Some observations on the role of the middle terrace of the northern palace of Herod at Masada (Pl. II-IV)

This article deals with the functions of the architectural complex of the middle terrace in the Northern Palace at Masada, which comprises two parts: the round structure (tholos) and five rectangular niches. A close and detailed study of these architectural elements and comparisons with other similar architectural elements, like those in Israel (Paneas/Banias), Italy (Augustus' palace on the Palatine Hill and Forum of Augustus in Rome, Villa Hadriana in Tivoli) and Greece (round temples of the Classical-Hellenistic and Roman periods), indicate the religious-cultic purpose of the architectural complex of the middle terrace at Masada.