336 402 A r c h i t e c t u r a l R e c o n s t r u c t i o n s

Fig. 510: The architectural reconstruction of the Herodian citadel and lower city with the aqueduct on a helicopter shot,

based on the three-dimensional computer-modeling of the surviving monument.

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A r c h i t e c t u r a l R e c o n s t r u c t i o n s @04 337

Fig. 511: The theoretical architectural reconstruction of Machaerus city in the first rays of the rising Sun.

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338 402 A r c h i t e c t u r a l R e c o n s t r u c t i o n s

Fig. 512: The architectural legacy of the Early Roman fortress. The building masonry of the post-Herodian period

is characteristically different, than the Hasomonean and Herodian ones. The Early Roman period was dat-

able on architecture-stratigraphical, numismatic and ceramological evidences, and on the bases of the inscribed

ostraca. The layout we received from the post-Herodian walls resulted a polygonal surrounding wall, that we

reconstructed into the ground plan. The northern and western towers were evidently already in ruins (as a result

of the 36 AD war of the Nabataean King Aretas IV against Tetrarch Herod Antipas), and in the Early Roman

period (most probably the Zealots) superimposed their surrounding wall on the ruined Herodian fortified palace.

T H E R O M A N P E R I O D

0 5 10 m

➢l e g e n d :

Rom an Er a (The surrounding wall and internal modifications)Structures from earlier period

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340 402 A r c h i t e c t u r a l R e c o n s t r u c t i o n s

Fig. 514: After the Legio X Fretensis captured the fortress under the command of Lucilius Bassus in 71 AD, they de-

stroyed the citadel, together with the lower city. On this 1953 aerial shot a huge amount of debris can be seen to the

north-east from the citadel and the lower city in the valley.

0 25 50 m

➢

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