Archaeologists have recently made an exciting discovery beneath the Treasury monument in Petra, Jordan. The hidden tomb contains 12 relatively well-preserved human skeletons along with a variety of grave offerings. This find comes more than twenty years after similar tombs were found on the opposite side of the Treasury, known as Al Khazneh, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city was carved into the walls of a desert canyon by the inhabitants of the Nabatean Kingdom, and the recent discovery sheds new light on this mysterious ancient civilization.
A team of researchers, including geophysicist Richard Bates from the University of St. Andrews, used ground-penetrating radar to locate a void beneath the Treasury. This void was carefully excavated from the outside, revealing the 12 human skeletons in their original burial site. The remains, including men, women, and children, are estimated to date back to the first century BC. This unprecedented find provides valuable insight into the Nabatean kingdom and the purpose of the Treasury monument, which has long been shrouded in mystery.
The Treasury monument, also known as Al Khazneh, is a well-known ancient structure in Petra that draws over a million visitors annually. Its iconic appearance in films like “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” has made it a popular tourist destination. The recent excavation of the hidden tomb beneath the Treasury was featured in a two-part episode of the television series “Expedition Unknown” on the Discovery Channel. This publicity has brought attention to the ongoing research and exploration of the site, as well as the potential for more discoveries in the area.
The discovery of the hidden tomb beneath the Treasury is a significant archaeological find that offers a glimpse into the lives of the Nabatean people. The burial site, with its 12 skeletons and grave offerings, provides an opportunity to learn more about burial practices, social structure, and daily life in ancient Petra. The presence of other voids in the area suggests the possibility of additional tombs waiting to be uncovered, hinting at further revelations about this enigmatic civilization and their remarkable architectural achievements.
The joint Jordanian and American research team, which included the Jordanian Department of Antiquities and the American Center of Research, worked together to locate and excavate the hidden tomb with care and precision. By using ground-penetrating radar and hand excavation techniques, the team was able to reveal the burial site without damaging the surrounding rock or structures. This delicate process allowed for the preservation of the skeletons and grave offerings, ensuring that researchers can study them in detail to glean more information about the Nabatean kingdom and their customs.
Overall, the discovery of the hidden tomb beneath the Treasury monument in Petra, Jordan, marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing research and exploration of this ancient site. The finding of 12 well-preserved human skeletons and grave offerings provides a unique opportunity to study the Nabatean people and their civilization in greater depth. As archaeologists continue to investigate the area and search for more tombs, there is the potential for further discoveries that will enhance our understanding of Petra’s rich history and its inhabitants. The recent excavation has sparked new interest in the Treasury and its surroundings, opening up new avenues for exploration and discovery.
