Whether you believe it really happened or view the story mainly as symbolic: Noah’s Ark is one of the most iconic stories in the Bible. A gigantic ship, built by one man, that saved all animals from a global flood—it has captured imaginations for thousands of years. But how much do you really know about the ark? Here are 12 remarkable facts about Noah’s Ark.
1. The story is found in Genesis – but not only there
The most well-known version of Noah’s story comes from the book of Genesis (chapters 6 through 9), where God commands Noah to build an ark to save his family and all animal species from an impending flood.
But Noah isn’t unique in world history: flood myths also appear in the Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh and the Indian story of Manu. This suggests that the idea of a worldwide flood is deeply rooted in human culture.
2. The ark’s dimensions are described precisely
According to the Bible, the ark was 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high. Since a cubit is roughly 45 centimeters, that translates to about 135 meters long, 22.5 meters wide, and 13.5 meters high—roughly the size of a modern cargo ship. Converted, the ark would have had a volume of over 40,000 cubic meters. Large enough to house thousands of animals… or was it?
3. The design is surprisingly seaworthy
Modern shipbuilders have analyzed the ark’s design and reached a surprising conclusion: the dimensions described in Genesis result in a stable vessel well-suited to rough seas. It wasn’t fast or maneuverable, but it didn’t need to be—it only had to float. The proportions are similar to modern oil tankers.
4. There were supposed to be two of each animal – or was it seven?
Many children’s stories mention two of every kind: one male and one female. But Genesis 7 also states that Noah was to bring seven pairs of every “clean” animal (those later permitted for sacrifice). This raises questions about how many animals were truly aboard—and how Noah and his family managed to organize them all.
5. How did it all fit?
Critics often point to the practical challenge: how do you fit all animals on one ship, including food and water? Some biblical interpreters believe it involved “basic kinds,” from which other species later developed. Others think many animals were young or small, requiring less space. Some even suggest a temporary “hibernation” brought about by divine intervention to make the logistics feasible.
6. The flood lasted much longer than often assumed
It rained for forty days and forty nights, but Noah stayed on the ark much longer. According to Genesis, it took over a year for the waters to recede completely and for him to leave the ship. In total, Noah spent 370 days on the ark. Living on a wooden boat for a full year with your family, thousands of animals, and no idea what the future holds—that must have been an unimaginable experience.
7. The ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat
After the flood, the ark came to rest, according to Genesis 8:4, on “the mountains of Ararat.” This does not necessarily mean the peak of Mount Ararat as we know it today in Turkey, but rather a mountainous region in the east of that country. Nevertheless, many expeditions have tried to climb that very mountain in hopes of finding remnants of the ark. So far, however, nothing has been definitively proven.
8. Replicas exist – and you can visit one
In the Netherlands, Johan Huibers built a life-sized replica of the ark, based on the Bible’s dimensions. He launched the ship and gained international attention.
In Kentucky, USA, you’ll find another mega-replica at the Ark Encounter theme park, where visitors can experience Noah’s story interactively. This ark is 155 meters long and fully outfitted with dioramas and exhibitions.
9. The story is important to Christians, Jews, and Muslims
Noah’s Ark is a universal symbol of hope, obedience, and new beginnings. In Jewish and Christian tradition, Noah is seen as a righteous man in a corrupt world. In Islam, Noah (Nuh) is a prophet who warns his people but is believed by few. The Quran also speaks of an ark, the flood, and the salvation of a chosen group.
10. The story carries deep symbolism
For believers, the ark is more than a historical boat: it’s a symbol of salvation and trust in God amid chaos. The flood often represents the cleansing of a corrupt world, and the ark, protection and deliverance. In Christianity, the ark is often seen as a prefiguration of Jesus or the Church: a refuge for those seeking salvation.
Whether you view Noah’s Ark as a literal historical event, a deeply symbolic tale, or something in between, it remains a fascinating subject. Throughout the centuries, it has challenged artists, scientists, believers, and skeptics alike to reflect on justice, responsibility, and hope in times of darkness. And as long as those questions remain, Noah’s Ark will continue to float—in our collective consciousness.
