Solomon's Gold

NOTES

The story of King Solomon and his vast treasure is found in the Old Testament. Historians argue about whether or not Solomon actually existed. They argue about the existence of his father, David. Almost anything that is found in the Old Testament can be (and is) disputed, but there is no doubt that many of the events and people mentioned did indeed exist, and that they may have interacted in the ways described in the old texts.

Solomon's wealth supposedly came from the cities of Ophir and Tarshish. These fabulous places have not been identified. Ophir may have been somewhere in India, Tarshish in the Malaysian Archipelago. The Bible says that Solomon received a shipment from Ophir every three years that included gold, precious jewels and rare woods. These shipments were received at the port of Ezion-geber, an actual city which has yet to found. The remains of the port lie buried somewhere near Eilat.

Sarin is one of the most evil creations of the human mind. It is a nerve agent that is extremely lethal in very low concentrations. It acts by paralyzing the lung muscles, and it's a terrible way to die. It has been used by terrorists in Japan and released upon enemies of the regime in Syria. A container of sarin, such as the one described in the book, could easily kill hundreds or even thousands of people if the gas were released in a crowded area. It would be particularly effective in a metropolitan subway system.

When Dayoud is about to set off his bomb and release the gas on the subway platform, he is holding a device called a clacker in his hand. Clackers have been used to detonate things for decades. Those who served in Vietnam will remember them. They were used to set off Claymore mines. As far as I know, they still are. They look a little bit like a hand held stapler. When the lever is depressed, an electrical current is sent to the explosive device. They are cheap and plentiful, and very simple to operate. They are just the sort of uncomplicated device a terrorist might use to detonate a bomb.

If you've never been to Grand Central Station and you happen to be visiting New York, you might want to take a look at this magnificent building. It's worth your time.

The Ministry of Internal Security in Iran, also known as VAJA, is the latest version of the repressive and brutal secret police that existed under the Shah before the revolution that placed Ayatollah Khomeini at the head of what became the Islamic Republic of Iran. You don't want to be targeted by VAJA.

King David's tomb is supposed to be in Jerusalem, but there is disagreement as to the true location or authenticity of the tomb. Are the bones of King David somewhere under an Egyptian Temple, in a room packed with lost and fabled treasure?

They could be.

Alex Lukeman

July, 2017