Massada is a story I am familiar with. Apart from illustrating the heroism of ever faithful and zealous defenders Massada also marks a pivotal turning point in military strategy. Massada was very much like an ancient Alamo. The siege at Massada and the "heroic" actions of the zealous defenders inspired a rallying call for Jewish independence in the region for centuries, even to this very day.

Excellent story... kind of a first Alamo for the period.. There's been several movies and a mini-series about it.