Searching for the Noah’s ark

The American Robert Ballard became world famous after he found the wreck of Titanic in 1985. Previous year he found the old cost line from the Black Sea. Now he has been on an expedition in the Black Sea searching for the Noah's ark and the time before ancient flood come. It happened for circa 7000 years ago. In September he found traces after a village on 100 metres deep outside Turkey.

In many cultures there are similar stories about a big ancient flood. Three years ago the Americans William Ryan and Walter Pitman launched their theory. This was based the bible myth about the flood. After a long thoroughly and long research they could document that a massive flood catastrophe happened in the Black Sea. Big waves wiped away everything, which stood in its way. The Mother Nature was not mercy that day.

It is possible to find something preserved in the salt water after 7000 years? They use a remote controlled submarine to search for historical treasures under the water. After big efforts so far they found something that no one never thought was possible: remains from a stone age village 95 metres below the surface!

Authorities in Turkey have allowed Ballard and his crew to bring up items to the surface. Both wood pieces and stones threatened by tools have been sent for analysis (artefacts). They have now proofed that there was a big flood for many thousand years ago. What caused the flood and exactly when it happed, will probably be given after more research.

His recently exploration is unique. Titanic comes here in the shadow. In accordance to him self this can only compare with his big exploration in 1977. Then he found unique and unknown eco systems, which are in the area around the hot springs on the bottom of the Pacific. He is now ready for bigger explorations, and it will be interesting to see if he will find the Noah's ark.

Stein Morten Lund, 6 December 2000

Additional information

Results from the incredible expedition will be published on National Geographic Channel on TV, and Ballard's own story in the Magazine National Geographic. In the mean time you can read and watch updated photos from the expedition on the link below: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/blacksea/