Season 1 • Episode 4
LatestThe Romans utilize their formidable weapon to reach the top of Masada, and the final battle is underway.
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.
Acting
O'Toole's Silva is weary, magnificent, and weirdly sympathetic.
Production
Practical fortress set at Masada itself — they built A LOT.
Writing
Two leaders who respect each other while destroying everything.
Creator
Joel Oliansky
Peter O'Toole
General Cornelius Flavius Silva
Peter Strauss
Eleazar ben Yair
Barbara Carrera
Sheva
Alan Feinstein
Aaron
Giulia Pagano
Miriam
Anthony Quayle
Rubrius Gallus
Paul L. Smith
Gideon
David Warner
Senator Pomponius Falco
Clive Francis
Attius, Head Tribune
David Opatoshu
Shimon
Joseph Wiseman
Jerahmeel, Head Essene
Vernon Dobtcheff
Chief Priest
David Mauro
Epos
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
ABC spent $20 million (massive for 1981) and built a partial replica of the Roman siege ramp — still visible at Masada today.
The miniseries aired as Begin's Israel was navigating its own complex relationship with military sacrifice; some critics called it propaganda, others called it timely meditation.
US
