# Start End Original Translated
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.