Archaeologists have unearthed a remarkable hidden tomb beneath the Treasury (Al Khazneh) in Petra, Jordan, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The tomb – containing 12 complete skeletons and a collection of artefacts including bronze, ceramic and iron items – dates from the first century BC to the first century AD, during the height of the Nabataean Kingdom.

The discovery is especially significant as intact human remains are rarely found in Petra’s tombs, which were often reused over centuries. Among the skeletons, one was found holding a ceramic jug resembling the chalice from the film “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”, although archaeologists clarified it is a typical vessel from the period.

This tomb is thought to have been a mausoleum, likely constructed during the reign of Nabataean King Aretas IV. Researchers hope the find will offer new insights into Nabataean culture, which remains largely mysterious despite the architectural wonders they left behind.

Although much of Petra’s ancient city remains buried beneath the sands, this discovery adds to the intrigue surrounding the Nabataeans, a civilisation known for their advanced engineering and trade network, which flourished until Roman annexation in 106 AD.

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