Tomb of Secrets

This elaborate building, carved into a desert canyon, is one of the world’s most famous ancient sites. But experts say some of its most stunning secrets are hidden underground.

The building is known as Al Khazneh, or the Treasury. It is part of the ancient city of Petra, located in modern-day Jordan. This past summer, researchers found an intact burial chamber under the Treasury. The tomb is at least 2,000 years old and holds the skeletal remains of 12 people, along with bronze, iron, and ceramic burial objects.

Experts say the find may shed light on Petra’s ancient inhabitants, the Nabataeans (na-buh-TEE-uhns).

The Nabataeans once lived as nomads, moving from place to place in the desert while raising camels, sheep, and goats. In the fourth century B.C., their land became a crucial part of a trade route connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe. The Nabataeans charged money to move spices, incense, and other goods across the desert and built Petra into a wealthy trading hub. They engineered watering systems, adding lush gardens and even a public pool.

Petra became a city-state of the Roman Empire in 106 A.D. But the Nabataeans thrived for 300 more years, until trade routes shifted and earthquakes destroyed much of the city. By 700 A.D., Petra was largely abandoned.

Archaeologist Pearce Paul Creasman, who helped find the tomb, says it may reveal more about daily life in Petra: “This excavation is bringing us closer than ever to answers."

—Laura Anastasia