Peter O'Toole
General Cornelius Flavius Silva
Series
Masada is a 1981 American historical drama television miniseries aired on ABC under the tentpole ABC Novel for Television. The screenplay by Joel Oliansky is based on Ernest Gann's 1971 novel The Antagonists. 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.
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Season guide
4 episodes available
Negotiations between Roman leader General Cornelius Flavius and Jewish rebel leader Elezar ben Yair leads to the inevitable standoff on Masada.
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.
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.
The Romans utilize their formidable weapon to reach the top of Masada, and the final battle is underway.
On screen
General Cornelius Flavius Silva
Eleazar ben Yair
Sheva
Aaron
Miriam
Rubrius Gallus
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