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Bela (Zoar)
The only city of the Jordan Pentapolis to survive judgment, initially known as Bela, it became Lot's sanctuary during the destruction of Sodom.
Valley of Siddim
The Valley of Siddim, which the text identifies as the Salt Sea (Dead Sea), was the primary staging ground for the conflict between the two royal coalitions. Noted for its dangerous 'slime pits' or bitumen wells, it served as a geographical trap that played a decisive role in the defeat of the Kings of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Zeboyim
A city in the Valley of Siddim that took part in the rebellion against the Eastern Kings, historically synonymous with divine desolation.
Bera
Bera was the King of Sodom who led the rebellion against Chedorlaomer’s rule. His encounter with Abram after the rescue mission highlights the contrast between the world's transactional wealth and Abram’s reliance on the provision of God.
Birsha
Birsha ruled as the King of Gomorrah and participated in the revolt of the five cities against the Mesopotamian overlords. His defeat in the Valley of Siddim exemplifies the vulnerability of the wealthy but wicked cities of the Jordan plain.
Shemeber
Shemeber served as the King of Zeboiim, a city associated with the southern region of the Dead Sea. Along with his contemporaries, he suffered total defeat and loss of goods during the invasion by the four eastern kings.
Shinab
Shinab was the king of the city-state of Admah. He joined the local confederacy of kings in their ill-fated attempt to achieve independence from Elamite taxation and authority.
Bera
The leader of the rebel city-state coalition in the Valley of Siddim who was defeated and later attempted to bargain for booty with Abram.
Birsha
The monarch of Gomorrah who allied with Sodom to rebel against Chedorlaomer after twelve years of servitude.
Shemeber
The king of Zeboyim who joined Bera of Sodom in the uprising that led to the capture of Lot.