Archeologists have made a stunning discovery at one of the seven wonders of the world.
The site is widely considered one of the most extraordinary in the world and has more than a million visitors every year – but it turns out it still holds a few surprises.
Archeologists recently gathered to do a standard assessment of the grounds of one of the Seven Wonders ‘in advance of future works to divert and better control floodwaters’.
But they wound up finding far more than they ever expected underneath one of the world’s greatest landmarks.
What are the Seven Wonders of the World?
The Seven Wonders of the World see millions of tourists each year. (Pexels/ Yasir Gürbüz)
The group of landmarks known as the Seven Wonders of the World have been passed down and debated over several centuries, with the most recent list being decided via a poll that ran from 2001-2007.
Alongside the Great Pyramid of Giza, the only member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing and an honorary member of the modern list, the Modern Seven Wonders of the World are the Great Wall of China, Chichén Itzá in Mexico, Petra in Jordan, Machu Picchu in Peru, Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, the Roman Colosseum, and the Taj Mahal in India.
Each of the Wonders receives varying levels of worldwide attention, but this week, all eyes have been on Petra due to a recent underground discovery.
What did archeologists find at the Treasury monument in Petra?
Archeologists made a surprising find in Petra, Jordan (St Andrews)
For those unaware, the ancient city of Petra was once the home of the Nabataean Kingdom, and now, centuries later, the buildings within the city are largely still standing, hosting over a million tourists per year.
Within Petra is the Treasury monument, arguably its most famous landmark, which once acted as a royal tomb. However, nobody knew just how deep the tomb truly went until now.
After detecting underground chambers that had not yet been discovered using radar technology, archeologists had to dig around the outside of the historical building by hand to get a closer look.
The team of archeologists quickly went to work, discovering 12 skeletons, one of which was holding a ceramic chalice, within the underground ancient tombs that they suspect are from the first century BC.
Archeologist found more than they expected in Petra. (St. Andrews University)
Discussing this massive discovery with NBC News, archeologist Richard Bates of St. Andrews University explained: “There was always the thought that there might be more tombs, but none had ever been found that still contained burials.
“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.”
Pearce Paul Creasman, director of the American Center of Research, added: “For as famous as it is, the Treasury is still a mystery to us in many ways.”
To many Americans, the Treasury monument is known for being the film location for the 1989 film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
