Tomb filled with a dozen skeletons found underneath the Treasury in Petra

### Discovery of an Ancient Tomb Beneath Petra's Treasury

Archaeologists have unearthed a remarkable tomb beneath the Khaznah, or Treasury, in Petra, Jordan, containing at least 12 human skeletons and artifacts dating back over 2,000 years. This discovery confirms earlier theories about additional secret chambers below the monument. The team used ground-penetrating radar to locate the tomb, which surprisingly contained complete skeletal remains and artifacts made from bronze, iron, and ceramic, offering new insights into the lives of the Nabataeans.

The tomb is distinguished by the presence of grave goods, including a ceramic vessel thought to resemble the Holy Grail, suggesting a culturally significant find. While the artifacts are well-preserved, the skeletal remains were more delicate, likely affected by the area's humidity and floods. This discovery provides rare, undisturbed evidence in Petra, where previous tombs often contained disturbed remains due to historical disturbances.

The newly uncovered tomb raises intrigue about the Nabataeans' burial practices, which seem to show little differentiation between royal and commoner tombs. Researchers are exploring the possibility of extracting DNA from the remains to determine relationships among the buried individuals and learn more about their lifestyles and societal roles. This significant archaeological find in a prime location at Petra's main entrance could provide crucial data to enhance understanding of the Nabataean civilization and its cultural heritage.