c. AD 77

J. BJ 4.484

The Wars of the Jews 4.484

Author
Flavius Josephus
Translator
William Whiston

The Wars of the Jews

4.484

Flavius Josephus

translated by William Whiston

484It is related how, for the impiety of its inhabitants, it was burnt by lightning; in consequence of which there are still the remainders of that Divine fire, and the traces [or shadows] of the five cities are still to be seen, as well as the ashes growing in their fruits; which fruits have a color as if they were fit to be eaten, but if you pluck them with your hands, they dissolve into smoke and ashes.