Sifting through the Sands of Sodom

Tall el-Hammam is a large, complex archaeological site 8 miles northeast of the mouth of the Jordan River as it enters the Dead Sea. Excavator Steven Collins believes this site hides the long lost remains of ancient Sodom, one of the most infamous and fabled cities of the Bible. In recent years, Collins’ team has uncovered extensive remains from Tall el-Hammam dating to the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1600 BCE), precisely the epoch when scholars believe Sodom would have been one of the doomed “cities of the Plain” (Genesis 13-19). After an occupation gap of several hundred years, the site was rebuilt during the second half of the Iron Age with monumental towers and gate, and may even be the site of Abel-Shittim, one of the final camping sites of Moses and the Israelites before they crossed into Canaan (Numbers 33:49).

Volunteers will stay at the luxurious Movenpick Dead Sea Resort and Spa located just 15 minutes from the site. The Tall el-Hammam excavations also take place in January and February, when cooler winter temperatures allow for perfect digging.