A Tomb with 12 Skeletons Found in ‘Indiana Jones’ Filming Location

Al-Khazneh, also called the Treasury, is one of the seven wonders of the world as well as an iconic filming location in the 1989 film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The plot thickens after excavators at the archeological site, located in Petra, Jordan, recently discovered 12 well-preserved human skeletons and ritual offering pieces in the burial grounds’ ruins. Read on to learn more about these artifacts dating back to the first century B.C. and how their discovery impacts future research.

The discovery of a secret tomb at the Treasury in Petra, Jordan

Using ground-penetrating radar, archaeologists discovered 12 relatively well-preserved human skeletons dating back to the first century B.C. at the Treasury in Petra, Jordan.

The Treasury—also referred to as Al-Khazneh—is a burial crypt located just past the entrance to the ancient city of Petra. 

“There was always the thought that there might be more tombs, but none had ever been found that still contained burials,” Richard Bates, a geophysicist and professor at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, told NBC in an email. 

In addition to human remains, archaeologists also discovered an assortment of grave offerings indicative of the religious procedures typical of the first century B.C.

“Since no complete burials have ever been found here before, it is likely that we will learn a great deal more about the Nabatean kingdom from this find,” Bates wrote.

Researchers expressed that with so much still unknown about the Treasury, this excavation brought them tantalizingly closer to answers to big questions about Petra and its people. 

“Little did we know that this dig might completely change what we know about The Treasury and help solve the mysteries of the Nabataean people,” said archaeologist Pearce Paul Creasman in a statement. 

The excavation is part of a joint venture by the Jordanian Department of Antiquities and the American Center of Research. 

What is Petra’s Treasury?

Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, the ancient city of Petra, Jordan was named one of the seven wonders of the world in 2007. 

The first monument visitors will see after entering Petra, Al-Khazneh is adorned with intricate carvings of several floral elements, animals and deities. It earned the Western nickname "Treasury," due to an urn once thought to be filled with gold on the roof of the building.

After years of research, archeologists have determined that the Treasury served as a royal tomb or mausoleum for the Nabataeans—the Arab people of Petra. 

In addition to its beauty drawing the attention of over one million tourists each year, the site was once again thrust into the zeitgeist when Al-Khazneh was featured in the 1989 film “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.”

Rediscovered in 1812, the Treasury has fascinated generations of archeological fans and scientists as more history about the legendary mausoleum has been revealed over the years.  

Other artifacts uncovered at Petra’s Treasury

The recent reveal of 12 skeletons in the Treasury was not the first occasion of a major discovery at the famed archeological site. 

When it was excavated in 2003, the researchers’ work unveiled the partial skeletal remains of several individuals inside the burial crypt.

In addition to the human remains, archaeologists discovered bowls containing incense and gifts to the gods. These artifacts suggested that Al-Khazneh was once also a place of worship. 

How to learn more about Petra’s Treasury

This exciting news of discoveries in the ancient city of Petra may have fans, new and old, eager to learn more about the Treasury and the famous "Rose City.”

For those looking to quell their curiosity, there are several resources available including season 14 of Expedition Unknown on the Discovery Channel.

In the first episode of the show’s newest season, adventurer Josh Gates along with a team of Jordanian and American researchers takes you through the historic 12-skeleton excavation at Al-Khazneh.

“Since nearly all of the tombs at Petra have been found empty, this is perhaps the most significant tomb ever found at Petra and a discovery of historic proportions,” said Gates about the excavation. 

The two-part episode premiered on October 9 and is available to stream now. 

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