Ark of the Covenant

The Ark of the Covenant & Church of St Mary of Zion

Axum is the location of the Church of St Mary of Zion, where The Ark of the Covenant, which housed the Ten Commandments of the Bible is said to have been placed by Menelik I (Ibin Hakim), son of King Solomon, 3000 years ago; a connection with the legendary Queen of Sheba (based on book of glory of kings) or transported from Jerusalem – Elephantine island, in Mediterranean sea – Cherkos Monastery on Lake Tana and finally from Cherkos Monastery to Axum by the command of first Christian King Ezana (4^th Century) as it is explained in the book of The Sign & the Seal written Graham Hancock, a British journalist and travel writer.

St. Mary of Zion Church is the oldest of all churches in Ethiopia, rich for its historic and ecclesiastical relics. The Ark of the Covenant- is apparently stored in the Church of St Mary of Zion, but only one living person (monk), the guardian of the Ark is allowed to see it. The story in connection with the Ark; any Ethiopian Orthodox Christian and some scholars like Graham Hancock assure you it is true!

Historic Routes