The Fortress of Machaerus model is resin cast, and is 12 inches long by 9 inches wide and 5 inches tall. It was originally built by the Hasmonean king, Alexander Jannaeus around 90 BC. Pompey’s general Gabinius destroyed it in 57 BC. It was rebuilt by Herod the Great in 30 BC. When Herod the Great died, the fortress was passed on to Herod Antipas who ruled from 4 BC to 39 AD. During his rule John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded at Machaerus (Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, Book 18.5.2).
According to Mark (6:14-29), Herod Antipas on his birthday gave a banquet for his officials. The daughter of Herodias (Salome) danced before him. Herod was so pleased that he offered her what ever she wanted up to half his kingdom. Her mother Herodias told her to ask for the head of John the Baptist. So, John was beheaded and his head was brought back on a platter. The courtyard of Machaerus was most likely where Salome danced before Herod. There is a prison under the courtyard where John the Baptist was kept according to tradition.