To this day, a tall pillar standing near the Mount of Sodom is known as “Lot’s Wife”. According to the biblical narrative, Lot’s wife decided not to heed the angel’s warning, and when she turned back to survey the city’s destruction, God turned her into a pillar of salt. However, they caution Lot and his wife not to turn back and watch the city’s destruction. The angels then revealed their true nature to Lot, urging him and his family to flee the city before the incoming apocalypse. When they hear that Lot was hosting guests, the residents of Sodom surrounded his house, angrily demanding that they are released from his protection. Unbeknownst to him, these travelers are actually angels sent by God to destroy Sodom and the surrounding region.

Lot, who inherited the traits of hospitality from his uncle Abraham decides to welcome two travelers into his home. However, God was angry with the people of Sodom, and, wishing to destroy this place of sin, sent Lot two angels to warn him of his plan. Over the years, Lot became a respectable member of Sodom, married a Sodomite, and was appointed mayor of the city his daughters, too, married men of Sodom. Sodom and neighboring kingdom Gomorrah were notorious for being places of wickedness and vice. In the Bible, Lot, the nephew of Abraham, chose to settle in a stretch of land near the kingdom of Sodom, just north of the Dead Sea. Perhaps the most famous time that the Dead Sea is mentioned in the bible is during the Biblical story that references the Dead Sea is that of Lot’s wife.

But the salty lake at the lowest elevation on Earth is probably best known for the story of Masada that has become a symbol of resistance against oppression, and Masada has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another very well-known Biblical story that took place in the vicinity of the Dead Sea is the story of Lot’s wife. The area of Ein Gedi near the Dead Sea, which is a nature reserve today, is believed to be the area where the Biblical David, king to be, hid from King Saul when the latter came after him with the purpose of killing him. The most famous of these were the Essenes, who have left us the original Bible scrolls – but more on them later. Several different sects of Jews used to lives in the caves near the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is mentioned in the Bible – it was famous even during that period. Various names are used to refer to the Dead Sea in the Bible, including ‘Salt Sea’, ‘Sea of Arabah’, and ‘Eastern Sea’. However, it is also very notable in its own right. It is most commonly referenced when describing the borders to the land of Israel. The sea is mentioned numerous times in the bible and has long been associated with mysticism, wonderment, and religious significance in the Biblical era. For this reason, many people visit the Dead Sea every year to get special treatments at the spas surrounding it they are joined by tourists who visit the area for its beauty, uniqueness, and luxurious spa resorts.Īs well as being famous for its numerous health benefits and year-round warm climate, the Dead Sea also contains a profound heritage and has played an important role throughout the history of the peoples of the area. The mineral-rich water and mud of the Dead Sea are believed to have numerous benefits for the body, especially for skin, respiratory and arthritic conditions. The special features of the Dead Sea don’t end there: the lake’s waters are a light turquoise-blue color and it is surrounded by golden brown hills here and there, bright white salt crystals jut out of the water.

A significant landmark, too salty to sustain any marine life, the Dead Sea is famous for the water’s mysteriously buoyant qualities which allow people to float across the top of the water, without needing to swim. The Dead Sea depth is 304 meters (997 feet), which makes it the deepest hyper-saline lake in the world. I ts 34.2% salinity makes it one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water. The Dead Sea, lying 1,300 feet below sea level, is the lowest and most mineral-rich body of water in the world.

Have you ever been to the Dead Sea? If not, put it on your wish list – it is well worth the travel.

Ancient kingdom of the dead sea