Bible Archaeology, Search & Exploration Institute (BASE) believes that the Ark of the Covenant, one of the most sought-after relics from the Old Testament, is hidden in Ethiopia.
The Ark of the Covenant, which is made of wood and covered in gold, contains two stone tablets and other items from the Bible. Those tablets are said to have the Ten Commandments that were given to Moses on Mount Sinai. Christians in Ethiopia claim to be keeping the relic under guard at the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion. Archaeologists of BASE said there is strong evidence that the ancient Jews brought the Ark to Africa after being shipped out of Israel. They added that as King Manasseh drove the Jews outside of Israel, they brought the Ark with them. Bible scholars think that the Ark was brought to Egypt. This is where BASE found evidence that there was a Jewish community on Elephantine Island. Ruins of a replica of a Jewish temple were found, as well as ancient scrolls.
The BASE team has uncovered compelling evidence that the Ark may well have been spirited up the Nile River to an eventual resting place in the remote highlands of ancient Kush–modern-day Ethiopia.
According to BASE, the temple in Egypt was destroyed around 410 BC, and it is when the Ark was believed to have been taken to Ethiopia. Because of persecution, it could not go back to Israel, so Egypt was its ideal resting place.
While BASE did not fully claim that they have discovered the Ark, they believe that their research can lead to favorable results. “Although the subject is controversial and clouded with confusion, one emerging theory indicates that the Ark of the Covenant was transported out of ancient Israel and may be in Ethiopia today. As unusual as this may sound, the BASE team has uncovered compelling evidence that the Ark may well have been spirited up the Nile River to an eventual resting place in the remote highlands of ancient Kush–modern-day Ethiopia.”
BASE scholars visited the site in Ethiopia and were met with Christian monks who also showed the two forks that were believed to be from Solomon’s Temple. This was the first temple in Jerusalem that was destroyed in 587 BC.
The scholars also visited the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion but they were not able to see the alleged Ark. The monk, who serves as the guardian, is the only person who can see the Ark. “At this juncture, we cannot say with certainty that it is, but neither can he say for certain that it isn’t,” the scholars said. They added that either the actual Ark of the Covenant or its replica lies at St. Mary’s of Zion church in Axum, Ethiopia.
Sources:
www.dailystar.co.uk
www.thesun.co.uk
