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Ancient Mysteries: Lost Ark of the Covenant (S1) | Full Episode | History

HISTORY・29 minutes read

The Ark of the Covenant, a revered relic central to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, vanished from Jerusalem after mysterious circumstances, leading to centuries of quests and legends. Ethopia's unique worship of the Ark, guarded by a monk named Aba Tesfamariam in Aksum, suggests a strong case for its presence there, despite remaining forbidden for direct examination.

Insights

  • The Ark of the Covenant, a revered relic in Jerusalem, held legendary powers and was central to the religious practices of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, with its disappearance sparking quests and speculation throughout history.
  • The Ark's journey from Jerusalem to Ethiopia, linked to legends of the Queen of Sheba and King Menelik, showcases a unique blend of ancient Judaism and Christianity in Ethiopia, where it is believed to be safeguarded in the Church of St. Mary of Zion, guarded by a monk named Aba Tesfamariam, adding to the mystery and allure surrounding its final resting place.

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Recent questions

  • Where is the Ark of the Covenant believed to be?

    The Ark of the Covenant is believed to be in Ethiopia, specifically in the Church of St. Mary of Zion in Aksum. According to Graham Hancock, the Ark was hidden in Ethiopia over 1,000 years ago and has been guarded by a monk named Aba Tesfamariam. The Ark's presence in Ethiopia is linked to a blend of ancient Judaism and Christianity, with a rich history dating back to the Queen of Sheba and Menelik.

  • What is the significance of the Ark of the Covenant?

    The Ark of the Covenant holds immense religious and historical significance as a relic embodying God's presence on Earth. It played a central role in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, with legendary powers described in the Old Testament, such as stopping rivers and destroying armies. The Ark was housed in the temple in Jerusalem, brought out only once a year by the high priest on Yom Kippur, a day of atonement. Despite its disappearance, the Ark's legend continues to inspire quests and exploration, drawing pilgrims to Jerusalem for centuries.

  • Who searched for the Ark of the Covenant in the 12th century?

    The Templars, a medieval Christian military order, searched for the Ark of the Covenant beneath the temple mount in Jerusalem in the 12th century. Despite their efforts, they found no trace of the Ark, leading to the discovery of Gothic architecture. The Templars' quest for the Ark reflects the enduring fascination and mystery surrounding its whereabouts, with various theories and legends continuing to captivate explorers and historians.

  • What happened during Captain Montague Parker's 1909 expedition?

    During Captain Montague Parker's 1909 expedition to find the Ark of the Covenant, his team uncovered ancient water systems, pot shards, and rocks in Jerusalem. Despite their efforts, they did not find the Ark. Parker's expedition highlights the ongoing search for the Ark, driven by religious significance and the allure of its fabled treasures. The mystery surrounding the Ark's final resting place continues to spark interest and speculation among researchers and adventurers.

  • Why did the Ark of the Covenant disappear from Jerusalem?

    The Ark of the Covenant disappeared from Jerusalem due to King Manasseh's pagan worship, prompting loyal priests to take it to Elephantine Island in Egypt. After over 200 years in Egypt, the Ark was carried to Ethiopia around 410 B.C., where it remained on Tana Kirkos island for 800 years before being moved to Aksum. The Ark's journey reflects a blend of religious traditions and historical events, shaping its significance and mystery that continue to captivate scholars and believers alike.

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Summary

00:00

The Lost Ark of Jerusalem: A Mystery

  • Jerusalem is a city central to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, with the Ark of the Covenant being a significant relic embodying God's presence on Earth.
  • The Ark, made of acacia wood and gold, was described in detail in the Old Testament and had legendary powers, including stopping rivers and destroying armies.
  • King David and his son Solomon played key roles in bringing the Ark to Jerusalem and constructing the temple to house it.
  • The first temple, built around 966 B.C., was grand and elaborate, with the Ark placed in the holy of holies, a sacred area within the temple.
  • The Ark was brought out of the temple only once a year by the high priest on Yom Kippur, a significant day of atonement.
  • The Ark mysteriously vanished after 900 B.C., with theories suggesting it was captured by the Babylonians and possibly melted down for its gold.
  • The Templars, in the 12th century, searched for the Ark beneath the temple mount but found no trace of it, leading to the discovery of Gothic architecture.
  • Captain Montague Parker's 1909 expedition aimed to find the Ark but only uncovered ancient water systems, pot shards, and rocks.
  • Jerusalem's significance has drawn pilgrims for centuries, with the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque now standing on the original temple site.
  • Despite the Ark's disappearance, its legend continues to inspire quests and exploration, with its final resting place remaining a mystery.

19:10

Ark of the Covenant: Ethiopia's Sacred Secret

  • Parker bribed the Ottoman governor of Jerusalem to excavate under the Dome of the Rock, leading to an alarm and their hasty retreat to Jaffa.
  • Rumors of infidels stealing sacred items caused riots and set back archeology in Palestine.
  • Graham Hancock revealed the Ark of the Covenant was hidden in Ethiopia over 1,000 years ago.
  • Ethiopia is unique in worshipping the Ark, with a blend of ancient Judaism and Christianity.
  • The legend of the Queen of Sheba and Menelik links Ethiopia to the Ark's presence.
  • The Ark disappeared from Jerusalem due to King Manasseh's pagan worship, taken by loyal priests to Elephantine Island.
  • The Ark remained in Egypt for over 200 years before being carried to Ethiopia around 410 B.C.
  • Tana Kirkos island housed the Ark for 800 years before it was moved to Aksum and placed in the Church of St. Mary of Zion.
  • The Ark is guarded by a monk named Aba Tesfamariam, believed to be lethal to impure individuals.
  • Hancock believes he found the Ark in Aksum, but direct examination is forbidden by Ethiopian tradition.

36:32

Guarded Monastery in Aksum Holds Ark

  • In Aksum, a monastic complex is guarded by heavily armed men to ensure security.
  • Circumstantial evidence strongly suggests the Ark of the Covenant is in Ethiopia, with a powerful case supporting its presence there.
  • The search for the Ark continues, driven by religious significance and the allure of its fabled treasures.
  • Various accounts and traditions reflect different religious perspectives on the Ark's symbolic significance, with its actual location remaining a mystery that holds immense value and impact.
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