things get bad.

#5 – Long-Term Planning

The defenders of Masada weren’t just planning to hold off the Romans for a weekend.

They thought long-term—and they were successful.

The long-term survival of the Masada defenders depended on sustainable practices, such as growing food and maintaining water supplies.

We should think along these same lines when it comes to preparedness.

While having a pantry full of emergency food is excellent, you want to go beyond that and also have seeds so you can continue to grow your own food long after your supply runs out.

[Related Read: Why Every Household Needs Heirloom Seeds]

Learn from these brave defenders, friends.

In liberty,

Elizabeth Anderson

Preparedness Advisor, My Patriot Supply