Sodom and Gomorrah
SODOM AND GOMORRAH
The Bible records in the book of Genesis a pentapolis along the plains of the Jordan Valley of which two of the cities within the pentapolis are infamous for their destruction. The cities are known as Sodom and Gomorrah and their names known amongst Christians and non-Believers primarily due to their destruction and acts of sodomy. Both of these cities are known for their wickedness and ultimate destruction, but there is also a tremendous amount of controversy over where the cities lay. In this paper I will attempt to identify the archaeological site for Sodom and Gomorrah, the dates in which the patriarchs lived, evidence for the destruction of both cities, and compare the weaknesses and strengths of the evidences which are provided by those who believe the cities were located at either the northern or southern end of the Jordan Valley.
NORTH or SOUTH?
Over the history and study of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah one of the primary debates has been over just where exactly did the two cities lie? The first argument is in support of the south by Professor Bryant Wood. Wood states, “The reference to bitumen pits in Genesis 14:10 tips the scale in favor of a southern location. Bitumen (a natural petroleum product similar to asphalt) was commonly found in the shallow southern basin of the Dead Sea in antiquity.”
Another theory that was in support of the two cities being located near the southern point of the Jordan Valley is that the two cities were submerged underwater by W.F. Albright, but the evidence was not supported after the Dead Sea began to dry up and archeologist were able
The Bible records in the book of Genesis a pentapolis along the plains of the Jordan Valley of which two of the cities within the pentapolis are infamous for their destruction. The cities are known as Sodom and Gomorrah and their names known amongst Christians and non-Believers primarily due to their destruction and acts of sodomy. Both of these cities are known for their wickedness and ultimate destruction, but there is also a tremendous amount of controversy over where the cities lay. In this paper I will attempt to identify the archaeological site for Sodom and Gomorrah, the dates in which the patriarchs lived, evidence for the destruction of both cities, and compare the weaknesses and strengths of the evidences which are provided by those who believe the cities were located at either the northern or southern end of the Jordan Valley.
NORTH or SOUTH?
Over the history and study of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah one of the primary debates has been over just where exactly did the two cities lie? The first argument is in support of the south by Professor Bryant Wood. Wood states, “The reference to bitumen pits in Genesis 14:10 tips the scale in favor of a southern location. Bitumen (a natural petroleum product similar to asphalt) was commonly found in the shallow southern basin of the Dead Sea in antiquity.”
Another theory that was in support of the two cities being located near the southern point of the Jordan Valley is that the two cities were submerged underwater by W.F. Albright, but the evidence was not supported after the Dead Sea began to dry up and archeologist were able