Ep 10. Sodom & Gomorrah

As technology advances, science and logic have replaced many of the mysteries and myths of old, but some legends still endure. That's the premise of History's Mysteries, a show that explores some of the world's most intriguing, puzzling and captivating stories and seeks to uncover the truth behind them. In season 1, episode 10, titled "Sodom & Gomorrah," the show delves into one of the most famous biblical stories, retelling the tale of two cities destroyed by God's wrath as punishment for their sinful ways.

The episode begins with an overview of the biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah, in which God judges the wickedness of the two cities and rains fire and brimstone upon them, destroying them completely. But while this story has been handed down over centuries, scholars and archaeologists have long debated the actual existence of Sodom and Gomorrah. Some believe that the tale is nothing more than a myth, while others contend that there is evidence to support the idea that these cities once existed.

To explore this mystery, History's Mysteries turns to Dr. Stephen Collins, an archaeologist who has been excavating in the region for over 20 years. Dr. Collins has dedicated his life to uncovering the truth behind the biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah, and believes that he has found the ruins of these ancient cities buried beneath the modern city of Tall el-Hammam in present-day Jordan.

Using drones and satellite imagery, Dr. Collins takes viewers on a journey through the region, explaining his theories and findings along the way. He points out the evidence of a large, fortified city that once stood in the area, complete with walls and gates, and identifies structures he believes were homes of the affluent and poor alike. He also shows what he believes is a massive outer wall that protected the city from attack, and explains how the city likely relied on agriculture and irrigation to thrive.

As the episode progresses, Dr. Collins and his team uncover more and more evidence to support the existence of Sodom and Gomorrah. They find what appears to be a burned layer of ash and debris, which could be the result of the catastrophic event described in the bible. They also uncover evidence of a large, sudden abandonment of the city, which could be attributed to the same event.

But while Dr. Collins' findings seem to support the idea of a real Sodom and Gomorrah, the episode also explores competing theories that suggest the story is nothing more than a myth. Some argue that the tale was created as a cautionary tale about the dangers of sin and the importance of morality, and that there is no archaeological evidence to support the idea that these cities actually existed.

To explore this counter narrative, the episode looks at the ways in which myths and legends are created and passed down through generations. It argues that while there may be no physical evidence of Sodom and Gomorrah, the story has endured because it speaks to a deeper human fear of divine judgment and the consequences of sin.

In the end, History's Mysteries presents viewers with both sides of the debate, ultimately leaving the question of Sodom and Gomorrah's existence unanswered. But whether these cities were real or not, the episode serves as a fascinating exploration of one of the bible's most enduring mysteries, and a reminder of the power of storytelling to capture our imaginations and shape our understanding of the world.