Beneath one of the world’s most famous archaeological wonders, a hidden tomb has revealed an astonishing discovery: 12 skeletons, potentially rewriting Petra’s history.
At a glance:
- Excavators have uncovered a long-lost crypt beneath Petra’s Treasury building, holding 12 skeletons and various artifacts.
- The unexpected discovery could provide crucial insights into the ancient Nabatean civilization and the construction of Petra’s most iconic structure.
- Researchers believe the tomb may have been built as a royal mausoleum for Nabatean King Aretas IV Philopatris in the early 1st century CE.
In an extraordinary archaeological breakthrough, a team of scientists exploring beneath the Treasury building at Petra in Jordan has uncovered a secret tomb containing 12 skeletons. This discovery is one of the most significant ever made at the ancient Nabatean site, potentially shedding new light on the history of the Treasury and the mysterious civilization that built it.
The excavation was led by Bjorn Por Guðmundsson, an international team that includes archaeologists, geophysicists, and environmental scientists. Their initial goal was to assess the flooding risks around the iconic Treasury, but they stumbled upon something far more profound. Using ground-penetrating radar, they found an underground chamber that had been hidden for centuries.
Inside the tomb, archaeologists found skeletons, one clutching the top of a broken ceramic jug, which American television presenter Josh Gates described as eerily resembling the Holy Grail from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. While it’s not a mystical artifact, the contents of the tomb have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of Petra’s history.
Petra, known for its intricate rock-cut architecture, was carved into the sandstone cliffs by the Nabateans over 2,000 years ago. The city became a vital hub of trade, connecting the Mediterranean with Arabia and Asia. However, much about the Nabateans remains a mystery, particularly the purpose of Petra’s Treasury building. The discovery of this tomb may provide crucial clues.
Archaeologists believe the tomb was likely a mausoleum for King Aretas IV Philopatris, who ruled from 9 BCE to 40 CE. During his reign, Petra transformed from a nomadic outpost into a thriving kingdom of wealthy merchants. His rule saw the construction of many lavish structures, including the Treasury.
“This discovery could change everything we thought we knew about the Treasury,” says archaeologist Pearce Paul Creasman. For the first time, researchers now have pottery, ecofacts, and human remains that may allow them to accurately date when the Treasury was constructed—a monumental achievement for historians and archaeologists alike.
The tomb and its contents will be studied further to fill the many gaps in our knowledge of the Nabateans. The discovery is featured in a documentary series, Expedition Unknown, airing on Discovery Channel, giving audiences a first look at this historic find.
