Archaeologists excavated a previously unknown tomb beneath Petra’s Khazneh, revealing 12 articulated skeletons and a range of bronze, iron, and ceramic artifacts dating to at least 2,000 years ago. The discovery, led by Pearce Paul Creasman and filmed for Discovery Channel’s Expedition Unknown, followed ground-penetrating radar surveys and Jordanian approval to dig. Because many Petra tombs have been looted, intact burials are rare and could provide crucial information to help date the Khazneh and shed light on Nabataean society. Further scientific analysis will be needed to identify the individuals and interpret the grave goods.
Rare Tomb and 12 Skeletons Discovered Beneath Petra’s Iconic 'Treasury'
Rare Architectural Find Near ‘Indiana Jones’ SiteNick Brundle Photography - Getty Images
Archaeologists have uncovered a previously unknown tomb beneath the ornate façade of the Khazneh (the “Treasury”) in Petra — one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The excavation revealed 12 articulated human skeletons and a variety of bronze, iron, and ceramic artifacts that date to at least 2,000 years ago. The discovery was documented for the Discovery Channel series Expedition Unknown.
The Discovery
The excavation was led by Pearce Paul Creasman, executive director of the American Center of Research. After using ground-penetrating radar to identify promising subsurface anomalies, the team received permission from the Jordanian government to dig beneath the famed sandstone façade. The work was filmed and presented by Josh Gates on Expedition Unknown.
What Was Found
When archaeologists opened the chamber they found articulated burials — meaning the skeletons remained in their original positions and had not been scattered by looters. The 12 remains were accompanied by a mixture of bronze, iron, and ceramic objects. Notably, one skeleton held a ceramic chalice, an image that drew a lighthearted pop-culture comparison to the “Holy Grail” scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, which famously used Petra as a filming location.
“This is a hugely rare discovery,” said Josh Gates, noting that in two centuries of archaeological work at Petra nothing like this had been found directly beneath the Khazneh.
Preservation Challenges
Some of the bones showed mold growth — likely a result of Petra’s porous sandstone and the tomb’s exposure to moisture in a flood-prone environment. Many tombs at Petra have been found empty due to ancient looting, so the presence of articulated burials and accompanying grave goods is exceptionally valuable for research.
Why It Matters
The Khazneh’s exact date and original use have been debated because many tombs in the area have yielded little material for study. In-situ human remains and associated artifacts can provide direct evidence for dating and for understanding mortuary practices, health, diet, and status. Researchers believe the prominence of the burial location near Petra’s main entrance suggests the individuals may have held high social status within the Nabataean community.
Further laboratory analysis — including radiocarbon dating and osteological and material studies — will be required to determine the ages, origins, health, and social roles of those interred and to place the find more precisely within Petra’s long and complex history.
