A group of Hebrews searching for a new home approach Sodom and Gomorrah, twin cities ruled by the ruthless Queen Bera. Bera permits the Hebrews to remain outside the cities and farm the land along the Jordan River, in the hopes that they will serve as a buffer against the fierce, nomadic Helamites, who have enlisted the aid of Bera's vice-ridden brother, Astaroth, in plotting to take control of the two cities. On the night of Lot's wedding to a former slave, Ildith, the Helamites attack the Hebrew camp; but Lot orders the destruction of a dam, and the Helamites are drowned in a raging flood. The Hebrews' lands are destroyed by the flood, and the grateful Bera allows the homeless people to move into Sodom, where they become enterprising salt sellers. Though Lot prospers, he gradually sees the corrupting influence of life in the city. Lot kills Astaroth, who has violated both of his daughters, and Bera has him imprisoned. Two angels appear before Lot and instruct him to lead his people away from the wickedness of the cities before sunset, when Jehovah will destroy both Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot, miraculously freed from his chains, assembles those who will heed his warning and leads them into the mountains. At sunset, the earth splits apart and the two cities burn to ashes. Ildith ignores the Lord's warning that "he who looks back upon the destruction of this place, does so in regret." As she turns her head toward her former home, a bolt of lightning cracks across the sky, and she turns into a pillar of salt. + −