Swimming Through The Sea 3 Trivia Quiz

Answer: Israel

The Dead Sea borders three countries: Israel, Jordan, and Palestine. Did you know that it is considered to be impossible to swim in the Dead Sea? Its high content of salt actually causes people to float on top of the water! It is common to see pictures of people floating on top of the water while reading a newspaper or book. Okay! So while it is true that one does not really swim in the Dead Sea, an alternate definition of swimming is "floating on the surface of water".

Answer: Herod

Even Herod saw the health spa benefits of vacationing on the Dead Sea. When he built the fortress of Masada, which overlooked the Dead Sea, it was not leisure, however, that was on his mind. A reputation of cruelty and treachery earns a person many enemies. Masada was built as a fortification - a haven for Herod in the event of an uprising. Two palaces were constructed on the plateau, along with all of the other necessities Herod would need if ever needed to flee to the fortress.

Answer: Mummification

The Dead Sea naturally discharges asphalt, which is also called bitumen. From time to time the substance can still be found floating on top of the water. Trade with ancient Egypt was well-documented after 1000 BC, although scientists can only guess why embalmers began using the asphalt for mummification rather than the plant resins that were previously used. Today scientists believe that the asphalt from the Dead Sea served two purposes; first, when spread over the mummy wrappings it did seal the cloths, keeping moisture and insects away from the body. Also, it is believed that the high sulfur content of the asphalt aided in the preservation of the body.

By the way, there is evidence - going all the way back to the Neanderthals - that asphalt was used by many ancient peoples for all of the reasons listed.

Answer: Jordan River

Although there are some small springs found below and on the shores of the Dead Sea, the Jordan River is its only major source of water. Some water is received from the Mujib River and other wadis in the area. Did you know that the springs create areas of quicksand in the Dead Sea? In the site in the picture is called Al-Maghtas. Located on the Jordan side of the Jordan River, it is believed that Jesus was baptized there by John the Baptist.

Answer: Dead Sea Scrolls

Some historians today believe that the Dead Sea Scrolls represent the library of the Essenes, a sect of Jewish priests. Found in 1948 in the Qumran Caves near the Dead Sea, the scrolls are copies of almost all of the Hebrew Bible. The scrolls are believed to have been written sometime around 150 BC-70 AD. One theory about how the scrolls ended up in the caves is that the Essenes put them there to keep them safe from the Romans during a time of uncertainty and revolt.

Answer: A very rainy winter

Of course, the Dead Sea was given its name because neither plants nor animals can live in water with such a high content of salt. There are, however, a very few bacteria and fungi that can exist in the water. In 1980, after a very rainy winter, the Dead Sea changed in color from a dark blue to red. Scientists found an abnormally high content of algae to be the cause; the algae in turn provided nourishment for bacteria in the water that was red-pigmented.

Answer: False

While the Dead Sea is one of the saltiest bodies of water on earth, it is not the saltiest. Other lakes, such as Lake Assal in Djibouti, and Garabogazköl in Turkmenistan, and, believe it or not!, some bodies of water in Antarctica, have recorded even higher concentrations of salt.

The Dead Sea is, however, the deepest hypersaline lake, or extremely salty landlocked lake, in the world. It is approximately 9.6 (sources vary) times saltier than the water in the earth's oceans.

Answer: Potash

Most of the potash that is mined in the world today is used in the manufacturing of commercial fertilizers, however, a small percentage is also used in making soap. In 1929 the Palestine Potash Company was founded and prior to 1948, when its two plants were destroyed in the Arab-Israeli War, it was considered to be one of the biggest companies in the Middle East. Today the Dead Sea Works, a company based on processing potash and other chemicals, earns about $3 billion dollars a year.

Answer: Osteoarthritis

Although treatments at spas built around the Dead Sea are said to cure all of the health problems that are choices, osteoarthritis is the only joint disease on the list. The mud packs are not used to cure the disease, but are used to supplement other medical treatments.

It is believed that the area's low elevation and climatic conditions play a major role in making the area a healthy place to visit and live.

Answer: Mount Sodom

The remains of ancient cities have been found near the Dead Sea, including Jericho, Zeboim, and Sodom and Gomorra. The story in Genesis 18-19 is told of God's decision to destroy Sodom and Gomorra because "their sin is very grievous". Lot, who was the nephew of the patriarch Abraham, and his family were given a reprieve and were told by an angel to flee Sodom before it was destroyed.

His wife, however, looked back at the annihilation of the city, and was turned into a pillar of salt. Mount Sodom, which consists of about 80% salt, is said to be the pillar of Lot's wife.