Skip to main content
Neutral Echo
ScienceJordan

Ancient Tomb Discovery Sheds Light on Petra's History

Archaeologists unveil 12 skeletons and artifacts in Petra's Treasury tomb

By Ali WatkinsSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Ancient Tomb Discovery Sheds Light on Petra's History
Image via nytimes.com

In brief

A recent archaeological find in Petra, Jordan, has uncovered a previously unexplored tomb under the famous Treasury building. The discovery includes twelve human skeletons and an array of grave offerings, confirming long-held suspicions about hidden chambers.

Archaeologists, led by Dr. Richard Bates, were granted special permission to use ground-penetrating radar within Petra's iconic ancient site, marking the first exploration of its kind in over twenty years. This technological advancement allowed researchers to confirm suspicions about concealed tombs that date back to the first century B.C., which had been initially discovered but left unexplored since 2003 due to bureaucratic and financial hurdles. This groundbreaking expedition, involving experts such as Matthew Vincent, Josh Gates, and Pearce Paul Creasman, reveals a treasure trove of human remains and artifacts, enriching our understanding of Petra's historical significance and the ancient civilization's burial practices. The findings, considered "stunning" by the scientific team, provide new insights into the vibrant history of this UNESCO World Heritage site, expanding our knowledge of the Nabataean civilization that thrived in Petra.

Topics

More on this story