Ancient Yodfat (Jotapata), situated to the south east of the modern moshav, is mentioned in the Mishna as a fortified Jewish village dating from the time of Joshua, corresponding with the Iron Age. Archaeological exploration of the site, however, have thus far revealed a modest village established some time during the Hellenistic period, between the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE. As the Hasmonean kings extended their influence into the Galilee during the last decades of the 2nd century BCE, a change of population occurred at Yodfat and the village was populated by Jews. Its siege and subsequent destruction in 67 CE are described in Josephus’ The Jewish War, his chronicle of the First Jewish–Roman War. Led by future emperor Vespasian, three Roman legions— Legio V Macedonica, X Fretensis, and XV Apollinaris — besieged Yodfat, meeting strong Jewish resistance. After 47 days the city fell by treachery, and Josephus describes the death of 40,000 Jews and the enslavement of 1200 women and children. Yodfat was razed and burnt on the first of the Hebrew month of Tammuz (July 20, 67).While a few dozen remaining fighters committed suicide, Josephus managed to survive this pact and was captured by the Romans
