While drilling in 1971, geologists tapped into a cavern filled with natural gas. The ground beneath the drilling rig collapsed, leaving a large hole with a diameter of 70 metres (The Gates of Hell). To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided to burn it off. It’s still on fire. Check video :
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
I believe that there was a similar place near Jerusalem in the time of Christ. It was used as a municipal dump, including the disposal of stray diseased dogs and unclaimed corpses.
If one can imagine the sights, sounds and smells of such a place, it is not hard to see how it came to represent hell!!