Ancient Burial Chamber Found Under Al-Khazneh in Petra
Published: July 25, 2025 — by Marina Valigura
Archaeologists in Jordan have uncovered a remarkable hidden tomb beneath Al-Khazneh, the world-famous rock-cut temple in Petra, often referred to as the “Treasury.” This discovery sheds new light on the sacred landscape surrounding one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The news was reported by Mirror.
The excavation, initiated last year by Pierce Paul Chrisman, Executive Director of the American Center of Research in Jordan, initially revealed 12 human skeletons beneath the temple structure. Further investigation has confirmed that these remains are part of a much larger ancient burial complex.
“This is an extremely rare find. In two centuries of archaeological work in Petra, no discovery of this scale has been made beneath such an iconic monument,” said Josh Gates, host of Discovery Channel, who personally visited the site.
The tomb was located using advanced soil scanning technologies that not only confirmed the burial site’s location but also revealed possible undiscovered graves nearby.
According to Chrisman, while the artifacts found within the chamber are in remarkably good condition, the skeletal remains have suffered from moisture and periodic flash flooding common to the region.
This breakthrough could dramatically reshape scholarly understanding of Petra’s funerary practices and the role of sacred spaces surrounding Al-Khazneh during the Nabataean era. Researchers speculate that the site may have held significant spiritual importance far beyond its impressive architectural facade.
“Even near one of the most photographed buildings in the world, there are still major secrets waiting to be uncovered,” Gates emphasized.
In earlier archaeological news, scientists recently decoded a 4,400-year-old Sumerian myth inscribed on an ancient clay tablet, revealing new insights into early Mesopotamian belief systems.
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