MORE ON THE DAMAGE TO MASADA from natural forces: NPR has an audio edition of "Rains Damage Jerusalem's Ancient Masada Fortress." Here's the description:

Archeologists in Israel warn that the ancient stone fortress of Masada is crumbling, the result of a heavy rainstorm last winter. Located high above the Dead Sea in Israel's Judean Mountains, Masada has attracted thousands of visitors since it was excavated in the 1960s. Jews have long regarded this archaeological wonder as a symbol of Jewish pride and courage. NPR's Peter Kenyon reports.