Nexus - 0406 - New Times Magazine-pages

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1) The Ark vanished between the 18th year of King Josiah (when it is recorded as having been moved back to King Solomon's Temple) and 35 years later at the siege of Jerusalem when the Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians. 2) The Ark was not recorded as one of the items seized and taken to Babylon. 3) It is likely that the Ark was hidden just prior to the destruction of the Temple. 4) To have escaped seizure, the Ark would have to have been hidden outside the city, but it would have been impossible for the Hebrews to get the Ark out of the city while it was surrounded by the Babylonian army. However, it may have been possible for them to have secreted the Ark just out- side the city, somewhere in the 'no man's land' between the opposing forces of the Hebrews and Babylonians. 2 . Although never previously suspected, it ins : was conceivable that the Ark of the ; 7 . i" Pr Covenant could have been hidden in the The cliff-face near Mount Moriah, sometimes called the "Skull Hill" escarpment. nee “ vicinity that Wyatt had chosen. WIVATT'C THEADV ON THE AD'C HINING DI ACE WYATT'S THEORY ON THE ARK’S HIDING PLACE In October 1978 began a story that could yet prove to be the most significant event in modern history. American amateur archaeologist Ron Wyatt, who at the time was researching his ideas on the location of Noah's Ark, developed a theory on the location of the long-lost Ark of the Covenant. Ron Wyatt believed that the golden Ark would be found in Jerusalem, beneath old Mount Moriah in the vicinity of the cliff- face that is sometimes called the "Skull Hill" escarpment, since it contains the "Skull Face" that many Christians believe was where Yeshua (Jesus) was crucified. Ron's theory was not without basis. A study of historical records revealed that: In October 1978 began a story that could yet prove to be the SITE EXCAVATION BEGINS most significant event in modern history. American amateur In January 1979 Ron Wyatt and his team began excavation in archaeologist Ron Wyatt, who at the time was researching his Jerusalem. Given the broad nature of the clues, they had little ideas on the location of Noah's Ark, developed a theory on the idea where to commence digging. location of the long-lost Ark of the Covenant. The site that Wyatt selected was being used as a rubbish dump Ron Wyatt believed that the golden Ark would be found in and offered very little promise visually. There was so much rub- Jerusalem, beneath old Mount Moriah in the vicinity of the cliff- _ bish in front of the hill that several truckloads had to be carted face that is sometimes called the "Skull Hill" escarpment, since it away before digging could begin. Over the millennia, the city of contains the "Skull Face" that many Christians believe was where —_ Jerusalem had been razed and rebuilt several times. Each time, a Yeshua (Jesus) was crucified. new city was simply constructed on top of the old. Ron's theory was not without basis. A study of historical As the Ark of the Covenant was last seen over 2,500 years ago, records revealed that: Ron decided initially to dig straight down along the cliff-face, much of which was covered with built-up rubble. Many tonnes of rock and debris would be removed in the course of the excavation and Wyatt's team would have to sift through it all for artefacts. This was an Israeli Department of Antiquities requirement with which they would always comply. Ron and his team had begun a job of mammoth proportions. Digging began along the escarpment, as planned, straight down. As the face of the cliff was exposed, a large, shelf-like niche was noticed, cut into the cliff-face. Further digging exposed two more niches cut into the cliff, and another smaller niche to their right. Their appearance suggested that they had been cut to hold plaques or signs. Wyatt's team was digging close to the Skull Face, a place that was known for its executions. As for the three niches, Wyatt hypothesised that they were for placing notices, stating the crime of the crucifixion victim, in the three languages of the day (Hebrew, Greek and Latin). The exploration vicinity, Skull Hill, is believed by many to be the site of the most famous Crucifixion. Although not the objective of the excavation, Ron Wyatt sensed that they might find Ron Wyatt in the excavation trench in front of the Calvary escarpment. evidence to support this contention. 56 = NEXUS OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 1997