Hidden 2,000-year-old skeletons and ‘Holy Grail’ cup found in secret tomb where ‘Indiana Jones’ was filmed

The archaeologists have made a rare discovery of 2,000-year-old skeletons and ‘Holy Grail’ cup in a secret tomb which was underneath the historical place Petra where the famous movie Indiana Jones was also shot.

Twelve bodies were found in the tomb and one of them had a chalice which resembled themythical Holy Grail, from which Jesus is believed to have drank at the Last Supper.

The 2,000-year-old grave was excavated by the diggers after they found it through a sonic underground search.

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In the tomb found in Petra, the archaeologists also discovered bits of bronze, iron, and other pieces of ceramic items.

Lead archaeologist Dr Pearce Paul Creasman said that they are hoping to make more recoveries as the excavation continues.

Creasman said that the grave has been dated by his team to the first century BC with the help of luminescence dating in which the last exposure of minerals to sunlight is tracked.

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A lot of tombs have been discovered in Petra, however, it is rare to excavate skeletons.

Josh Gates, who was host of Discovery Channel’s Expedition Unknown and also participated in the excavation, said, "This is a hugely rare discovery — in the two centuries that Petra has been investigated by archaeologists, nothing like this has been found before. Even in front of one of the most famous buildings in the world … there are still huge discoveries to be made. It really was this awesome moment of history imitating art."

“They must be hugely important people, because where they’re buried is such prime real estate; it really is the main entrance to the city. I think learning who they are is really going to help unlock part of the story of the Treasury," he added.

Tomb to give rare insight into Nabataeans: Expert

Creasman said that even though human remains were found intact, they were very fragile possibly because of the humidity and seasonal floods along with porous sandstone which surrounded the tomb and entrapped moisture.

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He added that the archaeological find is likely to give a rare insight into the Nabataeans.

“We were hopeful to find anything that might tell us more about the ancient people and place — human remains can be a really valuable tool in that regard. The burials in this tomb are articulated, so the bones haven’t been rummaged around and moved, so that’s exceedingly rare," Creasman said while speaking to CNN.

"The Nabateans were a multicultural trading society who only worked because they united as a people. I hope they might be able to teach us something today," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)