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Petra's Hidden Tomb Revealed: A Remarkable Discovery

A newly unearthed tomb in Petra uncovers twelve human skeletons and grave offerings, offering fresh insights into the ancient site's history.

By Ali WatkinsSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Petra's Hidden Tomb Revealed: A Remarkable Discovery
Image via nytimes.com

In brief

Archaeologists have made a landmark discovery at Petra, Jordan. A previously untouched tomb with twelve skeletons and various grave offerings has been found near the iconic Treasury building, thanks to groundbreaking radar technology.

A groundbreaking archaeological discovery has emerged from the ancient city of Petra, Jordan, revealing a previously untouched tomb in the iconic Treasury building. Located at the UNESCO World Heritage site, the tomb was unearthed during a recent excavation led by Dr. Richard Bates and a team of researchers. This initiative, which utilized state-of-the-art ground-penetrating radar, marked the first significant probing of Petra's grounds in over two decades. Previous efforts in 2003 had identified hidden tombs around the Treasury, but limitations had stymied further investigations until now.The newfound tomb holds twelve human skeletons along with a vast collection of grave offerings, situated directly opposite the tombs discovered two decades ago. This find not only adds to the understanding of Petra's historical significance but also showcases the importance of modern technology in unraveling the mysteries of ancient sites. The ability to survey within the delicate Treasury monument, known locally as Al Khazneh, was a surprising development that had long been awaited. The data collected stunned researchers and provided answers to questions that had been lingering for years. This significant find further solidifies Petra's status as a critical archaeological and historical site, continuing to capture the world's fascination.

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