Petra, the majestic ancient city carved into the pink sandstone cliffs of southern Jordan, has once again revealed a remarkable piece of its hidden history. Archaeologists recently made an extraordinary discovery in the UNESCO World Heritage site—a tomb containing at least 12 human skeletons and a collection of artifacts estimated to be over 2,000 years old. This significant find offers new insights into Petra’s rich history and the mysterious civilization that built this stunning city.
The city of Petra, including the Treasury, was carved by the Nabataean Kingdom thousands of years ago. It has become a popular tourist attraction and was featured in the 1989 film “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” Recently, archaeologists and Josh Gates, the host of the Discovery Channel show “Expeditions Unknown,” excavated the area to uncover more about the Treasury and its purpose. Their dig revealed a tomb filled with skeletons just below the surface.
Petra: A Marvel of Ancient Engineering
Known as the “Rose City” due to the hue of its rock-cut architecture, it was once the thriving capital of the Nabataean Kingdom. This civilization flourished around the 1st century BCE. The city is famous for its intricate tombs, temples, and monuments, including the iconic Al-Khazneh (Treasury), which have been carved directly into the cliffs. As a key hub along ancient trade routes, Petra became a prosperous center of commerce and culture, attracting traders and travelers across the Mediterranean and Arabian Peninsula.
While Petra’s grandeur and architectural genius have been known to the world since its rediscovery in the 19th century, many of its secrets still lie buried beneath the sands. This latest discovery further enriches our understanding of the people who inhabited this remarkable city.
The recently unearthed tomb was discovered during an excavation conducted by a team of international archaeologists near the heart of the ancient city. Within the tomb, they uncovered 12 human skeletons, believed to be members of the Nabataean elite, buried alongside a treasure trove of artifacts.
Carbon dating and analysis of the artifacts have led experts to estimate that the tomb is approximately 2,000 years old, dating back to the peak of Petra’s prominence. The condition of the skeletons and the surrounding artifacts has allowed researchers to begin piecing together the burial practices of the Nabataeans, shedding light on their cultural and spiritual beliefs.
The tomb itself is a marvel of Nabataean engineering. It is carefully carved into the rock, with chambers that would have been sealed off after burial. The discovery of multiple skeletons suggests that it may have served as a family or communal resting place for members of the Nabataean elite, hinting at the social structure of the time.
The artifacts found within the tomb offer invaluable clues about the daily lives and customs of the Nabataeans. The pottery is intricately designed, with some pieces bearing evidence of trade with nearby civilizations, a testament to Petra’s role as a key trading hub. The jewelry and adornments reflect the artistic craftsmanship of the time, while the tools and household items provide insight into the everyday activities of Petra’s citizens.
The presence of burial goods indicates that the Nabataeans believed in an afterlife, preparing the deceased for the journey beyond. These artifacts also suggest that the people of Petra had access to luxury items, reinforcing the idea that the city was an affluent center of trade and culture in the ancient world.
This latest discovery in Petra adds another layer of complexity to our understanding of the Nabataeans and their city. While much of its grandeur is visible in its towering temples and intricate tombs, discoveries like this help illuminate the lives of the people who built and inhabited this remarkable city.
Archaeologists believe there is still much to uncover in Petra, and each new find offers more context about the ancient civilization that called it home. The discovery of the 2,000-year-old tomb, with its skeletons and artifacts, serves as a reminder of how much remains hidden beneath Petra’s pink sandstone cliffs, waiting to be revealed to the world.
The ancient city of Petra continues to captivate the imagination of historians, archaeologists, and visitors alike. This latest discovery—a 2,000-year-old tomb filled with human skeletons and artifacts—provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives and burial practices of the Nabataeans. As archaeologists continue to explore Petra’s hidden depths, we can only imagine what other treasures this remarkable city has yet to reveal.
