Ben Yair Ostracon: Recreation (clay pottery about 1 3/4 inches by 1 3/4 inches). When the Romans sacked Masada during the first Jewish Revolt the people who remained chose not to be taken alive..... instead they committed suicide rather than face the oppression of the Roman invaders. In front of the remains of the palace of Masada 11 small pieces of pottery (ostraca) were found, each with a name written on it. This one is most likely that of Eleazar ben Yair and would have been the leader of the 11 men who drew lots to kill the others then themselves as recorded by Josephus. A graphic reminder of the turbulent times in Israel in the years after Jesus death.