‘Extremely valuable’ secret tomb unearthed in Jordan’s Petra

Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery in Petra, Jordan, unearthing a 2,000-year-old tomb beneath the iconic Treasury, Arab News reported yesterday.

The joint US-Jordanian team recovered 12 well-preserved skeletons and hundreds of artifacts, including bronze, iron, and ceramics. This find could shed light on the origins of Petra and its ancient inhabitants.

Lead archaeologist Dr. Pearce Paul Creasman stated that the tomb, dated to the first century B.C. using luminescence dating, likely belonged to individuals of high social standing. The site predates the Treasury, traditionally believed to be a tomb of Nabataean King Aretas IV.

Creasman emphasized the rarity of such discoveries, as many tombs in Petra have been found empty. The excavation is expected to reveal more artifacts, offering insights into the diet and lifestyle of the Nabataean civilization, which was known for its egalitarian society and multicultural trading practices.