A significant archaeological discovery has unfolded beneath the stunning sands of Petra, Jordan, renowned for its rock-cut architecture and historical prominence as the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom. A team led by Dr. Pearce Paul Creasman, the executive director of the American Center of Research (ACOR), has unearthed a secret tomb containing at least 12 human skeletons, along with artifacts believed to date back over 2,000 years. The find was mapped using cutting-edge ground-penetration radar technology and executed with permission from the Jordanian government.
The tomb is located beneath one of Petra’s most iconic structures: Al Khazneh, also known as the Treasury. This site, carved from pink sandstone cliffs, is celebrated not just as a marvel of ancient engineering but also as the backdrop for Hollywood’s 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade'. The fame of the Treasury has made Petra one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, confirming its importance as both a cultural and historical hotspot.
Unlike many other tombs previously discovered at Petra, which often reveal disturbances or are empty, this newly uncovered burial site provides complete skeletal remains and a wealth of grave goods crafted from bronze, iron, and ceramics. This intact state is exceptionally rare, giving archaeologists unparalleled insights concerning the burial customs and daily lives of the ancient Nabataeans, the region's original inhabitants who thrived between the 4th century BC and AD 106.
Josh Gates, host of the Discovery Channel’s Expedition Unknown, described the discovery as “hugely rare”, noting, “in the two centuries since Petra has been investigated by archaeologists, nothing like this has been found before.”
Underneath Al Khazneh is not just any tomb; it harbors what some speculate might be participants of high status. The team anticipates analyzing the skeletons to ascertain familial connections, health conditions, and daily life through dietary assessments. The burial analysis will tap techniques such as DNA extraction to potentially reveal the identities of those buried within the tomb. Dr. Creasman noted, “The burials in this tomb are articulated, so the bones haven’t been rummaged around and moved. So, that's exceedingly rare.”
Archaeological interest in the area is not new. Back in 2003, investigations discovered two tombs on the left side of the Treasury containing partial remains. These early findings hinted there might be more tombs waiting below the sandy surface. Recalling the initial studies, Dr. Creasman expressed confidence; they suspected the area might hold additional secrets. Their ground-penetration radar results indicated promising similarities between features on either side of the monument, leading to hopes of additional discoveries.
The excavation, carried out earlier this August, bore fruit beyond mere human skeletal remains. Among the artifacts was found a ceramic chalice resembling the legendary Holy Grail, the revered cup associated with the legends of King Arthur and the Last Supper of Jesus Christ. This distinctive item has fueled excitement, as it creates parallels between the historical and the cinematic. “It really was this awesome moment of history imitating art,” remarked Gates.
The Nabataeans were skilled traders and camouflaged merchants operating along the incense route, making Petra, during its zenith, one of the most pivotal cities of the ancient world. Their proficiency allowed the city to flourish, establishing itself as home for over 20,000 residents. Although the Nabataean kingdom succumbed to Roman control by AD 106, Petra retained its significance as both a cultural landmark and regional hub until it eventually fell from grace.
Dr. Creasman and Gates remain hopeful about what future investigations might yield. The study of skeletal remains provides extraordinary wealth to historians attempting to reconstruct ancestral stories. The physical evidence gleaned from these graves will contribute significantly to the narrative of the Nabatean civilization, detailing their customs, health, diet, and even the professions of those buried within the sacred grounds of Petra.
This new discovery begs the question: what other secrets lie hidden beneath the sands of this historic city? Despite years of research, the tombs of Petra continue to divulge phenomenal treasures, tantalizing archaeologists and historians with glimpses from the past. Given such promising revelations unpacked from beneath the Treasury, it is safe to say Petra's enigma is far from unraveled, with every excavation potentially holding yet another story of its illustrious past.
