The ancient fortress of Masada has become a symbol of Jewish resilience

The desert sky is still speckled with stars as you embark on the breath-taking 45-minute ascent to this mountaintop citadel. Not long after you reach the top, the sun rises over the distant Dead Sea and morning light illuminates the excavated ruins of Masada.

This ancient fortress was built atop a remote rock plateau on the edge of the Judean Desert by King Herod around 37BC. The city was lavishly built, with synagogues, a swimming pool, two palaces, villas, cisterns, aqueducts, bathhouses, storerooms and over 30 guard towers.

The Romans took over Masada after Herod's death, but it was recaptured again in 66AD by a group of Jewish Zealots. More Zealots fled here after the Roman destruction of the second temple in Jerusalem in 70AD and Masada became the last Jewish stronghold in the country.

For four years, around 1000 Zealots lived in Masada while 15,000 besieging Roman soldiers twiddled their thumbs below. The Romans eventually built a ramp to reach the lofty complex, but when they finally charged in to capture their enemies, they discovered the grisly remains of 967 Zealots who had chosen to commit mass suicide rather than end up as Roman slaves.

Today Masada has become a symbol of Israeli resilience. Tourists flock here in droves to view the ancient ruins of this legendary fortress, unearthed by archaeologists in 1964.

A cable car trundles visitors to the top of the mountain, while the Roman Ramp and Snake Path provide uphill challenges for those who prefer to get here by foot.

Early morning is the best time to arrive in Masada, not just to watch the sun rise over the Dead Sea, but to avoid the unbearable desert heat.

Masada lies 20km south of Ein Gedi.