The Length of the Siege of Masada

Abstract

The siege of Masada is generally thought to have been long and arduous.  The logistical difficulties, however, would have impelled the Romans to capture the fortress as quickly as possible, and the small number of Jewish defenders could not have slowed them down significantly. Thus, the siege lasted only as long as it took to build the siege ramp, which was built over a natural spur.  Reference to historical and experimental construction rates suggest it would have taken between four and seven weeks.  This fits in with a siege beginning around March 1^st and ending in the middle of April.