Rare tomb at 2,000-year-old world’s wonder in Petra unveils 12 skeletons

Archaeologists conducting excavations at the iconic site of Al Khazneh or the Treasury, in the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, have discovered a tomb comprising 12 skeletons and a trove of artifacts. The dig, which premiered on the Discovery Channel show ‘ Expedition Unknown ‘, was led by Professor Pearce Paul Creasman who is the executive director of the American Center of Research , an academic institution that works towards ‘advancing the knowledge of Jordan’.

The tomb was found right in front of Al Khazneh which the team believes is a “rare discovery”. “Little did we know that this dig might completely change what we know about The Treasury and help solve the mysteries of the Nabataean people. With the support of the Jordanian government, this excavation is bringing us closer than ever to answers,” Creasman is quoted saying in a media statement released by the Discovery Channel.

Al Khazneh is a mausoleum carved on solid sandstone by the Nabataean people around 2,000 years ago in Petra. The city was most likely the capital of the Nabataeans. The site is currently one of the seven wonders of the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was most famously featured in the 1989 movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade .

A glimpse into the past

Dr Creasman, who was part of the team that discovered the first underground chamber at the Treasury in 2003, thinks there are more tombs to be unearthed. He and his team used ground-penetrating radar to confirm their suspicions. The radar deploys pulses to detect objects underground.

According to archaeologists, several other tombs in Petra were found to be empty. “We were absolutely stunned by the revelation of this hidden chamber. Since nearly all of the tombs at Petra have been found empty, this is perhaps the most significant tomb ever found at Petra and a discovery of historic proportions,” said Expedition Unknown host Josh Gates who was part of the excavation team. He added that the find could reveal the secrets of Al Khazneh, as well as provide a glimpse into the the life of early Nabataeans, an Arabian nomadic tribe.

Of the remains uncovered, some were better preserved than others, likely due to seasonal flooding and the nature of the sandstone encasing them. One cadaver was discovered holding a chalice that bore a striking resemblance to the Holy Grail, a vessel used by Jesus during the Last Supper. Detailed examination revealed that it was the top part of a broken jug.

Creasman further added that this discovery helps throw light into Nabataeans, whose kingdom reigned from the 4th century BCE to 106 CE. “We were hopeful to find anything that might tell us more about the ancient people and place, human remains can be a really valuable tool in that regard,” he said . According to him, the burials in the tomb are well preserved as the bones haven’t moved, something that’s extremely rare. “There is so much that we have yet to learn about The Treasury. When was this remarkable structure built, and why?,” observed Creasman.

Burial sites provide insight into the customs, beliefs, and daily lives of those who lived long ago. Tombs, from grand pyramids to hidden chambers, reveal intricate practices, artifacts, and the personal stories of the deceased.