Josh Gates Gets Hard Proof Of The Lost Ark Of The Covenant’s Current Location l Expedition Unknown
Josh Gates Gets Hard Proof Of The Lost Ark Of The Covenant's Current Location l Expedition Unknown
This fascinating exploration in Ethiopia delves into one of the most compelling theories surrounding the Ark of the Covenant, a legendary artifact believed to hold the sacred Ten Commandments. According to local tradition and historical lore, the Ark may have been taken out of Jerusalem before the Babylonian invasion and hidden in Ethiopia, specifically in the ancient Aksum region. Here’s a breakdown of the journey and discoveries made in this captivating investigation:
The Theory:
Local historians and researchers, like Sisai Sagai, believe that the Ark traveled from Jerusalem to Ethiopia, not by accident, but by divine instruction. The theory suggests that after the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon in Jerusalem, they had a son named Menelik II. As Menelik grew, he was supposedly guided by a vision from a high priest to bring the Ark of the Covenant from Solomon’s Temple back to Ethiopia, a country with deep biblical and cultural ties to the Ark.
This legend is not found in the Bible, but rather in the Ethiopian Kebra Nagast (Book of the Glory of Kings), which tells the story of Solomon and Sheba’s union, the birth of Menelik, and the subsequent journey of the Ark to Aksum.
Exploring the Sacred Church:
Sisai takes the researcher to Aksum, the ancient capital of the Aksumite Kingdom, to see ancient manuscripts that supposedly hold evidence of the Ark’s arrival in Ethiopia. One of the most notable sites is the Church of Saint Mary of Zion, which houses the guardian of the Ark—the only person allowed to view the Ark in person, according to local tradition. This man is said to never leave the church compound and is considered the sole custodian of the Ark. Attempts to meet him, even with financial offers, are fruitless, as the Ark is shrouded in deep secrecy and spiritual reverence.
The Mystery Deepens:
Despite being denied access to the Ark, the researcher continues to investigate the surrounding historical and archaeological evidence. This includes the Aksum Stelae, a field of ancient monolithic pillars that have baffled historians for centuries. Bob Cornuk, a biblical investigator with nearly two decades of experience studying the Ark, believes the Stelae and other monuments around Aksum may hold clues to the Ark’s arrival.
Uncovering Ancient Clues:
One of the most intriguing discoveries occurs when the team explores a fallen stela and uncovers an engraved pedestal beneath it. This engraving, which Bob believes depicts the Ark of the Covenant, could be one of the oldest representations of the Ark—carved around 2,000 years ago—potentially proving that the Ark was indeed brought to Ethiopia. This depiction suggests that the Ark was not only present in the Aksumite Kingdom but might have been of such profound significance that it was etched into the very fabric of the kingdom’s monuments.
The scene is described as a “2,000-year-old photograph in stone”, which seems to show the Ark’s container placed on a pedestal. If Bob’s theory holds true, this could be one of the earliest artistic depictions of the Ark’s arrival in Ethiopia, confirming the ancient claims.
The Significance of the Discovery:
The Ark of the Covenant is one of the most enduring mysteries in history. Its fate after the fall of Jerusalem has been the subject of countless theories, with some claiming it was taken to Ethiopia. The Kebra Nagast offers one of the most enduring stories, asserting that the Ark was brought to Aksum, where it remains to this day in the Church of Saint Mary of Zion.
While the modern world cannot simply walk into the presence of the Ark—due to the sacred guardian system and the deep reverence surrounding the artifact—the ancient monuments and Ethiopian manuscripts offer clues that may be the key to understanding the Ark’s true journey.
The Unseen Evidence:
The most significant takeaway from this journey is that, while the Ark may remain physically inaccessible to outsiders, the historical and archaeological evidence in Aksum and Ethiopia is rich with clues that cannot be ignored. From manuscripts to monolithic stelae and ancient carvings, these findings offer tangible proof that the Ark’s journey might have truly led it to Ethiopia long before it became an enduring legend.
This episode underscores how historical mysteries are often hidden not in secret chambers, but in plain sight, awaiting discovery by those willing to delve into ancient traditions, local legends, and archaeological evidence.
Conclusion:
The theory that the Ark of the Covenant was taken to Ethiopia is still a matter of debate and mystery, but the evidence being uncovered in Aksum—from the Kebra Nagast and ancient manuscripts to the monolithic stelae—suggests that this story may have a deeper historical foundation than previously believed. As more is uncovered, the legend of the Ark continues to captivate both scholars and seekers alike, with Ethiopia standing at the crossroads of ancient myth and modern exploration.