Excavation Near Petra’s Treasury Reveals 12 Skeletons and New Archaeological Wonders

Archaeologists digging in front of the Treasury building in Petra.Photo byDiscovery's Expedition Unknown

A recent and much-awaited excavation near Petra's iconic Treasury building in Jordan has led to a remarkable discovery: the unearthing of 12 human skeletons and various grave offerings. This site, known locally as Al Khazneh and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, has intrigued archaeologists for years, especially since hidden tombs were first found in 2003.

Dr. Fares Braizat (from left), Fadi Balawi, Josh Gates and Dr. Pearce Paul Creasman look into the newly discovered tomb at Petra.Photo byDiscovery’s Expedition Unknown

Over a decade ago, when archeologists uncovered the hidden tombs carved into Petra's canyon walls in the first century B.C., they have been working to obtain permission to probe into their discovery. However, it's taken this long to get the proper bureaucratic approval and funding to delve deeper. Now, finally, a team of researchers has been able to use ground-penetrating radar to survey the area, leading them to this untouched tomb, which is believed to predate the Treasury's construction. The findings not only included the intact skeletal remains but also revealed a network of walls within the tomb that had not been previously documented in Petra.

The Treasury site in the ancient city of Petra, Jordan, in May.Photo byStelios Misinas/Reuters

The excavation was a collaborative effort between Jordanian and American researchers, including the Jordanian Department of Antiquities and the American Center of Research, led by Dr. Pearce Paul Creasman. The team's use of ground-penetrating radar has revealed voids and potential structures beneath the ground, suggesting that more archaeological treasures are yet to be discovered, sparking excitement and anticipation for future findings.

A skeleton buried beneath the Treasury of Petra.Photo byDiscovery's Expedition Unknown

Their discoveries could be key to further unraveling the mystery of Petra, a city built by the ancient Nabatean people as their capital around the fourth century B.C. Little is known about this nomadic Arabian kingdom, which was annexed to the Roman Empire in A.D. 106. The team's findings, including the intact skeletal remains and the network of walls within the tomb, have only deepened the mystery surrounding Petra. There are still unexplored radar signals indicating other potential archaeological sites beneath the surface, and the team is eager for future funding to continue their investigation.

Within the tomb beneath the Treasury, archaeologists found a ceramic vessel resembling the Holy Grail.Photo byDiscovery’s Expedition Unknown

The show Expedition Unknown was also present during the dig, and an episode about the excavation was recently aired on the Discovery Channel.