‘Ben Yair’ Lot from Masada, 70 CE

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Choosing Death over Slavery

Date: 70 CE

Language and Script: Aramaic, alphabetic

General Information: One of 11 inscribed potsherds (ostraca) containing single names, this sherd bears in Aramaic script the name ben Ya’ir, undoubtedly Eleazar ben Ya’ir, leader of Masada’s defenders. The historian Josephus relates that when defense against the Romans seemed hopeless, the men at Masada cast lots to decide the order in which they and their families would commit suicide. This ostracon is probably the lot cast by Masada’s commander.

See also:

• Ben Yair Ostracon, Masada, believed by Yigael Yadin to be one of the lots drawn by the Zealots before committing suicide.
• Aerial view of Masada and siege ramp built by the Romans
• A Roman camp at the base of Masada.
• Josephus, War VII, 252-404: The Siege of Masada