A dramatization of the historical siege of the Masada citadel in Roman Palestine by legions of the Roman Empire in AD 73. A siege that ended when the Roman armies entered the fortress, only to discover the mass suicide by the Jewish defenders when defeat became imminent.
Episode 1
Part I
April 5, 1981
Negotiations between Roman leader General Cornelius Flavius and Jewish rebel leader Elezar ben Yair leads to the inevitable standoff on Masada.
Episode 2
Part II
April 6, 1981
The Jewish rebels, safe and watered atop their mountain stronghold of Masada, goad the sun-tortured Roman army below. Meanwhile, two angry Centurions plan a revolt against their haggard leader.
Episode 3
Part III
April 7, 1981
Tables turn for the Romans, constructing the weapon to reach Masada and, now led by brutal Roman upstart Falco, who had usurped power from Flavias, the Jewish rebels' wits are tested.
Episode 4
Part IV
April 8, 1981
The Romans utilize their formidable weapon to reach the top of Masada, and the final battle is underway.