Desert fortresses of Judaea

The desert fortresses of Judaea formed a strategic line of defense during the Second Temple period, comprising seven key strongholds: Alexandrium, Dok, Kiprus, Hyrcania, Herodium, Machaerus, and Masada.^[1]

These fortifications, sometimes collectively known as the Hasmonean Desert fortresses, were primarily situated in the Judaean Desert, except for Alexandrium, positioned in the northern part of the Jericho valley, and Machaerus, located in Perea. While commonly known as the Judaean Desert fortresses, this term is only partially accurate. While a few of these forts existed before the Second Temple period, their prominence and defensive capabilities reached their zenith during this era.^[1]