The Round Ark of Nuh:
A Lost Truth Rediscovered
A Babylonian Tablet Reveals a Surprising Design
Throughout history, the image of Nuh’s Ark has been shaped by cultural and religious narratives, often depicting it as a long, ship-like vessel. However, newly discovered ancient evidence suggests a strikingly different reality—one that aligns more closely with the Quran’s descriptions.
A 3,700-year-old Babylonian clay tablet contains instructions for building an ark. But in contrast to the traditional image, this ancient account describes the Ark as being round—a massive, circular raft constructed from reeds.
This discovery was first brought to light by Christopher Szabo in 2010, offering a fresh perspective on how the Ark may have actually looked.
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Does the Quran Support a Circular Ark?
The Quran uses a specific word to describe Nuh’s Ark:
“l-Fulki” (الْفُلْكِ).
The root letters of this word, Fa-Lam-Kaf (ف ل ك), carry profound meanings that go beyond the simple notion of a “ship” or “ark.”
The word is associated with:
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Become round, anything circular, persist/persevere,
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ship, Ark
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the place of the revolving of the stars,
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the celestial sphere, vault of heaven, firmament
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surrounding spheres, sky, revolvement, circling, circuit
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going to and fro, in a state of commotion,
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whirl of a spindle, one who goes around.
These meanings strongly suggest that the Ark of Nuh was not shaped like a traditional seafaring ship, but rather something round, designed to float rather than to navigate.
Why Would Nuh’s Ark Be Circular?
Unlike modern ships, which are designed for navigation and direction, Nuh had no need to steer his Ark. His mission was not to explore or travel, it was to survive the flood.
A circular design would provide:
• Maximum stability in turbulent waters
• A lower risk of capsizing
• A natural ability to stay afloat despite massive waves
Historical Evidence of Circular Ships
One of the best historical examples of a round ship is the Russian battleship Novgorod, built in 1874. This warship was designed to be perfectly round in order to create the most stable platform possible for its heavy artillery.
“The perceived advantage of the circular hull form was that a shallow-draught vessel could be built with a greater displacement;
A SMALL SHIP COULD THEN CARRY THE SAME ARMAMENT AS A MUCH LARGER VESSEL.”
Despite its engineering advantages, the Novgorod’s unusual shape was met with ridicule, earning it the nickname “the ugliest warship ever built.”
This historical case mirrors what might have happened in Nuh’s time.
Did the People of Nuh Mock the Ark’s Shape?
The Quran states:
“And he was constructing the Ark, and whenever the chiefs of his people passed by him, they ridiculed him…”
(Quran 11:38)
If Nuh had been building a conventional, ship-like structure, it would have seemed practical, even visionary. Instead, his people mocked him.
Could it be that they found the Ark’s unconventional circular shape humorous? Did they view it as absurd because it lacked the sleek design of their own boats?
The Ark Came to Rest, Not Docked
Another key Quranic verse provides further evidence that Nuh’s Ark had no navigational intent:
“And it was said: ‘O earth, swallow your water, and O sky, withhold.’ And the water subsided, and the matter was accomplished. And it (the Ark) came to rest on Judi…”
(Quran 11:44)
The Ark came to rest—it did not dock, nor did Nuh steer it to safety. This supports the idea that the Ark was not designed for direction or control, but solely for endurance and survival.
A Forgotten Reality?
The idea that Nuh built the first-ever boat is a common misconception. The Bronze Age, the era in which Nuh lived, was marked by advanced architecture and engineering. Consider the towering ziggurats of Mesopotamia, such as the Tower of Babel.
Given their architectural knowledge, it is unlikely that Nuh’s Ark was the world’s first ship. Instead, it may have been an intentional deviation from existing ship designs—built specifically to withstand divine punishment rather than to explore the seas.
Conclusion: The Wisdom of a Circular Ark
• The word “Fulki” in the Quran carries connotations of circularity and revolvement.
• A round vessel would provide the ultimate stability in floodwaters.
• Historical examples, such as the Russian Novgorod, confirm the engineering soundness of circular ships.
• The ridicule Nuh faced could have been due to the Ark’s unconventional shape.
• The Ark came to rest naturally, reinforcing the idea that it had no directional intent.
All evidence points to one conclusion: Nuh’s Ark was round because it needed to be.