The Biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah have likely been found.  In a survey of the Jordan Valley in 1924, conducted by famed archaeologist and Biblical scholar William F. Albright, five ancient cities were found off the south-eastern shore of the Dead Sea, in the general location the Bible places Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim and Bela (Zoar).  (See, Genesis 14:1-5).  Two of the five ancient cities, sites now known as Bab edh-Dhra (likely Sodom) and Numeira (likely Gomorroh) have been excavated and show destruction by fire circa 2,300 BC.  The destruction left a layer of ash and charcoal about one and a half foot deep covering both of these ancient cities.  There are two caveats.  Genesis 14:1-5 says Sodom and Gomorrah were later underwater, covered by the Dead Sea.  But perhaps the water has receded.  Genesis 19 describes tar pits in the area, but none have been found.  Have the Biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah been found?  Probably, but not with absolute certainty.  

<p>The Biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah have likely been found.  In a survey of the Jordan Valley in 1924, conducted by famed archaeologist and Biblical scholar William F. Albright, five ancient cities were found off the south-eastern shore of the Dead Sea, in the general location the Bible places Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim and Bela (Zoar).  (See, Genesis 14:1-5).  Two of the five ancient cities, sites now known as Bab edh-Dhra (likely Sodom) and Numeira (likely Gomorroh) have been excavated and show destruction by fire circa 2,300 BC.  The destruction left a layer of ash and charcoal about one and a half foot deep covering both of these ancient cities.  There are two caveats.  Genesis 14:1-5 says Sodom and Gomorrah were later underwater, covered by the Dead Sea.  But perhaps the water has receded.  Genesis 19 describes tar pits in the area, but none have been found.  Have the Biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah been found?  Probably, but not with absolute certainty.  </p>

Issues of faith and spirituality that matter to LDS, Mormons, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Religion Today

Broadcast on KSL Radio, Sunday, February 17, 2019

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