The Western Palace 17 – At 3,700 sq m, the Western Palace, built during Herod’s reign, is the largest structure on Masada. It was built around an earlier core to which service wings, guard rooms and storerooms. To the right of the entrance is a model of the reconstructed palace. Entering the palace through an entryway, you’ll see benches covered with stucco reliefs. Crossing the long narrow courtyard, notice the water channel on its eastern side. Crossing the elongated, well-plastered courtyard, you’ll see a model of the core of this grand palace. In this part of the palace is a room identified as a “throne room” because of four depressions discovered in the floor where a throne may have been placed. Ascend the flight of steps on the northern side of the courtyard to view the bath complex below, with its mosaics and stucco. Nearby is a reception room with a magnificent colorful mosaic. Going down the steps, you’ll see a room on the left containing two bathtubs and a water cistern. Now, head toward the public immersion pool. For mobility-challenged visitors and their helpers – Enter the door on the east side of the courtyard to see the mosaic in the core of the palace. Continue via an opening on the west side of the courtyard and you’ll notice a large stove used for cooking in the days of the rebels. At the end of the storage room turn left toward the public immersion pool. Public immersion pool 18 – This stepped pool was dug and plastered during the days of the Great Revolt. The wide steps allowed several people to enter the bath at once. Near the steps a dressing room was discovered, containing wall niches where clothing could be placed.
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