In an archaeological breakthrough, a team in Petra, Jordan, unearthed a tomb with a dozen bodies alongside a grail-shaped vessel, evoking imagery from a popular movie.
According to Daily Mail, the discovery of a tomb beneath Al Khazneh has captured global attention, valuably connecting the fictional world of 'Indiana Jones with real ancient Nabatean culture.
This summer's excavation led by a team from the University of Bristol at Al Khazneh—a legendary site within Petra known for its cinematic role in 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade'—revealed much more than expected. Among the finds were a ceramic cup and the remains of 12 unidentified individuals, buried in grand style within this ancient structure. Built around AD 40, Al Khazneh is widely believed to be a royal tomb, adding to the gravity of the discovery.
Designed originally by the wealthy and architecturally advanced Nabataean civilization, which occupied Petra from around 7000 BC until AD 700, Al Khazneh stands as a testament to a flourishing culture of trade and craftsmanship. It is this high craftsmanship that led the film’s propmakers at Lucasfilm Ltd. to model the Holy Grail in 'Indiana Jones closely after Nabatean pottery designs.
However, the vessel in question, initially speculated by many fans to be akin to the fictional Holy Grail, turned out to be a standard drinking cup used by the Nabateans. Although reminiscent of the iconic movie prop, the cup's real significance lies in its typical use in daily Nabatean life. Claire Isabella Gilmour from the University of Bristol and lead archaeologist explained, "Rather than a hallowed chalice that gives the drinker eternal life like the one in the film, it was simply a standard drinking cup used by the Nabataeans."
The team's findings are especially significant as they help clear ambiguities around Nabatean pottery influenced by extensive research into the era's ceramics. "The similarities between the vessels aren’t a case of art imitating life, but the result of painstaking research into Nabatean pottery carried out by Deborah Fine, who was the director of archives at Lucasfilm Ltd.," Gilmour said.
The significance of the discovery has not only drawn academic interest but also captured the vivid imaginations of the public, further showcased in an upcoming episode of 'Expedition Unknown' on the Discovery Channel. The program aims to highlight the historic dimensions of these finds, emphasizing their broad appeal.
Despite the importance of the cup, the identities of the 12 individuals found alongside it remain shrouded in mystery. According to Gilmour, "We do not know anything yet about the identities of those buried, although their interment in separate sarcophagi and their placement at the Khazneh suggest high status."
The burials, prestigious by their association with Al Khazneh, hint at the powerful roles likely held by those interred. Their precise identity and their contributions to Nabatean society, however, demand further archaeological and anthropological investigation.
While the sensational nature of linking the discovery to a popular film has captured the public's imagination, experts like Professor Megan Perry from East Carolina University argue for a more scholarly approach. Perry expressed frustration over-sensationalized media coverage, emphasizing the normalcy of finding tombs with burials in Petra. "I’ve excavated many tombs in Petra and guess what? They contain burials! No one is amazed except people who haven’t done their research!" Perry noted.
As the documentation and interpretation efforts continue, the academic community looks forward to extracting more insights from this discovery. It holds potential keys to understanding the social hierarchies, architectural advancements, and daily life of the Nabateans, a people integral to the historical fabric of the region.
Gilmour emphasizes the opportunity ahead, stating, "Nabatean pottery is very fine—often only 1.5mm thick—best suited to ceremonial purposes or local use than the thicker, more robust contemporary Roman wares which could travel better."
This discovery serves as a reminder of the entwined paths of art and archaeology. By uncovering the true nature of artifacts and situating them within their historical context, archaeologists like those in Petra not only solve mysteries but bridge the gap between past legends and present knowledge.
