For thousands of years, life has been active around the Dead Sea. Ancient Egyptians used its minerals, Cleopatra was in love with its shores, and in modern times, millions of visitors make it a specific travel destination each year.
The Dead Sea is over three million years old, and its depth has fluctuated significantly over that time due to changes in the global climate. In its modern form, the Dead Sea maintains extremely high levels of salt and other commonly occurring minerals which provide a number of different unique qualities to this body of water that makes it one of the most interesting places on Earth.
No Marine Life – You won’t find any marine life living here. True to its name, the Dead Sea is devoid of plant and animal life. Due to its high levels of salinity, which average around 35%, complex living organisms are not able to survive in its waters.
Buoyancy – Also due to its high concentration of salt and other minerals, the Dead Sea makes it effortless to float on top of its waters. Thanks to its high density relative to other bodies of water, it can easily support those wanting to rest on its surface.
Natural Spa – For many people who take a Dead Sea tour, the most anticipated part of the trip is to cake their skin with the dark mud of its shores. Thanks to the rich variety of health-promoting minerals present, the water and shoreline soil have been shown to have a number of medical benefits, include soothing arthritis. Swimming in the waters or lying along the shoreline is said to provide a relaxing feeling as your skin and body benefit from the high concentration of minerals.
No Water Flows Out – One unique fact about the Dead Sea is that no water flows out of it. This body of water is able to retain its low levels due to the high level of evaporation in the area. Thanks to minimal rainfall and arid conditions, the Dead Sea has been losing one meter of water per year in recent decades.
Lowest Point on Earth – The Dead Sea holds the record as the lowest point of land on earth. The current shoreline is 423 meters below sea level. The body of water is deep compared to other saltwater lakes – it reaches a depth of 377 meters.
Historical Significance – For thousands of years, the Dead Sea has been a part of human life. Cleopatra vacationed at its shores. Aristotle talked about it in his writings. The Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest complete biblical writing in existence were found along its banks. For anyone with an interest in history, the Dead Sea has had a multitude of significance over the years.
With the unique characteristics that the Dead Sea provides, it should be a must-see on anyone’s list. Whether you want to see the lowest point on Earth, want to experience the cleansing and soothing feeling of its waters and shore or if you are exploring the historical shores, the Dead Sea will provide countless memories that will last an entire lifetime.
Itzik Ben Ari founded BeinHarimTours.com, a company which provides guided tours that are custom-designed to fit any schedule or interest. Itzik has spent thirty years working in the travel industry and like to share his experience online though digital publications and various popular travel blogs.
