Ep 18. Hunting the Ark of the Covenant

In the season 4 episode 18 of What on Earth?, titled Hunting the Ark of the Covenant, the show takes viewers on a thrilling search for the ancient artifact believed to be hidden in Ethiopia. The Ark of the Covenant, a gold-covered wooden chest containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments, is said to have supernatural powers and is central to both Jewish and Christian traditions. Despite several expeditions over the years, the ark has never been found, adding to the mystery surrounding its existence and location.

The episode begins by introducing the audience to the story of the ark's creation and its journey from Jerusalem to Ethiopia. According to legend, the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon and was impressed by his wisdom and wealth. She converted to Judaism and gave birth to a son, Menelik, who later used his lineage to claim the right to the ark. The story goes that he stole the ark from the Jerusalem Temple and brought it with him to Ethiopia, where it has remained hidden ever since.

The first part of the episode focuses on the geography and history of the region where the ark is believed to be located. Ethiopia is a vast, mountainous country with a long and complex history, which makes finding the ark a challenging task. To aid in the search, geospatial experts use state-of-the-art satellite imagery to identify potential sites where the ark might be hidden. They analyze the topography, vegetation, and soil composition of various areas to create a map of potential locations.

Next, the team investigates the various legends and rumors about the ark's whereabouts. One theory is that the ark is hidden in a cave system near the town of Axum, where it has been guarded for centuries by a group of monks. Another theory suggests that the ark is kept in a chapel inside a church compound in the Ethiopian city of Aksum, where it is protected by a priest who is the only one allowed to see it. The team examines both of these sites in detail, using advanced technology like ground-penetrating radar to see if they can confirm the presence of the ark.

At the same time, the team explores the cultural significance of the ark and its role in Ethiopian society. They visit a museum in Addis Ababa where replicas of the ark are kept, and speak with local religious leaders and historians to learn more about the ark's history and significance. They also investigate some of the fantastical stories surrounding the ark, such as the idea that it can shoot lightning bolts at its enemies, and try to separate fact from fiction.

The climax of the episode is the team's attempt to locate the ark using cutting-edge technology and scientific methods. They use drones to investigate the cave system near Axum, and ground-penetrating radar to search for the ark in the chapel in Aksum. It's a tense and thrilling journey as the team tries to overcome the challenges of the rugged landscape, the complex cultural and religious traditions, and the mystery surrounding the ark itself.

Throughout the episode, the team provides fascinating insights into the history and culture of Ethiopia, as well as the scientific methods and technology used to search for the ark. They also reflect on the enduring allure of the ark, and the way that legends and mysteries like this one endure across cultures and generations. Overall, Hunting the Ark of the Covenant is a captivating and informative exploration of one of the world's greatest mysteries.