Ep 4. Finding Sodom

In the fourth episode of "What on Earth?" season 1, titled "Finding Sodom," the viewer is taken on a journey to explore one of the most notorious and controversial stories in the Bible: the destruction of the ancient city of Sodom.

The show begins with a brief history of Sodom and its inhabitants. According to the Bible, Sodom was one of the five cities known as the 'Cities of the Plain' and was greatly indulgent, indulging heavily in sin. In the book of Genesis, God sent two angels in the guise of travelers to inspect the city, and they were welcomed into the home of a man named Lot, the only righteous man in the city.

During their stay, the men of Sodom attempted to rape the angels, and in response, God destroyed the city with fire and brimstone. The story has been debated for centuries, with some historians claiming that the city never existed and was merely a metaphor for the wickedness of humanity.

The show's team investigates the story by analyzing satellite images and ground surveys, as well as consulting with historians, archaeologists, and theologians. They begin their search by looking for evidence of a massive disaster in the region where Sodom was said to be located.

Using ground-penetrating radar and other high-tech equipment, they analyze the geological features and evidence from past excavations. They soon discover a massive layer of ash and debris that could be the remains of the ancient city.

The team then focuses their efforts on identifying the locations of the other four cities of the plain and analyzing the surrounding areas for evidence of a catastrophic event. They soon stumble upon geologic evidence of a large meteor impact, which could explain the destruction of the cities.

The show also delves into the historical and political factors surrounding the story of Sodom, including the involvement of the ancient kingdoms of Assyria, Babylon, and Persia, and the influence of religious leaders and theologians in shaping the story over time.

Overall, the "Finding Sodom" episode of "What on Earth?" season 1 provides a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most fascinating and controversial stories in human history, using the latest technology and research methods to shed new light on an ancient mystery.