Why is the Dead Sea called the Dead Sea?

The Dead Sea, located between Jordan and Israel, is one of the most unusual bodies of water on our planet. Its intriguing name often raises questions about its origin. Several factors explain why this body of water is called the Dead Sea.

The most notable feature of the Dead Sea is its exceptional salinity. With a concentration of around 300 grams of salt per liter of water, it is almost ten times saltier than normal seawater, which contains around 35 grams of salt per liter. This extreme salinity creates an inhospitable environment for most forms of aquatic life. No plants or animals can survive here, hence the name Dead Sea.

The term Dead Sea originated in the writings of the ancient Greeks. The Hebrews called it Yam Hamelach, or Sea of Salt, in reference to its high salinity. Arab writers called it the stinking sea. The name Dead Sea therefore reflects the absence of life in its waters due to their extreme salinity.

The Dead Sea is in fact an endoreic lake, i.e. one with no outlet, located in a depression more than 400 meters below sea level, making it one of the lowest points on the earth’s surface. It is fed mainly by the Jordan River and a few seasonal streams. Due to the region’s hot, dry climate, evaporation is very high, resulting in an increased concentration of mineral salts. This accumulation of salts over time is the reason for the exceptional salinity of its waters.

The high density of Dead Sea water, due to its high concentration of salts, allows bathers to float easily on its surface, a unique experience that attracts many tourists every year. However, bathing in it for more than 10 minutes is not recommended, and drinking from the cup should be avoided above all, as ingesting large quantities of salt can cause rapid and serious damage, particularly to the heart, by altering the balance between water and minerals in the body.

Throughout history, the Dead Sea has been surrounded by legends and mystical tales. Some ancient beliefs asserted that birds flying over it were struck by lightning in its waters, reinforcing the idea of a cursed or dangerous place. These legends have contributed to the Dead Sea’s mysterious aura and evocative name.

The Dead Sea takes its name from its extreme salinity, which makes its waters uninhabitable for aquatic fauna and flora. This characteristic, combined with its unique geographical location and the legends that surround it, makes the Dead Sea a fascinating place for scientists, historians and tourists from all over the world.

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