Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the city from which Yael and her father fled after the Romans destroyed the temple and burned the house in which the family had lived. The temple in Jerusalem was considered to be the center of the Jewish faith.

Valley of Thorns

The Valley of Thorns is the place through which Yael and those with her traveled on their way to Masada before they reached the desert.

Masada

Masada was a palace/fortress built by King Herod. The Jewish zealots took over this palace as a stronghold not only because it was well stocked with supplies but also because it was located on a high plateau with only a narrow serpent-like path available to reach the fortress. The Snake Gate is the name of the main gate that allowed entrance to Masada. Much of the action of the novel takes place in Masada.

The Mikvah

The...