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# | Start | End | Original | Translated |
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1 | 00:00:00,841 | 00:00:02,272 | (intense music) | (intense music) |
2 | 00:00:02,281 | 00:00:04,839 | Mastrelli: A wooden box covered in gold, | Mastrelli: A wooden box covered in gold, |
3 | 00:00:04,914 | 00:00:08,359 | It's said to possess extraordinary powers | It's said to possess extraordinary powers |
4 | 00:00:08,434 | 00:00:12,912 | And that who ever posses it is in turn invincible. | And that who ever posses it is in turn invincible. |
5 | 00:00:12,921 | 00:00:16,192 | Given to one people, the israelites, | Given to one people, the israelites, |
6 | 00:00:16,201 | 00:00:18,592 | It vanishes 25 centuries ago | It vanishes 25 centuries ago |
7 | 00:00:18,601 | 00:00:21,119 | From jerusalem and from history. | From jerusalem and from history. |
8 | 00:00:22,841 | 00:00:25,399 | Some say it's been destroyed, | Some say it's been destroyed, |
9 | 00:00:25,474 | 00:00:29,392 | Or that it was only a symbol, an idea. | Or that it was only a symbol, an idea. |
10 | 00:00:29,401 | 00:00:31,712 | But there are those who claim to know | But there are those who claim to know |
11 | 00:00:31,721 | 00:00:33,959 | Exactly where it is. | Exactly where it is. |
12 | 00:00:34,994 | 00:00:39,392 | This is where legend, belief and archeology meet | This is where legend, belief and archeology meet |
13 | 00:00:39,401 | 00:00:43,312 | In the story of the ark of the covenant. | In the story of the ark of the covenant. |
14 | 00:00:43,321 | 00:00:45,559 | (intense music) | (intense music) |
15 | 00:00:45,634 | 00:00:49,072 | For centuries the mysteries of the past | For centuries the mysteries of the past |
16 | 00:00:49,081 | 00:00:52,592 | Have kept their secrets. | Have kept their secrets. |
17 | 00:00:52,601 | 00:00:56,352 | But there are clues cast in gold, | But there are clues cast in gold, |
18 | 00:00:56,361 | 00:01:00,352 | Etched in stone, written in blood. | Etched in stone, written in blood. |
19 | 00:01:00,361 | 00:01:03,039 | (intense music) | (intense music) |
20 | 00:01:04,114 | 00:01:06,519 | We can unlock them. | We can unlock them. |
21 | 00:01:06,594 | 00:01:09,239 | (intense music) | (intense music) |
22 | 00:01:23,474 | 00:01:24,912 | Let's get this out of the way, | Let's get this out of the way, |
23 | 00:01:24,921 | 00:01:27,559 | That famous movie about a guy with a hat | That famous movie about a guy with a hat |
24 | 00:01:27,634 | 00:01:30,319 | And a whip looking for the lost ark, | And a whip looking for the lost ark, |
25 | 00:01:32,041 | 00:01:34,159 | Despite what it says on your old vhs, | Despite what it says on your old vhs, |
26 | 00:01:35,314 | 00:01:37,879 | His name does not appear in the original title. | His name does not appear in the original title. |
27 | 00:01:37,954 | 00:01:42,919 | But what is right about both titles is one word, "lost." | But what is right about both titles is one word, "lost." |
28 | 00:01:43,161 | 00:01:45,879 | The ark of the covenant really is lost. | The ark of the covenant really is lost. |
29 | 00:01:45,954 | 00:01:47,472 | It shows up in the book of exodus | It shows up in the book of exodus |
30 | 00:01:47,481 | 00:01:48,992 | At the single most critical moment | At the single most critical moment |
31 | 00:01:49,001 | 00:01:50,592 | In history of the jewish people. | In history of the jewish people. |
32 | 00:01:50,601 | 00:01:52,279 | And then with a few exceptions, | And then with a few exceptions, |
33 | 00:01:52,354 | 00:01:55,072 | It vanishes from the pages of the bible. | It vanishes from the pages of the bible. |
34 | 00:01:55,081 | 00:01:58,039 | Here is an object that embodies god's unique covenant | Here is an object that embodies god's unique covenant |
35 | 00:01:58,114 | 00:02:01,079 | With the israelites, created as moses leads his people | With the israelites, created as moses leads his people |
36 | 00:02:01,154 | 00:02:02,559 | Out of slavery of egypt, | Out of slavery of egypt, |
37 | 00:02:03,641 | 00:02:04,479 | And it's missing. | And it's missing. |
38 | 00:02:05,561 | 00:02:07,399 | No wonder they made a movie about it. | No wonder they made a movie about it. |
39 | 00:02:11,161 | 00:02:12,439 | Romain: The exodus from egypt | Romain: The exodus from egypt |
40 | 00:02:12,514 | 00:02:15,712 | Wasn't just a few slaves escaping. | Wasn't just a few slaves escaping. |
41 | 00:02:15,721 | 00:02:19,552 | It was the first national liberation movement in history. | It was the first national liberation movement in history. |
42 | 00:02:19,561 | 00:02:22,279 | Mastrelli: God writes his laws, the ten commandments, | Mastrelli: God writes his laws, the ten commandments, |
43 | 00:02:22,354 | 00:02:24,672 | On to two tablets of stone. | On to two tablets of stone. |
44 | 00:02:24,681 | 00:02:28,119 | It's his pact with his people, his covenant. | It's his pact with his people, his covenant. |
45 | 00:02:28,194 | 00:02:31,719 | Edwards: God needs to reconfirm the identity of the people, | Edwards: God needs to reconfirm the identity of the people, |
46 | 00:02:31,794 | 00:02:34,592 | But he also needs to reconfirm his bond with the people. | But he also needs to reconfirm his bond with the people. |
47 | 00:02:34,601 | 00:02:38,919 | And the way that he does that is he asks moses to go up, | And the way that he does that is he asks moses to go up, |
48 | 00:02:38,994 | 00:02:42,832 | And he writes, with his finger, the ten commandments. | And he writes, with his finger, the ten commandments. |
49 | 00:02:42,841 | 00:02:44,679 | Mastrelli: So important are these commandments, | Mastrelli: So important are these commandments, |
50 | 00:02:44,754 | 00:02:46,439 | That according to the bible, | That according to the bible, |
51 | 00:02:46,514 | 00:02:49,319 | God gives the israelites a precise set | God gives the israelites a precise set |
52 | 00:02:49,394 | 00:02:52,119 | Of instructions as to how his commandments | Of instructions as to how his commandments |
53 | 00:02:52,194 | 00:02:54,839 | Must be transported to the promised land. | Must be transported to the promised land. |
54 | 00:02:54,914 | 00:02:56,359 | The specifications call | The specifications call |
55 | 00:02:56,434 | 00:02:58,519 | For a box made of acacia wood, | For a box made of acacia wood, |
56 | 00:02:58,594 | 00:03:01,959 | Mounted on four legs with two poles to carry it, | Mounted on four legs with two poles to carry it, |
57 | 00:03:02,034 | 00:03:05,152 | And with winged creatures on top. | And with winged creatures on top. |
58 | 00:03:05,161 | 00:03:07,479 | The chest was to be covered in gold leaf | The chest was to be covered in gold leaf |
59 | 00:03:07,554 | 00:03:10,359 | And with a lid cast in solid gold. | And with a lid cast in solid gold. |
60 | 00:03:10,434 | 00:03:14,919 | Even the size is decreed in cubits, a biblical measurement. | Even the size is decreed in cubits, a biblical measurement. |
61 | 00:03:14,994 | 00:03:16,992 | Romain: So it was both commanded by god, | Romain: So it was both commanded by god, |
62 | 00:03:17,001 | 00:03:18,912 | But also containing the word of god, | But also containing the word of god, |
63 | 00:03:18,921 | 00:03:20,359 | And therefore doubly special. | And therefore doubly special. |
64 | 00:03:21,321 | 00:03:22,839 | Edwards: These tablets are the very things | Edwards: These tablets are the very things |
65 | 00:03:22,914 | 00:03:25,399 | That are kept inside the ark of the covenant. | That are kept inside the ark of the covenant. |
66 | 00:03:25,474 | 00:03:29,552 | This keeps the very laws of israel. | This keeps the very laws of israel. |
67 | 00:03:29,561 | 00:03:32,439 | Mastrelli: If the story of its construction is remarkable, | Mastrelli: If the story of its construction is remarkable, |
68 | 00:03:32,514 | 00:03:35,792 | What happens subsequently is transformational. | What happens subsequently is transformational. |
69 | 00:03:35,801 | 00:03:38,039 | As the israelites wander in the wilderness | As the israelites wander in the wilderness |
70 | 00:03:38,114 | 00:03:41,799 | For 40 years, they unite around the ark. | For 40 years, they unite around the ark. |
71 | 00:03:41,874 | 00:03:43,232 | They become something more | They become something more |
72 | 00:03:43,241 | 00:03:45,239 | Than an assemblage of tribes. | Than an assemblage of tribes. |
73 | 00:03:45,314 | 00:03:48,032 | Romain: They left egypt as a people, as a nation, | Romain: They left egypt as a people, as a nation, |
74 | 00:03:48,041 | 00:03:51,159 | And they then forged that identity, | And they then forged that identity, |
75 | 00:03:51,234 | 00:03:52,679 | Not just their ethnic identity, | Not just their ethnic identity, |
76 | 00:03:52,754 | 00:03:55,279 | But their religious identity, in the desert. | But their religious identity, in the desert. |
77 | 00:03:57,074 | 00:03:58,359 | Mastrelli: To this nomadic people, | Mastrelli: To this nomadic people, |
78 | 00:03:58,434 | 00:04:01,239 | The ark stands for god's promise, | The ark stands for god's promise, |
79 | 00:04:01,314 | 00:04:03,319 | They will have a land of their own. | They will have a land of their own. |
80 | 00:04:05,234 | 00:04:06,752 | Romain: The israelites thought of themselves | Romain: The israelites thought of themselves |
81 | 00:04:06,761 | 00:04:08,999 | Not just as a sort of people | Not just as a sort of people |
82 | 00:04:09,074 | 00:04:11,079 | Out to conquer a particular territory, | Out to conquer a particular territory, |
83 | 00:04:11,154 | 00:04:15,319 | They saw themselves as a people fulfilling a mission, | They saw themselves as a people fulfilling a mission, |
84 | 00:04:15,394 | 00:04:18,359 | And not just a political mission, a religious mission. | And not just a political mission, a religious mission. |
85 | 00:04:18,434 | 00:04:20,759 | (intense music) | (intense music) |
86 | 00:04:20,834 | 00:04:23,472 | Mastrelli: But the old testament makes it very clear | Mastrelli: But the old testament makes it very clear |
87 | 00:04:23,481 | 00:04:24,999 | That the ark is far more | That the ark is far more |
88 | 00:04:25,074 | 00:04:27,319 | Than an empty symbol of identity. | Than an empty symbol of identity. |
89 | 00:04:27,394 | 00:04:29,072 | Edwards: It's a killer ark. | Edwards: It's a killer ark. |
90 | 00:04:29,081 | 00:04:30,679 | It can win battles. | It can win battles. |
91 | 00:04:30,754 | 00:04:33,759 | You don't want to go into battle without that ark. | You don't want to go into battle without that ark. |
92 | 00:04:34,601 | 00:04:38,992 | As israelites, this is your super weapon. | As israelites, this is your super weapon. |
93 | 00:04:39,001 | 00:04:40,919 | Mastrelli: In story after story, | Mastrelli: In story after story, |
94 | 00:04:40,994 | 00:04:44,119 | The bible tells of its mystical powers. | The bible tells of its mystical powers. |
95 | 00:04:44,194 | 00:04:48,119 | Lee: Kings are terrified of it, people die when they touch it, | Lee: Kings are terrified of it, people die when they touch it, |
96 | 00:04:48,194 | 00:04:50,879 | People prostrate themselves when they see it. | People prostrate themselves when they see it. |
97 | 00:04:52,114 | 00:04:53,879 | Mastrelli: It performs miracles. | Mastrelli: It performs miracles. |
98 | 00:04:55,641 | 00:04:59,159 | As the river jordan bars their entry into the promised land, | As the river jordan bars their entry into the promised land, |
99 | 00:04:59,234 | 00:05:01,519 | The ark parts the waters. | The ark parts the waters. |
100 | 00:05:03,481 | 00:05:05,639 | During the conquest of canaan, | During the conquest of canaan, |
101 | 00:05:05,714 | 00:05:09,839 | God commands the priests to circle jericho carrying the ark, | God commands the priests to circle jericho carrying the ark, |
102 | 00:05:10,761 | 00:05:12,912 | And the city's defenses fall. | And the city's defenses fall. |
103 | 00:05:12,921 | 00:05:15,559 | (intense music) | (intense music) |
104 | 00:05:26,441 | 00:05:29,119 | (intense music) | (intense music) |
105 | 00:05:31,314 | 00:05:34,279 | Mastrelli: The watershed moment arrives with david, | Mastrelli: The watershed moment arrives with david, |
106 | 00:05:34,354 | 00:05:37,639 | The warrior king who the bible says killed goliath. | The warrior king who the bible says killed goliath. |
107 | 00:05:40,674 | 00:05:43,152 | Defeating the last of his people's enemies, | Defeating the last of his people's enemies, |
108 | 00:05:43,161 | 00:05:48,039 | He unites two regions to create a single kingdom, israel. | He unites two regions to create a single kingdom, israel. |
109 | 00:05:51,474 | 00:05:54,119 | And to symbolize the settling of the promised land, | And to symbolize the settling of the promised land, |
110 | 00:05:55,074 | 00:05:57,439 | He brings the ark into jerusalem. | He brings the ark into jerusalem. |
111 | 00:06:00,194 | 00:06:02,839 | (intense music) | (intense music) |
112 | 00:06:04,914 | 00:06:08,512 | Until now there has been very little archeological evidence | Until now there has been very little archeological evidence |
113 | 00:06:08,521 | 00:06:10,759 | Of david or his kingdom. | Of david or his kingdom. |
114 | 00:06:13,474 | 00:06:15,719 | But 20 miles outside jerusalem, | But 20 miles outside jerusalem, |
115 | 00:06:16,994 | 00:06:18,759 | Archeologist yossi garfinkel | Archeologist yossi garfinkel |
116 | 00:06:18,834 | 00:06:21,559 | Believes he's discovered a city from david's time, | Believes he's discovered a city from david's time, |
117 | 00:06:22,761 | 00:06:24,479 | The 10th century b.C. | The 10th century b.C. |
118 | 00:06:43,721 | 00:06:44,759 | Mastrelli: Nothing has been built | Mastrelli: Nothing has been built |
119 | 00:06:44,834 | 00:06:47,039 | On this site for 3,000 years. | On this site for 3,000 years. |
120 | 00:06:49,074 | 00:06:51,559 | It's only been partially excavated. | It's only been partially excavated. |
121 | 00:06:51,634 | 00:06:53,239 | But among the ruins, | But among the ruins, |
122 | 00:06:53,314 | 00:06:56,519 | Garfinkel has uncovered a giant gateway to the city | Garfinkel has uncovered a giant gateway to the city |
123 | 00:06:56,594 | 00:06:59,959 | And a palace of more than 4,300 square feet. | And a palace of more than 4,300 square feet. |
124 | 00:07:01,721 | 00:07:04,192 | The most exciting discovery happened here, | The most exciting discovery happened here, |
125 | 00:07:04,201 | 00:07:07,359 | Where he found fragments of some sort of stone vessel. | Where he found fragments of some sort of stone vessel. |
126 | 00:07:10,114 | 00:07:13,279 | Garfinkel sent them to jerusalem to be pieced back together. | Garfinkel sent them to jerusalem to be pieced back together. |
127 | 00:07:15,161 | 00:07:17,472 | What emerged was a box. | What emerged was a box. |
128 | 00:07:17,481 | 00:07:21,239 | And over time, he has found other similar boxes. | And over time, he has found other similar boxes. |
129 | 00:07:49,481 | 00:07:52,159 | (intense music) | (intense music) |
130 | 00:07:54,121 | 00:07:55,559 | Mastrelli: But what was it for? | Mastrelli: But what was it for? |
131 | 00:08:25,401 | 00:08:28,079 | (intense music) | (intense music) |
132 | 00:08:29,001 | 00:08:32,112 | Mastrelli: Garfinkel believes that these are mini arks, | Mastrelli: Garfinkel believes that these are mini arks, |
133 | 00:08:32,121 | 00:08:33,959 | And that the priests from david's time | And that the priests from david's time |
134 | 00:08:34,034 | 00:08:35,479 | Used them in their worship. | Used them in their worship. |
135 | 00:08:52,034 | 00:08:54,192 | Mastrelli: Based on where the arks were found, | Mastrelli: Based on where the arks were found, |
136 | 00:08:54,201 | 00:08:55,799 | Garfinkel has built up a picture | Garfinkel has built up a picture |
137 | 00:08:55,874 | 00:08:58,519 | Of how these early israelites practiced their faith. | Of how these early israelites practiced their faith. |
138 | 00:09:16,194 | 00:09:19,239 | Mastrelli: These mini arks were only seen by priests | Mastrelli: These mini arks were only seen by priests |
139 | 00:09:19,314 | 00:09:21,392 | Who made offerings before them. | Who made offerings before them. |
140 | 00:09:21,401 | 00:09:24,679 | Garfinkel believes that every village might have had one. | Garfinkel believes that every village might have had one. |
141 | 00:09:44,361 | 00:09:45,792 | Mastrelli: And while the bible | Mastrelli: And while the bible |
142 | 00:09:45,801 | 00:09:48,432 | May be silent about garfinkel's other arks, | May be silent about garfinkel's other arks, |
143 | 00:09:48,441 | 00:09:50,352 | It's unequivocal about the one | It's unequivocal about the one |
144 | 00:09:50,361 | 00:09:52,992 | The israelites built in the desert. | The israelites built in the desert. |
145 | 00:09:53,001 | 00:09:55,559 | That the ark, according to the bible, | That the ark, according to the bible, |
146 | 00:09:55,634 | 00:09:57,719 | Would be housed in a great temple built | Would be housed in a great temple built |
147 | 00:09:57,794 | 00:10:00,799 | By king david's son, king solomon. | By king david's son, king solomon. |
148 | 00:10:04,674 | 00:10:06,352 | In the bible king solomon's temple | In the bible king solomon's temple |
149 | 00:10:06,361 | 00:10:07,719 | Gets the same kind of treatment | Gets the same kind of treatment |
150 | 00:10:07,794 | 00:10:10,112 | The ark of the covenant received. | The ark of the covenant received. |
151 | 00:10:10,121 | 00:10:12,352 | It's described with so much precision | It's described with so much precision |
152 | 00:10:12,361 | 00:10:14,672 | That a first year architecture student | That a first year architecture student |
153 | 00:10:14,681 | 00:10:15,959 | Can reproduce it | Can reproduce it |
154 | 00:10:16,034 | 00:10:17,639 | As a first-rate architectural drawing. | As a first-rate architectural drawing. |
155 | 00:10:19,241 | 00:10:21,799 | Okay, so I'm not a first-rate architectural student, | Okay, so I'm not a first-rate architectural student, |
156 | 00:10:21,874 | 00:10:23,799 | And this may not be accurate down | And this may not be accurate down |
157 | 00:10:23,874 | 00:10:26,839 | To the last cubit, but it ain't bad. | To the last cubit, but it ain't bad. |
158 | 00:10:26,914 | 00:10:28,279 | Back in the day of course, | Back in the day of course, |
159 | 00:10:28,354 | 00:10:29,712 | Solomon used stone blocks, | Solomon used stone blocks, |
160 | 00:10:29,721 | 00:10:31,639 | Cedar wood and precious metals. | Cedar wood and precious metals. |
161 | 00:10:31,714 | 00:10:33,959 | No expense spared to build | No expense spared to build |
162 | 00:10:34,034 | 00:10:37,159 | What was part temple and part fort knox. | What was part temple and part fort knox. |
163 | 00:10:37,234 | 00:10:40,279 | But it help more than the wealth of king solomon's kingdom, | But it help more than the wealth of king solomon's kingdom, |
164 | 00:10:40,354 | 00:10:41,559 | It held its soul. | It held its soul. |
165 | 00:10:42,514 | 00:10:45,399 | (intense music) | (intense music) |
166 | 00:10:45,474 | 00:10:48,159 | Its mighty doors opened not on to a vault, | Its mighty doors opened not on to a vault, |
167 | 00:10:49,874 | 00:10:54,039 | But on to an inner sanctum, the holy of holies. | But on to an inner sanctum, the holy of holies. |
168 | 00:10:54,114 | 00:10:56,992 | No one but the high priest could enter here. | No one but the high priest could enter here. |
169 | 00:10:57,001 | 00:11:00,519 | This was where god and the ark resided. | This was where god and the ark resided. |
170 | 00:11:01,801 | 00:11:04,559 | But it's also here that the trail runs cold. | But it's also here that the trail runs cold. |
171 | 00:11:05,561 | 00:11:07,759 | Even the bible has little more to say. | Even the bible has little more to say. |
172 | 00:11:09,634 | 00:11:12,672 | Romain: Once the ark gets put in solomon's temple, | Romain: Once the ark gets put in solomon's temple, |
173 | 00:11:12,681 | 00:11:14,679 | We just don't hear anything more about it. | We just don't hear anything more about it. |
174 | 00:11:15,961 | 00:11:17,472 | Mastrelli: The implication is that | Mastrelli: The implication is that |
175 | 00:11:17,481 | 00:11:19,799 | It remained in the temple for 100s of years, | It remained in the temple for 100s of years, |
176 | 00:11:20,834 | 00:11:22,479 | Until disaster strikes. | Until disaster strikes. |
177 | 00:11:24,274 | 00:11:29,239 | In 586 b.C., a babylonian army attacks jerusalem. | In 586 b.C., a babylonian army attacks jerusalem. |
178 | 00:11:31,321 | 00:11:35,519 | The siege lasts four months, but eventually the city | The siege lasts four months, but eventually the city |
179 | 00:11:36,914 | 00:11:40,279 | And solomon's temple are looted and burned. | And solomon's temple are looted and burned. |
180 | 00:11:42,121 | 00:11:45,239 | From this point on there's no further mention of the ark | From this point on there's no further mention of the ark |
181 | 00:11:46,354 | 00:11:47,712 | And many scholars believe | And many scholars believe |
182 | 00:11:47,721 | 00:11:50,039 | It met the same fate as the temple. | It met the same fate as the temple. |
183 | 00:11:52,361 | 00:11:54,839 | Romain: 586 is a watershed date in jewish history. | Romain: 586 is a watershed date in jewish history. |
184 | 00:11:54,914 | 00:11:57,079 | That's when the temple itself was destroyed, | That's when the temple itself was destroyed, |
185 | 00:11:57,154 | 00:11:58,512 | Everything in it was destroyed, | Everything in it was destroyed, |
186 | 00:11:58,521 | 00:12:00,239 | Including the ark of the covenant. | Including the ark of the covenant. |
187 | 00:12:02,994 | 00:12:05,159 | Mastrelli: It's one logical deduction. | Mastrelli: It's one logical deduction. |
188 | 00:12:05,234 | 00:12:07,159 | But the fact that the bible fails to say | But the fact that the bible fails to say |
189 | 00:12:07,234 | 00:12:08,832 | What happened to the ark | What happened to the ark |
190 | 00:12:08,841 | 00:12:11,079 | Means that there must be room for doubt. | Means that there must be room for doubt. |
191 | 00:12:12,754 | 00:12:15,839 | With no mention of it since long before the temple fell, | With no mention of it since long before the temple fell, |
192 | 00:12:16,834 | 00:12:18,512 | Could it be that it escaped harm | Could it be that it escaped harm |
193 | 00:12:18,521 | 00:12:20,759 | And has ended up 1,000s of miles away? | And has ended up 1,000s of miles away? |
194 | 00:12:24,441 | 00:12:26,559 | Addis ababa, ethiopia. | Addis ababa, ethiopia. |
195 | 00:12:29,634 | 00:12:33,392 | Theologian dr. Ralph lee is on the hunt for a book | Theologian dr. Ralph lee is on the hunt for a book |
196 | 00:12:33,401 | 00:12:35,952 | That seems to pick up on the ark story | That seems to pick up on the ark story |
197 | 00:12:35,961 | 00:12:37,712 | Where the bible left off. | Where the bible left off. |
198 | 00:12:37,721 | 00:12:41,879 | (ralph speaking foreign language) | (ralph speaking foreign language) |
199 | 00:12:43,321 | 00:12:45,319 | Mastrelli: Written 700 years ago | Mastrelli: Written 700 years ago |
200 | 00:12:45,394 | 00:12:47,159 | It records stories that had been | It records stories that had been |
201 | 00:12:47,234 | 00:12:49,479 | Passed down for generations, | Passed down for generations, |
202 | 00:12:49,554 | 00:12:51,392 | It's called "the glory of kings," | It's called "the glory of kings," |
203 | 00:12:51,401 | 00:12:53,559 | Or "kebra negast." | Or "kebra negast." |
204 | 00:12:53,634 | 00:12:55,239 | Lee: The "kebra negast" is ethiopia's national epic, | Lee: The "kebra negast" is ethiopia's national epic, |
205 | 00:12:55,314 | 00:12:59,312 | And it's a tale of mystery and intrigue. | And it's a tale of mystery and intrigue. |
206 | 00:12:59,321 | 00:13:02,679 | It fills in the gap left by the old testament | It fills in the gap left by the old testament |
207 | 00:13:02,754 | 00:13:06,039 | Telling us where the ark went to. | Telling us where the ark went to. |
208 | 00:13:07,554 | 00:13:09,719 | Mastrelli: The story begins with the queen of sheba, | Mastrelli: The story begins with the queen of sheba, |
209 | 00:13:09,794 | 00:13:14,759 | Now modern-day ethiopia, who lived in the 10th century b.C. | Now modern-day ethiopia, who lived in the 10th century b.C. |
210 | 00:13:15,001 | 00:13:17,232 | Hearing of solomon's great wisdom, | Hearing of solomon's great wisdom, |
211 | 00:13:17,241 | 00:13:19,039 | She visited him in jerusalem. | She visited him in jerusalem. |
212 | 00:13:20,034 | 00:13:22,672 | Lee: The queen of sheba and solomon clearly hit it off well, | Lee: The queen of sheba and solomon clearly hit it off well, |
213 | 00:13:22,681 | 00:13:26,759 | Because about nine months after her return from jerusalem, | Because about nine months after her return from jerusalem, |
214 | 00:13:26,834 | 00:13:30,592 | She bears a son, whose name is menelik, | She bears a son, whose name is menelik, |
215 | 00:13:30,601 | 00:13:32,839 | Becomes the first king of ethiopia. | Becomes the first king of ethiopia. |
216 | 00:13:33,881 | 00:13:35,472 | Mastrelli: Years later, menelik goes | Mastrelli: Years later, menelik goes |
217 | 00:13:35,481 | 00:13:37,399 | To visit his father king solomon. | To visit his father king solomon. |
218 | 00:13:38,601 | 00:13:42,192 | On his return, solomon sends some jewish priests | On his return, solomon sends some jewish priests |
219 | 00:13:42,201 | 00:13:44,912 | To accompany menelik to ethiopia. | To accompany menelik to ethiopia. |
220 | 00:13:44,921 | 00:13:48,032 | These men steal the ark from the temple, | These men steal the ark from the temple, |
221 | 00:13:48,041 | 00:13:50,359 | And smuggle it out of israel. | And smuggle it out of israel. |
222 | 00:13:50,434 | 00:13:53,159 | By the time menelik discovers what they've done, | By the time menelik discovers what they've done, |
223 | 00:13:53,234 | 00:13:54,832 | It's too late. | It's too late. |
224 | 00:13:54,841 | 00:13:58,439 | Lee: The ark shifts from israel to ethiopia | Lee: The ark shifts from israel to ethiopia |
225 | 00:13:58,514 | 00:14:01,559 | And becomes the possession of the ethiopian nation. | And becomes the possession of the ethiopian nation. |
226 | 00:14:01,634 | 00:14:06,272 | And it tells us why the ark lies at the focus of worship | And it tells us why the ark lies at the focus of worship |
227 | 00:14:06,281 | 00:14:08,239 | In the church even today. | In the church even today. |
228 | 00:14:10,114 | 00:14:11,799 | Mastrelli: If there's any truth to this, | Mastrelli: If there's any truth to this, |
229 | 00:14:11,874 | 00:14:13,319 | The ark was long gone | The ark was long gone |
230 | 00:14:13,394 | 00:14:15,919 | Before the babylonians sacked jerusalem. | Before the babylonians sacked jerusalem. |
231 | 00:14:16,841 | 00:14:19,232 | Today ethiopian christians believe | Today ethiopian christians believe |
232 | 00:14:19,241 | 00:14:20,672 | It's been in this church, | It's been in this church, |
233 | 00:14:20,681 | 00:14:24,432 | In the city of axum, since the 17th century. | In the city of axum, since the 17th century. |
234 | 00:14:24,441 | 00:14:27,719 | But that still leaves a gap of more than 2,000 years. | But that still leaves a gap of more than 2,000 years. |
235 | 00:14:29,081 | 00:14:30,999 | (intense music) | (intense music) |
236 | 00:14:31,074 | 00:14:32,759 | The next stage of lee's journey | The next stage of lee's journey |
237 | 00:14:32,834 | 00:14:35,559 | Takes him deep into the highlands of ethiopia, | Takes him deep into the highlands of ethiopia, |
238 | 00:14:37,001 | 00:14:38,999 | Lake tana, ethiopia, | Lake tana, ethiopia, |
239 | 00:14:40,041 | 00:14:42,512 | One of the sources of the river nile. | One of the sources of the river nile. |
240 | 00:14:42,521 | 00:14:46,112 | Legend has it that one tiny island here played a vital role | Legend has it that one tiny island here played a vital role |
241 | 00:14:46,121 | 00:14:49,199 | In the story of history's greatest lost treasure. | In the story of history's greatest lost treasure. |
242 | 00:14:50,521 | 00:14:51,959 | Lee: This is the most amazing sight, | Lee: This is the most amazing sight, |
243 | 00:14:52,034 | 00:14:54,832 | This wall of rock rising up out of the water. | This wall of rock rising up out of the water. |
244 | 00:14:54,841 | 00:14:57,159 | I've never seen an island like it on lake tana. | I've never seen an island like it on lake tana. |
245 | 00:14:58,354 | 00:15:00,719 | It would be a wonderful place to hide the ark. | It would be a wonderful place to hide the ark. |
246 | 00:15:05,161 | 00:15:07,552 | (speaking foreign language) | (speaking foreign language) |
247 | 00:15:07,561 | 00:15:08,999 | Mastrelli: A monk takes lee | Mastrelli: A monk takes lee |
248 | 00:15:09,074 | 00:15:11,079 | To meet the abbot who runs the monastery. | To meet the abbot who runs the monastery. |
249 | 00:15:13,161 | 00:15:16,439 | They are about to set foot on holy ground. | They are about to set foot on holy ground. |
250 | 00:15:16,514 | 00:15:19,632 | (speaking foreign language) | (speaking foreign language) |
251 | 00:15:19,641 | 00:15:21,152 | Lee: As he puts it on, makes the sign of the cross. | Lee: As he puts it on, makes the sign of the cross. |
252 | 00:15:21,161 | 00:15:22,352 | Mastrelli: These christian monks | Mastrelli: These christian monks |
253 | 00:15:22,361 | 00:15:23,719 | Believe they are descended | Believe they are descended |
254 | 00:15:23,794 | 00:15:26,519 | From the jews who stole the ark from jerusalem | From the jews who stole the ark from jerusalem |
255 | 00:15:26,594 | 00:15:27,719 | And brought it here. | And brought it here. |
256 | 00:15:29,241 | 00:15:32,119 | Lee: So the ark was here from 1,000 b.C., | Lee: So the ark was here from 1,000 b.C., |
257 | 00:15:32,194 | 00:15:36,279 | Came straight from jerusalem to this island. | Came straight from jerusalem to this island. |
258 | 00:15:39,161 | 00:15:40,599 | Mastrelli: According to the abbot, | Mastrelli: According to the abbot, |
259 | 00:15:40,674 | 00:15:42,759 | The ark was not in the temple in jerusalem | The ark was not in the temple in jerusalem |
260 | 00:15:42,834 | 00:15:44,279 | For even a generation. | For even a generation. |
261 | 00:15:46,761 | 00:15:49,879 | Rather he believes it was here. | Rather he believes it was here. |
262 | 00:15:49,954 | 00:15:51,952 | His proof, the objects | His proof, the objects |
263 | 00:15:51,961 | 00:15:53,639 | That the jewish priests who stole it | That the jewish priests who stole it |
264 | 00:15:53,714 | 00:15:55,719 | From jerusalem brought with them. | From jerusalem brought with them. |
265 | 00:15:56,754 | 00:15:59,312 | Lee: This small stone building in front of me is the place | Lee: This small stone building in front of me is the place |
266 | 00:15:59,321 | 00:16:01,639 | Where the artifacts that came with the ark from jerusalem | Where the artifacts that came with the ark from jerusalem |
267 | 00:16:01,714 | 00:16:04,759 | Are supposed to be stored. | Are supposed to be stored. |
268 | 00:16:04,834 | 00:16:05,839 | It's very exciting. | It's very exciting. |
269 | 00:16:10,921 | 00:16:14,992 | (abbot speaking foreign language) | (abbot speaking foreign language) |
270 | 00:16:15,001 | 00:16:16,359 | Lee: So the abbot is stressing | Lee: So the abbot is stressing |
271 | 00:16:16,434 | 00:16:19,312 | That when the ark came from jerusalem, | That when the ark came from jerusalem, |
272 | 00:16:19,321 | 00:16:22,039 | All the traditions and practices of israel also came, | All the traditions and practices of israel also came, |
273 | 00:16:22,114 | 00:16:23,552 | Particularly the tradition of sacrifice. | Particularly the tradition of sacrifice. |
274 | 00:16:23,561 | 00:16:26,919 | So this is an iron piece of clothing | So this is an iron piece of clothing |
275 | 00:16:26,994 | 00:16:28,999 | That would have been worn by the high priest | That would have been worn by the high priest |
276 | 00:16:29,074 | 00:16:30,359 | Making the sacrifice. | Making the sacrifice. |
277 | 00:16:30,434 | 00:16:35,239 | (abbot speaking foreign language) | (abbot speaking foreign language) |
278 | 00:16:35,314 | 00:16:38,432 | Lee: So this is a bronze tray that was used | Lee: So this is a bronze tray that was used |
279 | 00:16:38,441 | 00:16:40,759 | For receiving the blood of the sacrifice. | For receiving the blood of the sacrifice. |
280 | 00:16:40,834 | 00:16:45,072 | And they would have taken papyrus or other materials | And they would have taken papyrus or other materials |
281 | 00:16:45,081 | 00:16:49,639 | To scatter the blood on the different parts of the temple. | To scatter the blood on the different parts of the temple. |
282 | 00:16:53,001 | 00:16:55,879 | Mastrelli: Sacrifice was once an important part of worship | Mastrelli: Sacrifice was once an important part of worship |
283 | 00:16:55,954 | 00:16:56,839 | At the temple. | At the temple. |
284 | 00:16:59,954 | 00:17:03,712 | And since it stopped as a jewish practice 2,000 years ago, | And since it stopped as a jewish practice 2,000 years ago, |
285 | 00:17:03,721 | 00:17:06,119 | These objects appear to suggest | These objects appear to suggest |
286 | 00:17:06,194 | 00:17:08,752 | That there were jewish people here | That there were jewish people here |
287 | 00:17:08,761 | 00:17:10,799 | Before the coming of christianity. | Before the coming of christianity. |
288 | 00:17:13,801 | 00:17:16,359 | But it's difficult to know they're authentic. | But it's difficult to know they're authentic. |
289 | 00:17:18,434 | 00:17:21,319 | Lee: Archeological research hasn't really come | Lee: Archeological research hasn't really come |
290 | 00:17:21,394 | 00:17:24,759 | To this part of the world, so we can't answer | To this part of the world, so we can't answer |
291 | 00:17:24,834 | 00:17:28,799 | What would be the important scientific historical questions. | What would be the important scientific historical questions. |
292 | 00:17:29,714 | 00:17:33,632 | As we get closer to the story of the ark | As we get closer to the story of the ark |
293 | 00:17:33,641 | 00:17:35,399 | And where it's been in ethiopia, | And where it's been in ethiopia, |
294 | 00:17:35,474 | 00:17:37,239 | In some ways, the reality of the ark | In some ways, the reality of the ark |
295 | 00:17:37,314 | 00:17:39,472 | Moves further and further away. | Moves further and further away. |
296 | 00:17:39,481 | 00:17:40,999 | You grab at it, and it's gone. | You grab at it, and it's gone. |
297 | 00:17:44,914 | 00:17:47,792 | Mastrelli: What lee's seen doesn't mean the ark was here. | Mastrelli: What lee's seen doesn't mean the ark was here. |
298 | 00:17:47,801 | 00:17:51,792 | But it is clear evidence of a strong, mysterious connection | But it is clear evidence of a strong, mysterious connection |
299 | 00:17:51,801 | 00:17:54,199 | With the judaism of the old testament. | With the judaism of the old testament. |
300 | 00:17:55,321 | 00:17:57,952 | There was some kind of catalyst for the ethiopians | There was some kind of catalyst for the ethiopians |
301 | 00:17:57,961 | 00:18:00,039 | To adopt all these jewish rituals. | To adopt all these jewish rituals. |
302 | 00:18:01,561 | 00:18:02,999 | Could the ark have been it? | Could the ark have been it? |
303 | 00:18:03,961 | 00:18:06,959 | There's one place that may have the answer. | There's one place that may have the answer. |
304 | 00:18:10,601 | 00:18:12,199 | This is lalibela. | This is lalibela. |
305 | 00:18:13,234 | 00:18:15,719 | It's one of ethiopia's holiest sites. | It's one of ethiopia's holiest sites. |
306 | 00:18:17,474 | 00:18:19,719 | Here 11 medieval churches are carved | Here 11 medieval churches are carved |
307 | 00:18:19,794 | 00:18:21,239 | Straight out of the mountain. | Straight out of the mountain. |
308 | 00:18:23,394 | 00:18:25,472 | They were built in the 12th century a.D. | They were built in the 12th century a.D. |
309 | 00:18:25,481 | 00:18:28,039 | By a christian king called lalibela. | By a christian king called lalibela. |
310 | 00:18:30,601 | 00:18:32,032 | Lee: Legend has it that | Lee: Legend has it that |
311 | 00:18:32,041 | 00:18:34,839 | Following the destruction of jerusalem, | Following the destruction of jerusalem, |
312 | 00:18:34,914 | 00:18:38,039 | King lalibela has a dream | King lalibela has a dream |
313 | 00:18:38,114 | 00:18:41,719 | Of rebuilding jerusalem in ethiopia. | Of rebuilding jerusalem in ethiopia. |
314 | 00:18:41,794 | 00:18:43,872 | The "kebra negast" has also told us | The "kebra negast" has also told us |
315 | 00:18:43,881 | 00:18:46,272 | That ethiopia is the second zion, | That ethiopia is the second zion, |
316 | 00:18:46,281 | 00:18:47,959 | So the two ideas come together | So the two ideas come together |
317 | 00:18:48,034 | 00:18:50,959 | In the construction of this holy citadel. | In the construction of this holy citadel. |
318 | 00:18:52,594 | 00:18:55,159 | Mastrelli: The city is filled with the names of places | Mastrelli: The city is filled with the names of places |
319 | 00:18:55,234 | 00:18:57,319 | That recall the holy land. | That recall the holy land. |
320 | 00:18:57,394 | 00:19:00,759 | There's a river jordan and a mount of olives. | There's a river jordan and a mount of olives. |
321 | 00:19:00,834 | 00:19:02,592 | And though cross-shaped, | And though cross-shaped, |
322 | 00:19:02,601 | 00:19:06,119 | This church has some of the features of solomon's temple, | This church has some of the features of solomon's temple, |
323 | 00:19:06,194 | 00:19:08,752 | An outer courtyard, an inner sanctuary, | An outer courtyard, an inner sanctuary, |
324 | 00:19:08,761 | 00:19:11,792 | And its own holy of holies, | And its own holy of holies, |
325 | 00:19:11,801 | 00:19:15,199 | Where a replica of the ark in axum is kept. | Where a replica of the ark in axum is kept. |
326 | 00:19:17,241 | 00:19:20,192 | Lee: The churches of lalibela are not just amazing structures, | Lee: The churches of lalibela are not just amazing structures, |
327 | 00:19:20,201 | 00:19:22,592 | But they bear the hallmarks of judaism | But they bear the hallmarks of judaism |
328 | 00:19:22,601 | 00:19:24,999 | That any jew from the first temple | That any jew from the first temple |
329 | 00:19:25,074 | 00:19:27,079 | Would recognize themselves. | Would recognize themselves. |
330 | 00:19:27,154 | 00:19:29,239 | Mastrelli: And the connection to judaism | Mastrelli: And the connection to judaism |
331 | 00:19:29,314 | 00:19:30,439 | Doesn't end here. | Doesn't end here. |
332 | 00:19:31,641 | 00:19:33,792 | These christians don't eat pork, | These christians don't eat pork, |
333 | 00:19:33,801 | 00:19:36,399 | And they circumcise their sons on the eighth day. | And they circumcise their sons on the eighth day. |
334 | 00:19:37,401 | 00:19:41,312 | No one can say why the imprint of judaism runs so deep, | No one can say why the imprint of judaism runs so deep, |
335 | 00:19:41,321 | 00:19:44,272 | But the ancient story, "the glory of the kings," | But the ancient story, "the glory of the kings," |
336 | 00:19:44,281 | 00:19:46,112 | May provide a clue. | May provide a clue. |
337 | 00:19:46,121 | 00:19:48,752 | Scholars know the ethiopian ark legend | Scholars know the ethiopian ark legend |
338 | 00:19:48,761 | 00:19:52,512 | Was first written down after lalibela was built, | Was first written down after lalibela was built, |
339 | 00:19:52,521 | 00:19:54,519 | And this is significant. | And this is significant. |
340 | 00:19:54,594 | 00:19:56,519 | Lee: After the demise of king lalibela, | Lee: After the demise of king lalibela, |
341 | 00:19:56,594 | 00:19:59,952 | All the subsequent kings of ethiopia traced their descent | All the subsequent kings of ethiopia traced their descent |
342 | 00:19:59,961 | 00:20:02,519 | Directly to king solomon of israel. | Directly to king solomon of israel. |
343 | 00:20:02,594 | 00:20:05,799 | And it's possible that the construction of lalibela | And it's possible that the construction of lalibela |
344 | 00:20:05,874 | 00:20:09,152 | As the new jerusalem inspired this idea | As the new jerusalem inspired this idea |
345 | 00:20:09,161 | 00:20:13,239 | That's so central to ethiopia's identity today. | That's so central to ethiopia's identity today. |
346 | 00:20:13,314 | 00:20:14,832 | Mastrelli: Either the ark of the covenant | Mastrelli: Either the ark of the covenant |
347 | 00:20:14,841 | 00:20:16,752 | Lies in the axum church, | Lies in the axum church, |
348 | 00:20:16,761 | 00:20:19,552 | Or king lalibela simply adopted the ark story | Or king lalibela simply adopted the ark story |
349 | 00:20:19,561 | 00:20:21,159 | To legitimize his rule. | To legitimize his rule. |
350 | 00:20:23,074 | 00:20:26,192 | Whatever the case, the connection to jewish ritual | Whatever the case, the connection to jewish ritual |
351 | 00:20:26,201 | 00:20:28,279 | Is real and still alive. | Is real and still alive. |
352 | 00:20:29,474 | 00:20:33,639 | Lee: To many modern ethiopians this isn't just an old story. | Lee: To many modern ethiopians this isn't just an old story. |
353 | 00:20:33,714 | 00:20:36,839 | They believe that the "kebra negast" tells us | They believe that the "kebra negast" tells us |
354 | 00:20:36,914 | 00:20:39,879 | A true story of the real ark of the covenant | A true story of the real ark of the covenant |
355 | 00:20:39,954 | 00:20:43,559 | Coming to ethiopia, and that that ark is still here today. | Coming to ethiopia, and that that ark is still here today. |
356 | 00:20:45,561 | 00:20:48,799 | Mastrelli: But others are just as certain in their beliefs. | Mastrelli: But others are just as certain in their beliefs. |
357 | 00:20:50,114 | 00:20:52,199 | Romain: The original ark of the covenant | Romain: The original ark of the covenant |
358 | 00:20:52,274 | 00:20:55,239 | Was destroyed by the babylonians | Was destroyed by the babylonians |
359 | 00:20:55,314 | 00:20:58,439 | When they destroyed the temple in 586, | When they destroyed the temple in 586, |
360 | 00:20:58,514 | 00:21:01,319 | Or it just disappeared and disintegrated beforehand. | Or it just disappeared and disintegrated beforehand. |
361 | 00:21:02,194 | 00:21:04,839 | Mastrelli: Whether the story is true or not, | Mastrelli: Whether the story is true or not, |
362 | 00:21:04,914 | 00:21:08,359 | The power of the idea behind it is unquestionable. | The power of the idea behind it is unquestionable. |
363 | 00:21:09,801 | 00:21:12,272 | Lee: The ark of the covenant has never just been a gold box | Lee: The ark of the covenant has never just been a gold box |
364 | 00:21:12,281 | 00:21:14,992 | Containing the ten commandments. | Containing the ten commandments. |
365 | 00:21:15,001 | 00:21:17,879 | It was the very meeting place with god. | It was the very meeting place with god. |
366 | 00:21:17,954 | 00:21:21,872 | But far beyond that, its influence has shaped the lives | But far beyond that, its influence has shaped the lives |
367 | 00:21:21,881 | 00:21:24,279 | Of millions of people around the globe. | Of millions of people around the globe. |
368 | 00:21:27,001 | 00:21:29,552 | Mastrelli: If you think that's the end of the story, | Mastrelli: If you think that's the end of the story, |
369 | 00:21:29,561 | 00:21:31,879 | Let me apologize for this curve ball. | Let me apologize for this curve ball. |
370 | 00:21:32,761 | 00:21:34,992 | There is another reference to the ark | There is another reference to the ark |
371 | 00:21:35,001 | 00:21:38,199 | In one of the apocryphal books of the bible. | In one of the apocryphal books of the bible. |
372 | 00:21:38,274 | 00:21:39,879 | It recounts how the prophet jeremiah | It recounts how the prophet jeremiah |
373 | 00:21:39,954 | 00:21:41,872 | Takes the ark out of jerusalem | Takes the ark out of jerusalem |
374 | 00:21:41,881 | 00:21:44,832 | And hides it in a cave on the sinai peninsula. | And hides it in a cave on the sinai peninsula. |
375 | 00:21:44,841 | 00:21:47,312 | But before you go grab a pick and a shovel | But before you go grab a pick and a shovel |
376 | 00:21:47,321 | 00:21:48,599 | And an airline ticket, | And an airline ticket, |
377 | 00:21:48,674 | 00:21:49,719 | Bear in mind that the reappearance | Bear in mind that the reappearance |
378 | 00:21:49,794 | 00:21:51,159 | Of the ark of the covenant | Of the ark of the covenant |
379 | 00:21:51,234 | 00:21:54,679 | Leads directly to the end of the world. | Leads directly to the end of the world. |
380 | 00:21:54,754 | 00:21:58,439 | It seems some treasures are best left un-found. | It seems some treasures are best left un-found. |