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Biblical City of Sodom Possibly Destroyed by Catastrophic Impact

Recent research suggests that the ancient city of Sodom, long associated with sin and divine judgment in the Bible, may have met its end in a devastating event resembling an asteroid impact far more powerful than a nuclear explosion. Dr. John Bergsma, a theology scholar, points to archaeological evidence in Jordan that could validate this dramatic biblical story.

Excavations at Tell el-Hammam

According to Bergsma, the site of Tell el-Hammam in the southern Jordan Valley matches the biblical description of Sodom. Excavations there reveal a city that once flourished but suffered a sudden and catastrophic end. Unlike the ruins of cities destroyed in battle, there are no signs of military attack, suggesting a different type of devastation.

Signs of Extreme Heat

Archaeologists have uncovered pottery fragments and human remains exhibiting evidence of intense heat. Some pottery shards show traces of trinitite, a glassy material formed under extreme thermal conditions. Skeletons were found partially intact, with scorch marks above the mid-spine, hinting at a sudden, intense burst of heat from above, possibly from a celestial object.

Comparisons to Known Events

Steven Collins, the lead archaeologist at Tell el-Hammam, compares the destruction to the 1908 Tunguska event in Siberia, which was caused by an asteroid exploding in the atmosphere. The proposed event at Tell el-Hammam is believed to have released far more energy than Tunguska, exceeding the power of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima by orders of magnitude.

Geological Evidence of Salt Formation

Interestingly, researchers also discovered large deposits of salt in the area, which some suggest may echo the biblical account of Lot’s wife turning into a pillar of salt. This detail reinforces the narrative of sudden, catastrophic destruction in the region.

Link to the Biblical Account

The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is one of the Bible’s most famous narratives. It tells of Abraham pleading with God to spare the cities for the sake of their few righteous inhabitants, but ultimately, the cities were obliterated. Genesis 19:28 describes the aftermath: “And he looked over the face of Sodom and Gomorrah and over the entire face of the land of the plain, and he saw, and behold, the smoke of the earth had risen like the smoke of a furnace.” The findings at Tell el-Hammam may offer tangible evidence that supports this ancient account.

Conclusion

While some archaeologists urge caution and call for more evidence, the discoveries at Tell el-Hammam open the possibility that the biblical destruction of Sodom was not purely allegorical but rooted in a real, catastrophic event. These findings continue to spark discussion among theologians, archaeologists, and historians about the intersection of scripture and history.