Unlike most areas of the ancient city, which were troubled by looters or natural forces over the centuries, this safe was found in an exceptionally rare, untouched state. The discovery of these skeletons provides a transformative look at Nabataean burial customs, as the remains offer a unique, unrecorded biological record.
12 skeletons found in petra which reveals the secrets of ancient Nabataean life
Researchers made this discovery using ground penetrating radar. As reported by National Public Radio (NPR), for years people had been speculating that more chambers might exist beneath the treasury, after two tombs were discovered to the left of the monument in 2003. To investigate, the researchers turned to radar to check if symmetry was also present on the right side. Radar picked up physical features similar to known graves. With this evidence, the Jordanian government approved the excavation.
story of petra jug
When the excavation team saw a porcelain jug in the hand of a skeleton, they could not believe their eyes. As Warner Bros. Discovery noted in a report, the treasury was the set for the climax of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, so finding a chalice in this secret tomb was like seeing ‘art imitating life.’ Even though the archaeological significance of the ship was immense, researchers pointed out how ironic it was to find a cup resembling the cinematic ‘Holy Grail’ in the same place where they filmed that famous scene.
A rare glimpse into the lives of desert architects
Dr. Cressman called the discovery a ‘time capsule’ because he found the skeletons along with their personal belongings still intact. This gives us a special opportunity to learn about the Nabataeans, who carved Petra out of sandstone but left few written records. The remains include men, women and children. Experts will test DNA and analyze organic sediment from the grave to learn more about how these ancient people lived, what they ate and where they came from.
A major change in Petra’s archaeological record
The discovery is considered a significant turning point in the archaeological history of Petra because, unlike most tombs in the area, which contain only fragmentary remains due to looting or re-use, this chamber contains 12 articulated bodies. Professor Richard Bates of the University of St. Andrews tells NPR that by analyzing skeletal material, including teeth and bones, researchers can now reconstruct the lifestyle, diet and health of the Nabataean people. This level of preservation is expected to reveal a view of their society that was previously inaccessible to scientists.