Ep 1. The Real Ark of the Covenant

The first episode of season 3 of Forbidden History, titled "The Real Ark of the Covenant," delves into the mystery surrounding one of history's most legendary artifacts. The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred object believed to have been built by Moses according to the Old Testament, has fascinated historians and archaeologists for centuries. Its supposed powers have been attributed to everything from lightning strikes to an ability to melt people's faces off, as depicted in Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark. So what is the truth behind this mythologized object?

The episode begins with a brief history of the Ark, tracing its origins back to ancient Israel. According to the Bible, God instructed Moses to build the Ark to serve as a container for the Ten Commandments as well as a symbol of the covenant between God and the Israelites. The Ark was said to be made of acacia wood and covered in gold, with two cherubim standing on either side. The Israelites carried the Ark with them wherever they went, taking it into battle and even bringing it into the city of Jericho, where its presence supposedly caused the walls to come tumbling down.

But what happened to the Ark after that? This is where things get murky. The episode explores several theories put forth by historians and archaeologists over the years. One possibility is that the Ark was taken by the Babylonians when they destroyed the Temple of Solomon in 587 BC. Others suggest that the Ark was hidden by the Israelites to protect it from invaders or that it was stolen by the Philistines. The episode also looks at claims that the Ark was taken to Ethiopia by the son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, where it remains to this day in a church in Axum.

But are any of these theories based in fact? The episode travels to Jerusalem and Ethiopia to investigate. In Jerusalem, the team meets with archaeologist Dr. Gabriel Barkay, who has spent decades excavating the ancient city. Barkay believes that the Ark may have been hidden in a tunnel beneath the Temple Mount during the Babylonian invasion. He shows the team several clay seals found in the tunnel that he believes are connected to the Ark's hiding place. The team also visits the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Axum, where they are allowed to see the replica of the Ark that is kept in a special chapel. The original is said to be stored in a different chapel nearby, but no one is allowed to see it except for a select few priests.

The episode doesn't come to any definitive conclusions about the whereabouts of the real Ark of the Covenant, but it does present some compelling evidence for several of the theories. The team also speaks with several experts who are skeptical about the Ark's supposed powers and the stories surrounding it. Some argue that the Ark was simply a symbol of the Israelites' covenant with God and that its powers were greatly exaggerated over time.

In the end, "The Real Ark of the Covenant" is a fascinating look at one of history's most enduring mysteries. Despite centuries of speculation and investigation, the true fate of the Ark remains unknown. But as the episode shows, the search for the truth is still ongoing.