October 14th, 2024

In Jordan, a 'Stunning' Discovery Under Petra's Ancient Sto

A tomb containing 12 skeletons and grave offerings was discovered near Petra's Treasury, utilizing ground-penetrating radar. Researchers are optimistic about future findings and further exploration in the area.

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In Jordan, a 'Stunning' Discovery Under Petra's Ancient Sto

A recent excavation near Petra's Treasury building in Jordan has uncovered a tomb containing 12 human skeletons and various grave offerings, marking a significant archaeological discovery. This site, a UNESCO World Heritage location, had not been thoroughly explored for over two decades due to funding and bureaucratic challenges. The excavation was initiated after Dr. Richard Bates and his team utilized ground-penetrating radar, revealing previously hidden structures beneath the famous monument. The tomb is believed to predate the Treasury, which was constructed by the Nabateans around the fourth century B.C. The findings include intact skeletal remains and a unique network of walls within the tomb, suggesting complex burial practices. Researchers are now working to date the remains, which are estimated to be from the period of Nabatean civilization. The discovery has reignited interest in Petra, as there are indications of more undiscovered structures in the area. The excavation was also documented by a television crew from the show "Expedition Unknown." The researchers express optimism about future explorations and the potential for further significant findings.

- A tomb with 12 skeletons and grave offerings was discovered near Petra's Treasury.

- Ground-penetrating radar was used to locate the tomb after years of limited exploration.

- The tomb likely predates the construction of the Treasury, built by the Nabateans.

- Researchers are hopeful for more discoveries and collaborative efforts in the future.

- The excavation was featured on the television show "Expedition Unknown."

Link Icon 6 comments
By @aguaviva - 1 day
By @noneeeed - about 14 hours
For anyone thinking of visitng Petra, try and allow more than a couple of hours. When we went it was for two days, going in and out each day. A lot of people just go down the entry canyon, take a look at the Treasury (the bit in Indiana Jones) and head back. But the site itself is much larger. If you are up for a decent walk there are parts that I thought were much more impressive and interesting up the hills. Some of the scenary around there is stunning.

Also, if you can do down in the evening, that's great too.

Jordan as a whole was a really interesting place to visit.

By @pvaldes - about 16 hours
For some reason, slow people always lie under the big boulder, shaped like mail stamps. Never over the rock.
By @caycep - about 12 hours
I always try and build Petra in my desert city before the AI in Civ 6!
By @sorokod - about 18 hours
That ground penetrating radar really delivers but what is the stunning part?
By @lubujackson - 1 day
Not to get all Indiana Jonesy about it, but 12 skeletons? From right around year 0? And they even show a picture of a weathered, ceramic cup?

The article plays it straight, but I'm pretty sure this = Holy Grail confirmed.