Ancient Masada Fresco Vandalized by Thieves
- Share via
Souvenir-hunting thieves have stolen part of an ancient fresco from the Israeli archeological site of Masada, Israeli officials said Sunday.
The thieves removed a 6-inch-square section of the fresco that decorated the ancient Roman headquarters at Masada, located on a barren mountain overlooking the Dead Sea, the National Parks Authority said.
Masada was originally a palace built by the Jewish King Herod on a desert mountain whose sheer sides served as natural fortification. After the Romans conquered Jerusalem and destroyed the Jewish Temple in AD 70, Jewish fighters took refuge there.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
