“Unearthing the Past: Archaeologists Discover Hidden Tomb Beneath Petra’s Treasury Site”
Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery beneath the Treasury in Petra, Jordan, one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. The tomb, containing 12 full skeletons, was found in a chamber beneath the iconic structure, known for its appearance in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
The Treasury, also known as Al Khazneh, was carved by the Nabataean people around 2,000 years ago and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Richard Bates, a professor of geophysics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, who was part of the archaeological team, stated that this discovery will provide valuable insights into the ancient Nabataean people’s rituals and lifestyle.
The chamber, estimated to be around 18 feet by 18 feet and 9 feet tall, dates back to the first century B.C. to the first century A.D. during the Nabataean Kingdom’s rule. The civilization existed from the 4th century B.C. until it was annexed by the Romans in 106 A.D.
While indications of the tomb were discovered in 2003, lack of funding halted the excavation until recently. The discovery was made over the summer and is now being publicized as part of the show Expedition Unknown on the Discovery Channel. The team also found a skeleton holding a ceramic vessel similar to one seen in the Indiana Jones movie.
Archaeologist Pearce Paul Creasman of the American Center of Research, who led the team, expressed excitement about the discovery and the mysteries it may unravel about the Nabataean people and the Treasury. The next steps for the project depend on securing funding for further excavation and study of the bodies found in the tomb.
Overall, this discovery opens up new avenues for research and sheds light on the ancient history of Petra and its inhabitants.