Tomb found beneath ‘Indiana Jones’ site in Petra

Discovery in Petra

In the heart of Petra, Jordan, an exciting discovery has been made beneath the famous Khaznah, or Treasury. Archaeologists recently uncovered a tomb containing at least 12 human skeletons along with artifacts estimated to be over 2,000 years old. This remarkable find sheds new light on the ancient Nabataean civilization.

The Team Behind the Discovery

The excavation was led by Dr. Pearce Paul Creasman, the executive director of the American Center of Research. For years, there had been speculation about additional tombs beneath the Treasury. In 2003, two tombs were discovered on the left side of the monument. However, researchers believed there might be more hidden chambers.

Ground-Penetrating Radar

Earlier this year, Creasman and his team utilized ground-penetrating radar. This remote sensing technique uses radar pulses to detect underground objects. The results showed strong similarities between features on both sides of the Treasury. This discovery provided the evidence needed to obtain permission from the Jordanian government for further excavation.

Collaborating with Discovery Channel

To share their findings with the public, Creasman reached out to Josh Gates, host of “Expedition Unknown” on the Discovery Channel. He informed Gates, “I think we’ve got something.” With a film crew, they excavated the newly uncovered tomb in August.

A Remarkable Find

What they discovered inside the tomb was astonishing. Unlike many tombs in Petra that are often found empty or disturbed, this chamber was filled with complete skeletal remains and grave goods made of bronze, iron, and ceramic. This intact burial offers rare insights into the lives of the Nabataeans, who thrived between the 4th century BC and AD 106.

A Unique Perspective on the Nabataeans

Creasman emphasized that this is a significant and rare discovery. In two centuries of research in Petra, nothing like this has been found before. Gates echoed this sentiment, stating, “Even in front of one of the most famous buildings in the world, there are still huge discoveries to be made.”

The Artifacts and Their Significance

Among the artifacts discovered were several vessels. One skeleton was found clutching a ceramic chalice resembling the Holy Grail. Gates described this moment as “history imitating art.” The artifacts were extremely well-preserved, but the human remains showed more signs of deterioration than expected. This may be due to the humidity and seasonal floods in Petra.

The Impact of Environmental Factors

The porous sandstone surrounding the tomb may have trapped moisture, leading to mold on some skeletons. Creasman noted that only a handful of untouched tombs have been found in recent decades. He explained that disturbances often occurred when travelers sought shelter from the harsh desert conditions.

Previous Discoveries and Their Limitations

Two decades ago, archaeologists from the Jordan Department of Antiquities uncovered two tombs beneath the left side of the Treasury. However, those tombs contained only partial skeletal remains, and their data was never published. Therefore, the specifics of those findings remain unclear.

What Lies Ahead for Research

As researchers continue their work, they hope to learn more about the ancient people buried in this tomb. They plan to date the skeletons and artifacts. Additionally, they aim to extract DNA to determine if the skeletons are related. Other analyses may reveal details about their diets and whether they had physical jobs.

Understanding Nabataean Society

One ongoing mystery concerns the burial practices of the Nabataeans. Literature often describes their society as more egalitarian than others. So far, the tombs found show little distinction between royal and regular burials. This raises questions about whether the recently discovered tombs were intended for royalty.

Conclusion: Unlocking the Past

Researchers suspect that many textiles and jewelry typically found in Nabataean burials have been lost to humidity and flooding. As they study the skeletons further, Creasman and his team remain hopeful. They believe that uncovering the identities of those buried in this prominent location will help unlock a significant part of Petra’s history. Gates concluded, “They must be hugely important people because where they’re buried is such prime real estate.” The investigation continues, promising even more insights into the rich history of Petra.

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