From the Isle* of Zarahemla To The Isle* of Djerba: A Tale of Ancient Connections

First Zarahemla, Then Phoenicia, Now Tunisia. Why?

Imagine a time when ancient cultures thrived, their stories echoing through the ages. The Heartland Research Group's quest to uncover the secrets of ancient America involves digging in the dirt, studying ancient artifacts, exploring fascinating places, restoring ancient scents and medicines, and deciphering old languages—all to discover the awesomeness of ancient cultures.

One intriguing connection lies between Tunisia, Africa, and the ancient civilizations of Zarahemla, Israel, and ancient Native American cultures. But how do these distant places connect, and what's the deal with the Phoenician ship? Let's dive in!

According to the Bible, when Nebuchadnezzar attacked Israel in 587 B.C., many believed that all the Israelites were either killed or taken as slaves to Babylon. However, various sources suggest that some Jews were miraculously spared. The Book of Mormon tells of two groups that escaped: Mulek, a descendant of King Zedekiah, and Lehi's family.

Consider the journey of Mulek. When the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar slew the sons of Zedekiah, Mulek miraculously escaped Israel to a land of refuge, eventually landing in a place they named Zarahemla, on the land we refer to today as America. Around the same time, Lehi, with his family and some friends, fled Israel and were guided by God to a promised land in ancient America where they could prosper in freedom.

Historical accounts from the time of King Zedekiah's reign in Judah provide context for understanding Mulek's story. In the summer of 586 B.C., as King Nebuchadnezzar's troops breached the walls of Jerusalem, King Zedekiah and a company of warriors attempted to escape but were intercepted. Zedekiah was captured, witnessed the execution of his sons, was blinded, and taken to Babylon, as recorded in 2 Kings 25:4-7 and 2 Chronicles 36:13. According to the Book of Mormon, however, one of Zedekiah's sons, Mulek, managed to escape, although the details remain unclear (Omni 1:15-16 and Helaman 8:21).

Later, guided by divine direction, Mosiah, a descendant of Lehi, journeyed from the land of Nephi to the land of Zarahemla, joining their Jewish brothers and sisters, the people of Mulek. This convergence appeared to be orchestrated by the divine, creating a place of refuge in Zarahemla for the sons of Mosiah and the people of Mulek, who became known as The Children of Christ in the land of the seed of the spared.

It's widely acknowledged that Lehi set sail aboard a vessel meticulously crafted according to divine guidance imparted to Nephi, his son. However, it's conceivable that Mulek's voyage involved Carthaginian ships, given their prominence in seafaring during that era. Recent insights shed light on a group of people who escaped the occupation of Israel by Babylon: the Cohen and Levite High Priests who worked in King Solomon's Temple. They fled to the Isle of Djerba, which was part of the Carthaginian empire in 600 B.C., aboard Phoenician vessels, taking with them pieces of King Solomon's temple. This lends credence to the notion that Phoenician technology played a pivotal role in facilitating Mulek's escape from the turmoil surrounding the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of King Solomon's temple.

To further support this, the tribe of Dan, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, possessed territory located in the coastal region of ancient Israel, near the Philistine cities. This proximity to the sea likely influenced the tribe's seafaring activities. According to Raphael Patai, an ancient Israelite historian, potentially as many as 40% of the sailors on Phoenician ships were of the tribe of Dan. The presence of Hebrews among Phoenician sailors suggests they may have played a role in pivotal events, such as the rescue of Jews from Nebuchadnezzar's grasp during the siege of Jerusalem in 587 B.C. This reinterpretation of history opens new avenues for exploring the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations and hints at a deep cultural exchange between Hebrews and Phoenicians, raising questions about cultural identity and interconnectedness in the ancient world.

Moreover, this narrative opens exploration into the fate of those who found refuge beyond Djerba's shores. Irish legend indicates that Mulek had two sisters, Tea-Tephi and Tamar-Tephi, who escaped captivity and were guided to Ireland by Jeremiah the Prophet, who is believed to be buried there.

While the precise details of Mulek's journey remain elusive, new narratives shared by Eryj Ben Sassi from Carthage, Tunisia, in 2024 offer glimpses into ancient transatlantic travel. Captain Philip Beale's Phoenician Ship Expedition meticulously recreated a 6th-century BC Phoenician ship and voyage, showcasing the remarkable seafaring prowess of ancient cultures by sailing a total of 33,000 nautical miles on two historical voyages, one in 2008 and the second in 2019, reaching the shores of America. The replica ship, now in Montrose, Iowa, undergoing reconstruction, supports legends that hint at the possibility of Carthaginian ships reaching the shores of America.

The journey to uncover these truths is fraught with challenges. Religious texts like the Book of Mormon face scrutiny regarding their authenticity, while oral histories and legends struggle to find validation in the absence of written records. Nevertheless, the Phoenicia ship stands as a testament to the feasibility of transatlantic travel in 600 B.C., sparking renewed interest in uncovering ancient connections.

As we inquire deeper into the mysteries of our past, it is crucial to approach the task with open minds and a commitment to rigorous inquiry. By exploring diverse sources of evidence, from ancient texts to ancient artifacts, and from oral traditions to legends, we can piece together a more complete understanding of history.

In conclusion, the connections between Tunisia, Africa, the ship Phoenicia, and the ancient civilizations of Zarahemla, ancient Israel, and ancient Native American cultures reveal a convergence of destinies and cultural exchanges that span continents and centuries. The escape of Mulek and the people of Lehi from the turmoil of ancient Israel to the promised land in America aligns with historical accounts of the Cohen and Levite priests escaping to Djerba aboard Phoenician vessels, raising questions about identity and interconnectedness in the ancient world. This, coupled with ongoing research into linguistic, cultural, archaeological, geographical and technological connections, adds credence to the notion that ancient civilizations were more interconnected than previously believed.

In the spirit of exploration and discovery, let us embrace the challenge of connecting ancient histories. Let us heed the call to continue digging, searching, and building bridges across continents and cultures. For in these shared stories lies the richness of historical fact, waiting to be unearthed, cherished, and revered with the honor they deserve.

* The phrase "isle of the sea" in our day usually denotes an island, a piece of land surrounded by water. However, in times past, it likely symbolized a place of refuge or a new homeland to which the speaker and their people have been guided by the Lord. This expression is often used poetically to evoke a sense of isolation or separation from other lands, emphasizing the distinctive and sheltered character of the new territory.