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Dead Sea
Given that no living organisms can live in or around its waters, the Dead Sea was
a forbidding place until 1848, when the US Navy explored it for the first time.
However, it wasn’t until the British arrived 70 years later that real activity around
the sea began.
The Dead Sea, located at the world’s lowest point, 400m below sea level, is 65km
long and 18km across at the widest point – although its water levels fluctuate.
It is fed mainly by the Jordan River and enhanced by smaller rivers and springs.
With no outlet for the water, and a high level of evaporation caused by the hot
climate, the water has grown increasingly saline. The water’s salt content is about
30% - far higher than the 4% of ordinary sea water.
The Dead Sea is believed to have healing powers, relaxing nerves and clearing skin
conditions and bronchial passages. Visitors to the Dead Sea receive an unforgettable
experience as the high salt content makes sinking virtually impossible.
In the Bible, the Dead Sea is referred to as the Sea of Arabia, the Salt Sea and
the Eastern Sea (Deuteronomy 3:17; Joshua 3:16; Numbers 34: 12; Ezekiel 47:18).
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