The mysterious Dead Sea is located along the costs of Jordan and Israel. For centuries, scientists have been researching on the water body, and the site remains a source of awe around the world. Many questions remain unanswered, but we do know some amazing facts about the Dead Sea.

 

1. It’s Not a Sea!

While everyone calls it the Dead Sea, it’s not a sea at all. It’s a huge, hyper-saline lake. In other words, it’s just a landlocked water body with a high concentration of sodium chloride and various other mineral salts.

 

2. It’s Unbelievably Old

Believe it or not, the Dead Sea was formed over 3 million years ago!

 

3. It Does Not Support Aquatic Life

As one of the world’s saltiest water bodies, the Dead Sea makes for a harsh environment for marine life. No animal or plant can survive in it, which is why it is known as the Dead Sea. An ordinary ocean has a salinity level of only 3.5%, which is perfect to support life. In contrast, the Dead Sea has a salinity level of approximately 33.7%. Good luck finding any marine life here.

 

4. It Was Among Cleopatra’s Most Favorite Places

If you’re fond of the Ancient Egyptian history, you might be interested in knowing that Cleopatra was particularly fond of the Dead Sea. She ordered for cosmetic factories and resorts to be built along the shores of the lake.

 

5. It’s the Lowest Point on Earth

With its shores about 1,400 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea makes the lowest point on the planet for people to travel and still be in the open air. Plus, the lake is the deepest hyper-saline lake in the world, dipping down over 1,000 feet.

 

6. Center for Health Research

The Dead Sea consists of two parts: the southern part is specifically targeted by industries for salt extraction purposes, where the popular Dead Sea Complex is located. However, if you want to visit the huge lake, you should check out the northern part that’s geared towards tourism and health research. Given the health benefits of its rich salt deposits, the Dead Sea has become a center for health research, attracting a large number of health tourists for over 2,000 years.

 

7. Discharge of Black Substance

One of the most mysterious facts about the Dead Sea is its constant discharge of blocks and small pebbles of asphalt from its deep beds. Archeologists have found bitumen-coated Neolithic skulls and asphalt coated figures. Asphalt was used for the Egyptian mummification, and it was extracted from the Dead Sea.

 

8. Its Mud is Valuable for Skincare

The black mud of the Dead Sea is believed to highly beneficial for your skin’s natural process, relaxing your muscles, giving inner calmness, and alleviating rheumatic pains.

 

9. Its Drying up at an Alarming Rate

From 1,050 square kilometers in 1930 to just 605 square kilometers today, the Dead Sea is diminishing rapidly. Some conservation efforts are underway to ensure that the site doesn’t become history.

 

10. No Threat of Sunburn

When planning a trip to the Dead Sea, you don’t need to pack your sunscreen. This is because the sun’s UV rays are comparatively weaker at the Dead Sea because of its low point.

 

Closing Thoughts

Can’t wait to dive into the Dead Sea? When you make it to the historical site, be sure to keep your face out throughout the time you spend there, or else the foul aftertaste of the water won’t leave you alone for a long time.