Story perspectives

Founder Gets Permit to Excavate for Possible Noah’s Ark

By Drooid · Oct 16, 2026, 10:14 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Andrew Jones, founder of Noah’s Ark Scans, secured a permit to excavate for a possible Ark.
Jones reported nightly English threats and a burglary, with assailants shouting insults and death threats.
He temporarily moved in with a friend and plans to continue the Ark search.
Archaeologist Jodi Magness told National Geographic that archaeology is not treasure hunting.

History

Historical Context

In 1977 a Turkish team announced a 30-meter wooden structure on Mount Ararat as Noah’s Ark, a claim amplified by explorer Ron Wyatt and National Geographic. The episode sparked $500,000 of international funding and set a pattern repeated by later expeditions, such as Daniel McGivern’s 2004-2005 Ararat anomaly venture and modern evangelical groups like Noah’s Ark Scans.

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Story summary

Andrew Jones, founder of Noah’s Ark Scans, secured a permit to excavate for a possible Ark.
Jones reported nightly English threats and a burglary, with assailants shouting insults and death threats.
He temporarily moved in with a friend and plans to continue the Ark search.
Archaeologist Jodi Magness told National Geographic that archaeology is not treasure hunting.

1 / 2