Western Palace

Like other elected Herod's residence, and served as Masada fortress and palace; They rebuilt the wall, stretching for a mile on the steep side of the mountains, was 20 feet high, 12 feet thick and peremezhalas no less than 38 towers, each 70 feet or more. Most of the two palaces masadskih area was 36,000 square feet on the west side of the plateau. Many important finds discovered during the recent excavations, including the game show, as well as lobby with mosaic floors; Perhaps most of the early finds in the country coloured mosaics. The patterns carefully avoided figures of humans and animals, which could constitute a violation of the second commandment. Other very fine mosaics found in the swimming pool and garden. A new kitchen, and huge plates, and storage, large enough to allow residents Palace autonomy. "In times of Herod," says Igel Yadin, in the stores kept more expensive and sophisticated items than in public stores Masada. This can be seen scattered everywhere we found hundreds of pieces of fine vessels, as bottles and kuvshinchiki for cosmetic oils ". Michael Grant : "Herod the Great. Lying ruler of Judea"