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The Dead Sea is 75 kilometers long and from 6 to 16 kilometers wide. It is fed by the Jordan River, but it has no outlet. As its name suggests, the Dead Sea is entirely devoid of plant and animal life. This is due to an extremely high content of salt and other minerals—350 grams of salt per kilogram of water, as compared to about 40 grams in the world’s oceans. This concentration is caused by a rapid rate of evaporation. These natural elements give the waters of the Dead Sea certain curative properties, recognized since the days of Herod the Great over 2000 years ago.

The Dead Sea is also famous geographically as "the lowest point on earth," lying some 400 meters below sea level. In addition to the historical significance of the "Salt Sea," as it was referred to in the Bible, the Dead Sea is today an important and rich source of minerals essential for agricultural and industrial development, as well as for the treatment of various medical conditions such as psoriasis. Visitors to the Dead Sea come away with an unforgettable swimming experience, as the high density of the water makes sinking virtually impossible. Indeed, swimming is also difficult, as one is lifted too high in the water to be able to stroke properly. More appropriate is the often-photographed pose showing a visitor reclining in the water, leisurely reading a perfectly dry newspaper.

While marine enthusiasts will find a paradise in Aqaba, the Dead Sea is a great place to catch up on your reading!

A series of new roads, hotels and archaeological discoveries are converging to make this region as enticing to international visitors today as it was to kings, emperors, traders and prophets in antiquity.

Seaside facilities include modern hotels with therapeutic clinics and restaurant/bathing/sports complexes, meeting the needs of day visitors or parties wishing to spend the night amidst one of the most dramatic and moving landscapes in the World.

Although sparsely populated and serenely quiet now, the area has a historical and spiritual legacy of its own. It is believed to be the site of five biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zebouin and Zoar.

One of Jordan’s most exciting archeological discoveries of recent times is at Deir Ain Abata, the cave where Lot and his family sought refuge from the devastation of Sodom and Gomorrah. A pillar of salt near Deir Ain Abata is said to be Lot’s wife, after she turned to watch the destruction of Sodom.

A monastery built by early Christians in commemoration of Lot’s sanctuary was recently unearthed at the site. The monastery obviously welcomed pilgrims to the cave of Lot’s refuge, which can be visited as well. A host of Bronze Age, Nabatean, Byzantine and early Islamic artifacts have also been found at Deir Ain Abata. Not surprisingly, the Byzantine period saw the laying of elaborate mosaic floors, some of which can still be seen today.

It is likely that the monastery was abandoned during the eighth century CE, probably because seismic pressure forced the collapse of the basilica and other structures. The monastery and cave are situated precariously on the side of a slope, and at least a third of the monastery has tumbled down the hill.

Deir Ain Abata is situated about two kilometers north of the phosphate-mining town of Safi, on the hill overlooking the Dead Sea.