A Bizarre Team Sets Out
In 1909, a unique team, led by British aristocrat Montagu Parker, arrived in Jerusalem, then under Ottoman rule, seeking the Ark of the Covenant and King Solomon’s hidden treasures. The group included a Swiss psychic, a Finnish poet, and other unlikely members, none of whom had archaeological training.
A Secret Dig and International Scandal
Believing they had decoded a biblical clue, they tunneled under Jerusalem, with an Ottoman-approved permit and plans to share the loot. After several failed attempts, they secretly dug under the Dome of the Rock, sparking outrage and a riot among the local Muslim population.
Escape and Outcry
Disguised, Parker and his team fled by yacht as rumors swirled about their findings. The scandal drew global attention and anger, even reaching the Ottoman parliament. Despite the turmoil, Parker returned to London, and the incident remained a significant episode in the region’s complex history.
Aftermath of a Misadventure
Parker never found the Ark, nor did he marry the socialite he hoped to win over. His actions, however, sowed distrust toward archaeology among Palestinian Muslims and played a part in the rise of Palestinian nationalism.
The Hunt for the Ark: The Scandal That Shook Jerusalem 🪙
A Bizarre Team Sets Out
In 1909, a unique team, led by British aristocrat Montagu Parker, arrived in Jerusalem, then under Ottoman rule, seeking the Ark of the Covenant and King Solomon’s hidden treasures. The group… pic.twitter.com/l9n94OQzso— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TBBOB2) September 4, 2024