Secret tomb found under ‘Indiana Jones’ filming location in Petra

October 14th, 2024

Archaeologists have uncovered a hidden tomb beneath Petra's famous Treasury, famously featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The discovery, led by Dr. Pearce Paul Creasman of the American Center of Research, revealed at least 12 human skeletons and ancient artifacts estimated to be over 2,000 years old. This rare find provides a glimpse into the lives of the Nabataeans, the ancient Arabian nomads who built Petra. Among the artifacts was a ceramic chalice resembling the Holy Grail, adding an intriguing layer of real-life discovery to the iconic film's setting.

The tomb was found in August during an excavation initiated after ground-penetrating radar scans suggested hidden chambers beneath the Treasury. Creasman and his team, accompanied by "Expedition Unknown" host Josh Gates, unearthed well-preserved remains, including bronze, iron, and ceramic artifacts. The researchers are now studying the skeletons, hoping to determine their age, origin, and whether they were related. The find, made beneath the legendary filming location of Indiana Jones, adds a new chapter to Petra’s storied past.