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Lost Civilizations: Unearthing Secrets Beneath Petra’s Treasury

Archaeologists uncover hidden tomb with human remains beneath Petra's Treasury, offering new insights into ancient rituals.

By Ali WatkinsSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Lost Civilizations: Unearthing Secrets Beneath Petra’s Treasury
Image via nytimes.com

In brief

A team of archaeologists has discovered a long-hidden tomb under Petra's iconic Treasury building, revealing 12 skeletons and numerous grave goods.

In a breakthrough excavation, a previously untouched burial site has been uncovered beneath Petra's renowned Treasury structure. Researchers led by Dr. Richard Bates, using advanced radar technology, have exposed a hidden chamber containing 12 human skeletons alongside an extensive array of grave offerings. This unexpected find provides fresh insights into the burial practices of ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region over two millennia ago. Initial attempts to explore the area had been thwarted by bureaucratic hurdles and funding constraints since the early 2000s. However, recent permissions allowed Dr. Bates and his team to deploy powerful ground-penetrating radar within the Treasury itself, heralding a new chapter in the understanding of Petra's historical tapestry. This archaeological feat marks a pivotal moment in unraveling the enigmatic past of one of the world's most storied ancient cities.

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