It's the lowest point on earth, nothing lives in it, and every year it is losing water.
The Dead Sea sits between Jordan, Israel and the West Bank - with its main tributary the Jordan River.
It is almost 10 times as salty as the ocean, and because of that high salinity, it makes the human body float on the water with ease.
Despite the lack of life in the lake, its shores have been home to civilisations for centuries, and today it is known as a popular health and tourism destination.
Leeds University Professor of International History Nir Arielli has charted the history of the water body in his book The Dead Sea: A 10-thousand Year History, and speaks to Kathryn about its long history.
View on Dead Sea in Israel Photo: 123RF
