Around 35 BC King Herod built the fortress of Masada as a refuge. Located on the eastern edge of the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea, the Masada became the last hold-out of the Jews against the Romans during the Jewish rebellion in 66 AD. Tragically, thousands of Jews bravely chose suicide rather than be taken captive by the Romans.
Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (NIV)