Salt of the Earth
The landlocked body of water, bordering modern-day Israel, Jordan and the West Bank, was called the Eastern Sea before the Romans renamed it ‘Mare Mortuum,’ or Dead Sea. The Greeks called the sea ‘Lake Asphaltites,’ after the mysterious plumes of asphalt that spew up from the lake floor. Today, the Israelis simply call it the Sea of Salt, which is more to the point. Located in the depths of the Great Rift Valley, the Dead Sea is the planet’s lowest-lying land, with a shoreline 1,300 feet below sea level, about a quarter of a mile. It’s another quarter-mile down at its deepest point, making it the world’s deepest hypersaline lake. This prime location and unusual depth give the lake its unique salty composition. The water has absorbed the properties of the deep valley crust in which it lies.
Life-Giving Properties of the Dead Sea
Ironically, the reason it is called the Dead Sea is the same reason it can support human health and longevity. The mineral composition of the Sea has proven healing properties, thanks to high concentrations of essential mineral salts like magnesium, potassium and calcium. Its elemental waters are known to assuage diseases of inflammation, skin disease, arthritis, rheumatism, asthma, psoriasis and cystic fibrosis. Humans have sought the balneotherapeutic salve of its waters for thousands of years. According to legend, it was once a beauty retreat for Cleopatra. Today, the Dead Sea is a global hub for tourism, health research and commercial mineral extraction. The northern shores of the ‘world’s largest natural spa’ are lined with resorts, hot springs and health research facilities, all trying to get a piece of this wonder of nature.