Archaeologist Dr Chris McKinny has proposed a new theory that the lost Ark of the Covenant may be hidden in the City of David, just south of Jerusalem's Temple Mount. The Ark, described in the Bible as an ornate, gold-plated wooden chest containing the Ten Commandments, has been missing since the Babylonian sack of Jerusalem in 586 BC.
New Theory and Plan
McKinny, who does not claim to have found the Ark or know its exact location, suggests it could be in underground spaces within the City of David. Researchers plan to scan the area using powerful technology designed to detect buried metals and hidden chambers. Since the Ark is said to be plated with gold inside and out, the technology could potentially locate it if it still exists.
Three Major Theories
The theory stems from McKinny's documentary Legends of the Lost Ark, released on April 7. The documentary explores three major theories about the Ark's fate, all involving the prophet Jeremiah hiding it to protect it from invaders.
- Mount Legend: The Ark was hidden beneath the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Advanced scanning tools could digitally identify tunnels and chambers there, as traditional excavation is largely forbidden.
- Rock Legend: Jeremiah hid the Ark at a mysterious rocky site between two mountains.
- Mount Nebo Legend: The oldest legend claims Jeremiah carried the Ark to a cave or tomb on Mount Nebo, though the exact location remains unclear.
McKinny expressed excitement and hope for what scanning might reveal, but acknowledged significant religious, political, and logistical barriers. The plan remains a long-term possibility rather than an active excavation project.
