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Unearthing the Mysteries of the Ark - Forbidden History - S03 EP1 - History Documentary

Banijay History・25 minutes read

The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred relic described in the Bible, is believed to have been brought to Ethiopia and currently housed in Aksum, according to Ethiopian Christian tradition. However, the authenticity of the Ark's location and existence is questioned, with various theories and uncertainties surrounding its true nature and whereabouts.

Insights

  • The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred relic described in the Bible, is believed to have been housed in Jerusalem's Solomon's Temple until it vanished in 587 BC during the Babylonian invasion, possibly hidden underground in Jerusalem, and later claimed to be in Ethiopia.
  • Ethiopian Christians revere the Ark as a powerful artifact capable of miracles, with a symbolic replica called tabots used in ceremonies, while the actual Ark is said to be guarded in Aksum by a monk, leading to skepticism about its authenticity and location, creating a mystery that remains unsolved.

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Recent questions

  • What is the Ark of the Covenant?

    A golden chest in the Bible with sacred items.

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

    Potentially hidden underground in Jerusalem.

  • What are some theories about the Ark's location?

    Babylon, Rome, Jerusalem, or Ethiopia.

  • What are symbolic replicas of the Ark called?

    Tabots.

  • Who is the guardian of the Ark of the Covenant in Aksum?

    A monk who prays to it and cannot leave.

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Summary

00:00

The Mysterious Journey of the Ark

  • The Ark of the Covenant is a golden chest described in the Bible, containing the tablets of stone with the Ten Commandments, Aaron's Rod, a jar of manna, and the first Torah scroll.
  • Moses received detailed instructions from God on how to build the Ark, specifying materials, dimensions, and design down to the centimeter.
  • Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem housed the Ark in the holy of holies until 587 BC when the Babylonians sacked the city, leading to the Ark's disappearance.
  • The Ark, covered in gold, could have survived due to its resilient material, with the possibility of it being hidden underground in Jerusalem.
  • Ethiopian Christians claim the Ark was brought to Ethiopia by Menelik, the son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, and is currently housed in a small chapel in Aksum.
  • The Ark is believed to be a powerful relic, capable of parting waters and causing walls to crumble, with potential technological capabilities like emitting electric shocks.
  • Ethiopian churches possess symbolic replicas of the Ark called tabots, which are paraded on special holy days and believed to perform miracles.
  • The Ark is said to have spent time in Egypt before being brought to Ethiopia, where it resided on an island in Lake Tana before being moved to Aksum.
  • The priests on the island of Tana Kirkos claim to have relics left by the high priests who took the Ark to Aksum over 2000 years ago, including a breastplate.
  • Archaeological evidence supports the oral tradition of the Ark's journey to Ethiopia, with relics and artifacts indicating its presence on the island at Tana Kirkos.

21:11

Mystery of Ark in Ethiopian Church

  • Antiquity from the Jewish Community made their way to a remote island in Ethiopia, where the first priest sacrifice was built, resembling a breast, used during ceremonies with the Ark of the Covenant over 800 years before Jesus Christ.
  • The bowl used for collecting blood during ceremonies was made of bronze and came with the Ark of the Covenant from Jerusalem to Ethiopia.
  • The relics left behind in Aksum, Ethiopia, were not needed due to the absence of sacrifices in Christianity, as Christianity had already begun.
  • The Ark of the Covenant was brought to Aksum from Elephantine, where it rested for centuries before being taken further.
  • The relics in Aksum, including ancient trumpets used to bring down the walls of Jericho, suggest a connection to Solomon's Temple and Ethiopia.
  • Ethiopian Christians claim the Ark of the Covenant rests in the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion in Aksum, guarded by a succession of priests who never leave the compound.
  • The guardian monk in Aksum is the sole protector of the Ark of the Covenant, praying to it and not allowed to leave the church.
  • The authenticity of the Ark in Aksum is questioned, with doubts raised about its true nature and whether it is a replica or the original.
  • The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has kept the Ark hidden, refusing to show it to anyone, leading to skepticism about its existence.
  • Various theories exist about the current location of the Ark of the Covenant, with possibilities including Babylon, Rome, Jerusalem, or still being in Ethiopia, but the mystery remains unsolved without scientific verification.

43:03

Ethiopian Christians revere disputed Ark location.

  • The Ark of the Covenant is claimed to be in the highlands of Ethiopia by religious authorities.
  • Uncertainty exists regarding whether Menelik brought back the actual Ark from Jerusalem or a copy.
  • Regardless, the Ark holds immense significance for over 50 million Ethiopian Christians as the cornerstone of their belief.
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