When the Romans were invading the Middle East most people of this one particular region fled to a hilltop fortress known as Masada. All the people who fled to that fortress were Jews. After a failed attempt to breach the walls the Romans continued to construct and earthen ramp. When their end was near the Jews decided that death was better than life as slaves so they drew lots to kill each other (since they strongly were against suicide). The last man was the only one to take his own life.