Lot's Cave: Archaeological Site at the Dead Sea
Two kilometers northeast of Safi, on a steep slope overlooking what was once the southern end of the Dead Sea, a partly geological and partly man made cave has held human presence for approximately 5,000 years. The site, known archaeologically as Deir Ain Abata and popularly as Lot’s Cave, preserves a Byzantine monastery built around the cave identified in Christian tradition as the refuge of Abraham’s nephew Lot and his daughters after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19).
The 6th century Madaba Mosaic Map, located 130 kilometers north in Madaba, depicts a church at this precise location with the Greek
inscription ‘the place of Saint Lot,’ confirming that Byzantine artisans 1,400 years ago recognized the same site that archaeologists
rediscovered during surveys in 1986.
Lot\'s Cave (Deir Ain Abata) at the southeastern Dead Sea preserves approximately 5,000 years of archaeological evidence, from Early Bronze Age burials dating to 3300 BCE through a Byzantine monastery with mosaic floors inscribed in 691 CE. The 6th century Madaba Mosaic Map depicts this same site with the Greek inscription 'the place of Saint Lot.'
Archaeological Layers
Excavations led by Dr. Konstantinos D. Politis beginning in 1988 revealed an extraordinarily layered site. At the deepest levels, multiple burials surrounded by a stone wall and accompanied by pottery juglets and cups date to the Early Bronze Age I (approximately 3300 to 3000 BCE). Above these, a fine ceramic chalice and a copper duck bill axe head belong to the Middle Bronze Age II (approximately 1900 to 1550 BCE).
Later strata include Nabataean pottery from the 1st century BCE to 1st century CE, indicating continued use during the period when Nabataean trade routes crossed the region. The bulk of the visible remains belong to the Byzantine period: a triapsidal basilica, a reservoir, living quarters for monks, and a hostel for pilgrims. The monastery operated from the 5th through 7th centuries CE.
The Byzantine Church and Mosaics The central nave of the basilica preserves mosaic flooring with a six line Greek inscription. The inscription names the clerics, the governor, and probably the mosaicist (Iannis son of Sabinaou), dates the work to 691 CE, and describes the site as ‘Agios Topos’ (Holy Place). This date is significant: 691 CE falls during the Umayyad Islamic period (636 to 750 CE), indicating that Christian worship continued at the site well after the Muslim conquest of the region.
The floral designs surrounding the inscription feature long sprawling branches with large orange colored leaves that archaeologist Politis noted are reminiscent of painted decorations on Nabataean fine ware pottery, suggesting artistic continuity across centuries of cultural change.
The mosaic floor at Lot\'s Cave basilica bears a six line Greek inscription dated to 691 CE, during the Umayyad Islamic period, naming the clerics, governor, and mosaicist. The inscription describes the site as 'Agios Topos' (Holy Place), documenting continued Christian worship more than 50 years after the Muslim conquest of the region.
Visiting the Site
The Museum at the Lowest Place on Earth, a circular building at the base of the hill, serves as the visitor center and houses artifacts recovered from the excavation. Entry costs 2 JD or is included with the Jordan Pass. From the museum, a gravel road and approximately 280 stairs lead up the steep slope to the cave and monastery ruins. The climb is moderately strenuous. An 8 JD shuttle service is available for visitors who prefer not to walk the road portion.
The site itself is not extensive once you reach the top. The cave entrance, the basilica remains, and the viewpoint over the former
southern Dead Sea can be covered in 30 to 45 minutes. The panoramic view, looking north across what is now agricultural land where the shallow southern basin of the Dead Sea once extended, provides a visceral reminder that the Dead Sea is receding at approximately 1 meter per year.
Detail Information
Location 2 km NE of Safi, southeastern Dead Sea Entry Fee 2 JD or included in Jordan Pass Museum Museum at the Lowest Place on Earth (at base ofhill) Time Needed 1 to 2 hours (including climb) Access 280+ stairs to cave; shuttle available (8 JD) for road section Best Time October through April (cooler for the climb) Combine With Dead Sea resorts, Ma’in Hot Springs
FAQs
What is Lot's Cave in Jordan?
Lot’s Cave (Deir Ain Abata) is an archaeological site 2 kilometers northeast of Safi at the southeastern Dead Sea. It preserves
a Byzantine monastery built around a cave associated with the biblical story of Lot in Genesis 19. Archaeological evidence spans approximately 5,000 years, from Early Bronze Age burials to a 7th century church with dated mosaic inscriptions.
Is Lot's Cave included in the Jordan Pass?
Yes. Entry to Lot’s Cave and the Museum at the Lowest Place on Earth is included in the standard Jordan Pass. Without the pass, entry costs 2 JD. The museum at the base of the hill contains artifacts from the excavation.
How difficult is the climb to Lot's Cave?
The climb involves approximately 280 stairs on a steep slope. It is moderately strenuous and takes 10 to 15 minutes at a steady pace. A shuttle service (approximately 8 JD) covers the road section for visitors who prefer to minimize walking. The final stairway must be
climbed on foot. Bring water, especially in warm months.
How far is Lot's Cave from the Dead Sea resorts?
Lot’s Cave is located at the southeastern end of the Dead Sea, approximately 2 hours south of the Sweimeh resort area by road. It is
closer to destinations in southern Jordan. Most visitors reach the site via the Dead Sea Highway (Route 65). The site is well signposted from the highway.