High saline levels make it impossible for plants, fish, and other larger organisms to live in the Dead Sea, hence the word “dead.” However, smaller organisms like bacteria have been found in craters at the bottom of the lake.

It may be called the Dead Sea, but it’s technically an endorheic salt lake with the Jordan river flowing into it. It retains all the water and does not flow into any other lakes, seas, or oceans.

Speaking of the high salinity, it has so much concentrated salt that the entire ocean’s salt is like a drop in the bucket compared to it. Even though freshwater from the Jordan river runs into it, that water has nowhere to go and is forced to evaporate, creating a cycle of highly salinated water.

So, why is the Dead Sea so salty? The short answer is rainwater. All rainwater has certain acids when carbon monoxide combines with water. Over time this rain breaks down the rocks, turning them into ions such as sodium and chloride, also known as salt.

At 420 meters below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest elevation on land.

Surrounded by an arid and desert landscape, the Dead Sea has approximately 330 sunny days a year with low humidity and little rainfall. The temperatures range from 60 to 100 degrees throughout the year. But what makes it unique is that it’s the only place on Earth where you can sunbathe for long periods with little to no sunburn because of the three natural layers of protection it has against UV rays.

If you’re not a fan of swimming, then the Dead Sea might be up your alley. The water is so thick with salt that people can effortlessly float without sinking.

Back to that floating thing, it should be mentioned that swimming is essentially impossible. It’s like having a floatation device on you at all times.

This might be a bit of a head scratcher, but despite the fact that you can easily float in the Dead Sea, you can still drown. In fact, the Dead Sea was named the second most deadly place to swim in Israel. It’s difficult to move easily within the lake, making it tricky if you end up in a dangerous position. Also, if you drink too much of the salt water, it can deplete your electrolytes and be hard on your kidneys, essentially poisoning you with too much salt.

The lowest part of the Dead Sea is 2,300 feet, making it the deepest salt lake on Earth.

Millions of years ago, after the Mediterranean Sea receded from Syria and Israel, heavy deposits of shale, clay, sandstone, rock salt, and gypsum rushed into the Dead Sea. Then, due to precipitation, the lake shrank to what we know of it today.

As we all know, Egyptians had very specific and unique burial rituals involving mummies. One substance they used for this practice was asphalt to embalm the dead before wrapping them in bandages. The Dead Sea naturally provides asphalt, so they would frequently come to the area to get it.

According to the Quran, the Dead Sea is the site of Sodom and home of the Prophet Lot. Because of their wicked behavior, God turned the cities upside down and rained down brimstone on them. The result was the Dead Sea. Though Lot preached God’s message, his wife did not believe and was turned into a pillar of salt.

In the Bible, prophets claimed that one day the Dead Sea would be made fresh. According to recent scientific research, pockets of fresh water at the bottom of the Dead Sea have opened up. Some believe this could be the beginning of that prophecy.

Before he was King of Israel, David continuously was on the run from King Saul because he challenged his reign. In the book of Samuel, it says that David took refuge at Ein Gedi which is right next to the Dead Sea.

Thanks to the unique climate, the Dead Sea has extra oxygen and bromine levels which provide a nice, relaxing effect.

Ancient Greeks attributed the lake more for its production of asphalt than salt, calling it Lake Asphaltites, which was the common name of the time.

Since ancient times, people thought the Dead Sea to be good for your health. Ever since it’s been a haven and popular spot for scientists and medical professionals to study how it can help cure skin related diseases.

Spa resorts surround the Dead Sea area, providing a place for people to treat their skin with the salt and mud. Dead Sea Salt is also a popular ingredient in many lotions and creams.

A fertilizer used since ancient times, potash is a water soluble form of potassium that is mined out of the Dead Sea. Today, it’s a billion dollar enterprise.

In 1947, a shepherd stumbled upon one of the most significant archeological finds of the 20th century, the Dead Sea Scrolls. Providing hundreds of well preserved Biblical and non-biblical manuscripts, it helped reshape historic views on religion.

In his book The Innocents Abroad, Mark Twain wrote about his visit to the Dead Sea, saying, “A silence broods over the scene that is depressing to the spirits. It makes one think of funerals and death.” Clearly, he wasn’t a fan.

Highway 90 in Israel to the West Bank runs right along the Dead Sea, making it the lowest road in the world. It’s also considered a highly dangerous road with lots of reported accidents.

The Dead Sea is drying up, and evidence shows it could be completely dry in 50 years if nothing is done. Israel and Jordan have partnered to pump water into the lake from the Red Sea to stop this from happening.