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==Introduction==[[File: Ark one.jpg|150px|thumb|left|The ark from a medieval French manuscript]]__NOTOC__The Ark ark of the Covenant covenant was central to the beliefs and religion of the Ancient Hebrews. It was a symbol of their covenant with God and their special relationship with him. Christians and Muslims both revere revered the ark and regarded it as a symbol of God’s presence on earth. However, there is only one problem and that the tabernacle has been missing for over 2500 years. The object's location of the object , which is sacred to the three great monotheistic religions , is not known, nor is its ultimate fate.  The mystery of the lost ark of the covenant has inspired many adventures , and there have been countless attempts to retrieve the sacred object. It has also inspired many stories, novels, and even movies, for example, Indian Jones and including Raiders of the Lost Ark (1982). This article discusses some of the main theories with regard to concerning what happened to the Ark ark of the Covenantcovenant.[[File: Ark one.jpg|200px|thumb|left|The ark from a medieval French manuscript]]====The history of the Ark ark of the Covenantcovenant====The ark is tied up with the early history of the Jewish people , and for many centuries it was the symbol of their nation. At some point in time, no later than 1000 BC, the Hebrews who had been enslaved by the Egyptian Pharaohs escaped their bondage under the Moses's leadership of Moses. He According to the Old Testament, he led them into the wilderness, according to the Old Testament, ; God instructed Moses was instructed by God to make the ark when he was on Mount Sinai for forty days and nights .<ref> Exodus 19:20</ref>.  The Jews are believed to have made the tabernacle in the desert of Sinai. Some scholars believe that the ark was based on Egyptian and even Mesopotamian models .<ref> Noegel, Scott B. "The Egyptian Origin of the Ark of the Covenant." In Israel's Exodus in Transdisciplinary Perspective, pp. 223-242. Springer, Cham, 2015)</ref>. During the wanderings of the Jews in search of their homeland, the ark was carried before them. The Hebrews believed that the ark contained the two stone tablets with the Ten Commandments, Aron’s rod , and a jar of manna. For them, it was filled with the spirit of Yahweh (God). There are different accounts of what the ark looked like and its characteristics, but most relate that the ark was an ornate, gold-plated wooden chest, that was carried on poles by the Levites (Hebrew priests). It was widely believed that the moveable shrine had special magical power because it was imbued with the spirit of God , and it helped the Hebrews to overcome their many enemies during their wanderings .<ref> Munro-Hay, Stuart C. The quest for the ark of the covenant: The true history of the Moses's tablets of Moses (London: IB Tauris, 2005), p. 11 </ref>. The priests often carried the ark in front of the Israelite army when it went into battle. It was typically hidden under a veil or cloth and anyone who looked inside it, died, as in the finale of the Indiana Jones movie. The ark was carried into battle by Joshua and later by the Judges, such as Saul and typically was believed to have helped them to achieve victory <ref>Joshua 3:3</ref>. The ark was eventually kept at a sacred site in Shiloh. However, the Israelites were defeated by their archenemies’ the Philistines at the Battle of Eben-Ezer (c 9th century BC). The Philistines captured the ark and took it back with them as booty. However, a series of disasters befell them, and they returned it to the Israelites. They placed the moveable shrine in a temple in Beth Shemesh. King David later seized the ark and placed it in his new capital of Jerusalem. He used it to legitimize his new Empire and his title as king. The ark was kept in the First Temple, in Jerusalem which was built by King Solomon. It rested in the Holy of Holies inside the Tabernacle of the ancient Temple of Jerusalem. It was only seen by the High Priests and then only during Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. In 587 the Neo-Babylonian Empire invaded Judea and besieged Jerusalem. The Babylonians, under King Nebuchadnezzar, savagely sacked the city and deported the population back to Babylon. The conquerors sacked the Jewish capital and destroyed the First Temple, but what happened to the Ark?

The mystery of the ArkThere are two main traditions with regard to what happened to priests often carried the ark after in front of the fall of Jerusalem to NebuchadnezzarIsraelite army when it went into battle. It was typically hidden under a veil or cloth, and anyone who looked inside it died, as in the finale of the Indiana Jones movie. The first one is that the ark was taken to Babylon carried into battle by Joshua and later by the conquerorsJudges, such as Saul, this comes from a Greek version of the Biblical Book of Ezra and typically was believed to have helped them to achieve victory.<ref>1 Esdras 1Joshua 3:54 3</ref>  The ark was eventually kept at a sacred site in Shiloh. TypicallyHowever, during a siegethe Israelites were defeated by their archenemies’ the Philistines, at the victorious would loot a vanquished city of all its goods and richesBattle of Eben-Ezer (c 9th century BC). The Philistines captured the ark which was plated and took it back with gold would have been regarded as a valuable prizethem as booty. MoreoverHowever, it was a symbol series of the Hebrews disasters befell them, and by seizing they returned it, Nebuchadnezzar was symbolically demonstrating his ascendency over themto the Israelites. They placed the moveable shrine in a temple in Beth Shemesh. At some point, King David later seized the ark’s gold may have been stripped away ark and melted down placed it in his new capital of Jerusalem. He used it to legitimize his new Empire and the ark destroyedhis title as king. There is no evidence with regard to  The ark was kept in the First Temple, in Jerusalem, which was built by King Solomon. It rested in the fate Holy of Holies inside the shrine if it is was taken to Tabernacle of the cityancient Temple of Jerusalem. Babylon itself It was later conquered only seen by Cyrus the Great and his Persian army High Priests and then only during Yom Kippur, the ark could have been destroyed at this timeDay of Atonement. HoweverIn 587, the founder of the Achaemenid Neo-Babylonian Empire was very well disposed to the Jews invaded Judea and he permitted them besieged Jerusalem. The Babylonians, under King Nebuchadnezzar, savagely sacked the city and deported the population back to return to the Land of IsraelBabylon. It is likely that if The conquerors sacked the ark had been found in Babylon thatJewish capital and destroyed the First Temple, Cyrus would have bestowed it on but what happened to the Jews. Ark? ====The other tradition with regard mystery of the Ark====There are two main traditions about what happened to the fate of ark after the artifact fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar. The first one is that held the Ten Commandments ark was that it was hidden during taken to Babylon by the Babylonian siege of Jerusalemconquerors. There are references to the fate This comes from a Greek version of the ark in the Biblical Book of MaccabeesEzra. It states that the ark was taken to Mount Nebo twenty miles south of Jerusalem<ref>1 Esdras 1:54 </ref> Typically, during a siege, which was long associated with Moses the victorious would loot a vanquished city of all its goods and was believed to be the location where he diedriches. This The ark, which was done at the behest plated with gold, would have been regarded as a valuable prize. Moreover, it was a symbol of the Prophet Jeremiah who predicted the fall of Jerusalem to Hebrews, and by seizing it, Nebuchadnezzarwas symbolically demonstrating his ascendency over them. According to one biblical source At some point, the ark’s gold may have been stripped away and melted down, and the ark destroyed. There would be revealed when no evidence regarding the fate of the Hebrews returned from exile <ref>2 Maccabees 2:4-10</ref> However, the Bible does not state what happened shrine if it were taken to the ark after city. Babylon itself was later conquered by Cyrus the Jews returned from exile in Babylon. It appears that they were no longer aware of its location, or else they would Great and his Persian army, and the ark could have placed it in the Second Temple that been destroyed at this time.  However, the Achaemenid Empire's founder was built in Jerusalem. This has led to centuries of speculation as very well disposed to the location Jews, and he permitted them to return to the Land of Israel. It is likely that if the tabernacle. [[File: Ark 3ark had been found in Babylon that, Cyrus would have bestowed it on the Jews.jpg|200px|thumb|left|The Ethiopian Church which claims other tradition concerning the fate of the artifact that held the Ten Commandments was hidden during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. There are references to hold the fate of the ark]]== The Ethiopian connection==Ethiopia is a nation in the Book of Maccabees. It states that the ark was taken to Mount Nebo, twenty miles south of Jerusalem, which was long associated with a long history, Moses and we know that it had much connection with was believed to be the Christian world, at an early datelocation where he died. Moreover, it This was also home to a community done at the behest of Jews until relatively recentlythe Prophet Jeremiah, who predicted Jerusalem's fall to Nebuchadnezzar. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is According to one of biblical source, the oldest in ark would be revealed when the world and it has long claimed that the ark of the covenant was in its possession and in 2009Hebrews returned from exile.<ref>2 Maccabees 2:4-10</ref>  However, the Patriarch of Bible does not state what happened to the Church promised to display ark after the ark, but then changed his mindJews returned from exile in Babylon. There is a copy or model It appears that they were no longer aware of its location, or else they would have placed it in the tabernacle Second Temple that was built in every church in the countryJerusalem. The Church in Axum, in north-central Ethiopia, claims This has led to centuries of speculation as to actually possess the precious reliclocation of the tabernacle. Axum was once home to the  ==== The Ethiopian Emperors, who converted to Christianity. The object is believed connection====[[File: Ark 3.jpg|200px|thumb|left|The Ethiopian Church which claims to be stored in hold the Church of Our Lady. It ark]]Ethiopia is believed a nation with a long history, and we know that it had much connection with the ark is kept here under close guardChristian world at an early date. Moreover, it was also home to a community of Jews until relatively recently. The relic is kept under guard by monks who have dedicated their lives to keeping it safe. It Ethiopian Orthodox Church is stated that they are prepared to kill to protect one of the oldest in the world, and it has long claimed that the sacred object. The origin ark of this story lays the covenant was in a royal document that was written its possession and 2009, the Patriarch of the Church promised to legitimize a new Ethiopian dynasty in display the Middle Agesark but then changed his mind. The Solomonic dynasty claimed descent from King Solomon when it was established There is a copy or model of the tabernacle in every church in the late 13th centurycountry. The Church in Axum, in north-central Ethiopia, claims actually to possess the precious relic. According Axum was once home to the document an Ethiopian EmperorEmperors, a son of who converted to Christianity. The object is believed to be stored in the Queen Church of Sheba and King Solomon spirited Our Lady. It is believed that the ark away from Jerusalem before the destruction of the city is kept here under close guard.  The relic was kept under guard by the Babylonians <ref> Hancock, Grahammonks who have dedicated their lives to keeping it safe. Sign and It is stated that they are prepared to kill to protect the Seal: The Quest for the Lost Ark of the Covenantsacred object. (London, Simon and Schuster, 1993), p. 117</ref>. Another version of how the ark ended up in Ethiopia was This story's origin lies in a royal document that it was spirited away from Jerusalem and taken written to Egypt, where it was taken via legitimize a new Ethiopian dynasty in the Nile into the Ethiopian HighlandsMiddle Ages. It is believed by historians that the story of the ark being The Solomonic dynasty claimed descent from King Solomon when it was established in the possession of Ethiopian kings is one that is very old and predates late 13th century. According to the medieval document. However, it is very unlikely that an Ethiopian Emperor, a son of the ark is in Queen of Sheba and King Solomon, spirited the ark away from Jerusalem before the possession destruction of the Church in Axumcity by the Babylonians. A British expert in Ethiopian history<ref> Hancock, Edward Ullendorff, rejects claims that Graham. Sign and the Seal: The Quest for the ark is in Ethiopia. He served as a British officer in WWII, during Lost Ark of the campaign to eject the Italians from the countryCovenant. Allendorf claims that what is called the ark in the church is a medieval forgery(London, Simon and Schuster, 1993), p. 117</ref> ==The Another version of how the ark ended up in Rome==After Constantine the Great made Christianity the state religion of Rome, there Ethiopia was that it was a positive mania for all forms of Christian relicsspirited away from Jerusalem and taken to Egypt, taken via the Nile into the Ethiopian Highlands. The city Historians believe that the Ethiopian kings' story of Rome soon had many churches that were filled with alleged holy relicsthe ark being in possession is ancient and predates the medieval document. It However, it is believed by some implausible that the moveable tabernacle was found near Jerusalem and taken to ark is in the capital of the EmpireChurch in Axum. Here it was deposited A British expert in Ethiopian history, Edward Ullendorff, rejects claims that the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, which was built ark is in Ethiopia. During the 320’s AD. This was one of campaign to eject the main churches in early Christian Rome and was often Italians from the residence of country, he served as a British officer in WWII. Allendorf claims that what is called the Popes. A Jewish Rabbi ark in the 4th century AD claimed to have seen at least some fragments of church is a medieval forgery. ====The ark in Rome====After Constantine the tabernacle, at Great made Christianity the church (Monru-Haystate religion of Rome, pthere was a positive mania for all forms of Christian relics. 45). However, the ark is alleged to have been destroyed during the Sack The city of Rome by Alaric and his horde of barbarians in 410 ADsoon had many churches that were filled with alleged holy relics. ==The Crusades Some believe that the moveable tabernacle was found near Jerusalem and taken to the Ark==The Crusades resulted capital of the Empire. Here it was deposited in much of the lands Archbasilica of ancient Israel to come under Saint John Lateran, built in the control 320’s AD. T his was one of Europeans. The Europeans were very eager not only to recapture the sacred sites from main churches in early Christian Rome and was often the Muslims they also wanted to obtain as many relics as possiblePopes' residence. This was in In the belief that they could help 4th century AD, a Jewish Rabbi claimed to have seen at least some fragments of the tabernacle at the faithful to achieve salvationchurch. Many relics from the Holy Land were taken back to Europe by the Crusaders<ref>Monru-Hay, p. There are claims that 45</ref> However, the Knight Temple, a religious order ark is alleged to have been destroyed during the Sack of soldier monks took the tabernacle from a secret hiding place Rome by Alaric and his horde of barbarians in Jerusalem410 AD. ====The knights took it back with them to Chartres Cathedral, Paris, France <ref> Joseph, Frank, and Laura Beaudoin. Opening Crusades and the Ark====The Crusades resulted in much of the Ark lands of ancient Israel to come under the Covenant. (London, Red Wheel/Weiser, 2007)</ref>. Another story claims that the leader control of Europeans. The Europeans were very eager to recapture the Knights Templers (better known as sacred sites from the Templers) found the tabernacle in Sinai and took it back with them Muslims. They also wanted to his fiefdom obtain as many relics as possible. This was in England. Most of these stories are largely fictionalthe belief that they could help the faithful to achieve salvation. They are often based on facts. There was a massive trade in counterfeit Many relics in from the Middle Ages in Holy Land were taken back to Europe and by the Middle EastCrusaders. It is highly likely There are claims that there were many forged arks of the covenants in EuropeKnight Temple, a religious order of soldier monks, but it is almost certain that took the real shrine was never found during the Crusadestabernacle from a secret hiding place in Jerusalem. ==Conclusion== The ark of the covenant is one of the world’s enduring mysteriesknights took it back with them to Chartres Cathedral, Paris, France.<ref> Joseph, Frank, and Laura Beaudoin. There are many theories regarding Opening the location Ark of the tabernacle and its ultimate fateCovenant. Some of the claims are frankly ridiculous(London, Red Wheel/Weiser, like the claim that the ark was brought to 2007)</ref>  Another story claims that the Knights Templers' leader found the Hill of Tara tabernacle in Ireland or that Sinai and took it was brought back to America. Many, even reputable media outlets have supported the claims that the ark is his fiefdom in EthiopiaEngland. Certainly, there is Most of these stories are largely fictional. They are often based on facts. There was a long tradition of massive trade in counterfeit relics in the ark being held Middle Ages in Europe and the African nationMiddle East. It is highly unlikely likely that what is held in there were many forged arks of the historic Church covenants in Axum. It Europe, but it is probable almost certain that the tabernacle in this church is a replica that only dates from real shrine was never found during the Middle AgesCrusades. The story that it was brought to Rome and lost ====Conclusion====The ark of the covenant is also unlikely as it one of the world’s enduring mysteries. There are many theories regarding the location of the tabernacle and its ultimate fate. Some of the claims are frankly ridiculous, like the claim that the ark was brought to the Hill of Tara in Ireland or brought to America. Many, even reputable media outlets have supported the claims that the ark is in Ethiopia. Certainly, there is a long tradition of the ark being held in the African nation. It is highly unlikely that what is held in the historic Church in Axum. The tabernacle in this church is probably a replica that only dates from the Middle Ages. The story brought to Rome and lost is also unlikely as it is not based on any primary sources but only on tradition. The claims that the Crusaders brought the shrine back from the Holy Lands are also fables. So, what did happen to the ark of the covenant, that was so central to the history and religion of Early Israel? It is not based on any primary sources but only on tradition. The claims highly likely that the Crusaders brought Babylonians took the shrine back from the Holy Lands are also fablesark and were destroyed or lost. So, what did happen to the ark of the covenant, that was so central to the history and religion of Early Israel? It is highly likely that the ark was taken by the Babylonians and at some date and it was destroyed or lost.   ====Further Reading==Further Reading==

====References====<references/>[[Category:Wikis]] [[Category:Religious History]] [[Category:Myths and Gods]] [[Category:Middle Eastern History]]