HISTORY
What did archaeologists find at Petra in Jordan? Incredible archeological find from the first century BC
Jordan’s most famous landmark has a new discovery hidden in its depths as researchers were allowed a rare investigation.
Archaeologists have made an extraordinary discovery at the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, unearthing a new hidden tomb dating back to the first century BC. This remarkable find, located beneath the iconic Treasury monument, has yielded a treasure trove of artifacts and human remains that promise to shed new light on the mysterious Nabataean civilization.
A joint US-Jordanian archaeological team, led by Dr. Pearce Paul Creasman of the American Center of Research, uncovered the tomb using ground-penetrating radar. The excavation revealed a chamber containing at least 12 well-preserved human skeletons and hundreds of artifacts made from bronze, iron, and ceramic.
“There was always the thought that there might be more tombs, but none had ever been found that still contained burials,” Richard Bates, a geophysicist and professor at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, told NBC News.
“The hope was to find a tomb that was intact,” he continued.
Intact burials are extremely rare in Petra, as most tombs have been emptied or disturbed over the centuries. The preservation of both skeletal remains and grave goods makes this find exceptionally valuable.
What is Petra?
Petra, often referred to as the “Rose City” due to its stunning rose-colored sandstone cliffs, is a historic and archaeological marvel located in southern Jordan.
Recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Petra showcases remarkable rock-cut architecture and an intricate water management system developed by the Nabataeans, who inhabited the area over 2,000 years ago.
For American’s it may be more well-known as the climactic final location in ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ from 1989.