Archaeologists hope to find Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem

The Ark of the Covenant. Photo: Imrey Noam

Archaeologist Dr. Chris McKinny has put forward a new theory about the possible location of the Ark of the Covenant. In his view, the sacred relic may be hidden in underground spaces in the City of David, south of the Temple Mount, the Daily Mail reports.

To test this theory, researchers have begun using muon detectors – instruments that track subatomic particles produced when cosmic rays collide with Earth’s atmosphere. This technology allows scientists to “digitally examine” deep underground and detect hidden chambers and metal objects without disturbing the sacred ground.

Initial scans of the area have already revealed previously unknown voids and structures beneath the ancient landscape, which is consistent with the theory that secret tunnels may exist there.

According to the biblical account, the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments, disappeared after the Babylonians captured Jerusalem in 586 BC. Historians believe that until that time it had been kept in the Holy of Holies of the Jerusalem Temple.

In his research, Dr. McKinny draws on three main ancient traditions describing the fate of the relic. All of them, including the account in 2 Maccabees, agree that the prophet Jeremiah deliberately hid the Ark together with other sacred objects in a cave or underground chamber in order to save them from destruction by the invaders.

Researchers stress that the use of remote sensing methods such as ground-penetrating radar and seismic scanning is the only way to study the Temple Mount area.

Traditional archaeological excavations there are almost entirely prohibited for religious and political reasons, making it one of the largest “blank spots” in history.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Israel’s Foreign Ministry had announced plans for an LGBT festival near Sodom and Gomorrah.

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