Archaeologists have unearthed a concealed burial site at the Treasury monument in Petra, Jordan, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
A long-hidden burial chamber containing the remains of twelve ancient skeletons along with grave goods was revealed beneath the monument following the application of remote sensing technologies by research teams.
This discovery arises over twenty years after similar burial sites were located on the opposite side of the renowned monument, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting more than a million tourists annually.
The Treasury stands as the heart of a city intricately carved into the walls of a desert canyon by the Nabataean civilization approximately 2,000 years ago.
The exact purpose of this structure remains ambiguous.
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Researchers from the University of St Andrews, alongside British and American colleagues, and members from the Jordanian Department of Antiquities and the American Center of Research, were authorized to perform remote sensing in and around the monument.
They aimed to evaluate the condition of the surrounding areas using electromagnetic conductivity and ground penetrating radar, but ultimately made a significantly more thrilling finding.
Upon detecting what appeared to be underground chambers, the researchers proceeded with an excavation that unveiled the tomb.
Pic: University of St Andrews
Among the skeletons found, one was holding the upper portion of a fragmented jug, likely dating to the first century BC.
Richard Bates, a geophysicist and professor at the University of St Andrews, informed Sky News’ partner network NBC News that the remains likely represent both male and female individuals, spanning an age range from children to adults.
The researchers are optimistic that this discovery may shed light on the Treasury and the civilization of the Nabataean Kingdom.
Pic: The University of St Andrews
“This discovery is of global importance, as very few complete burials from the early Nabataeans have been recovered from Petra prior to this. The burial sites, along with the artifacts and human remains, are expected to enhance our understanding of how Petra developed and provide insights into the Nabataeans,” stated Professor Bates.
Archaeologists dated the walls within the burial chamber to a period between the mid 1st century BC and the early 2nd century AD.
The excavation of this newly uncovered tomb featured prominently in a two-part episode of the American reality television series Expedition Unknown that aired on the Discovery Channel.
