The business of sun bathing and the evaporating effects of the sun, damascus 50 BC

Damascus is (not well known) to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. It is thought to have been first inhabitated between 8,000 and 10,000 BC however it is not well documented as an important city. Anyway, Sovereignty over Damascus passed from the Assyrians to the Chaldaeans (Neo-Babylonians) under King Nebuchadnezzar in 572 BC. Then to Alexander the great, to the Seleucid empire, then to the Ptolemaic empire after 332 BC. Damascus soon become a popular city with trade routes between Arabia, Petra and Palmyra around 222 BC. Damascus's importance as a caravan city was evident with these trade routes and being near the river Barada which the towns walls are enclosed by.

Ok, so onto 64 BC where St. Paul (of the old testament) is passing through and has a vision. He is struck blind immediately and soon converts to Christianity. Because of his calling or vision as it were he decideds to stay, setting up a small camp near Barada where he lives and makes his living as a prophet. Because he is blind and Damascus is hot, he invents sunbathing. Partially due to his incessant passion about the sun but also because it is hot and laying near the flowing river is cooling and soothing to him. Passers-bye on route to Petra and Arabia hot and tired see St. Paul sunbathing with a growing number of sunbathers following his actions, taking in the sun and quietly murmuring hymns of grace. Because Damascus is so hot followers would (after hours of in the sun) turn to the water to cool down. They would bathe in the waters and soon return to continue sunbathing. Each person would take turns cooling off and return to their spot where others would watch the water evaporate from their skin and wait in anticipation for their turn. It was mystifying. As time went on St. Paul took donations for being able to sunbathe in his small commune of Christians where he lectured and spoke the word. Soon others who claimed land decided to charge as well to sunbathe and be able to watch the water evaporate from their bodies. It was deemed a cleansing effect that should be payed for. The holy water returning to the heavens where God would cleanse you and make you clean again. This lasted approximately 37 years until the Romans conquered Damascus and claimed it as their own, putting an end to the business of sunbathing. I love you.