Archaeologists 'find Jesus' Holy Grail' under iconic Indiana Jones location
Archaeologists believe they have found the Holy Grail chalice beneath the iconic Jordanian Treasury, the incredible building used as the temple in the Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
In a twist straight out of a Hollywood script, archaeologists have stumbled upon what they believe to be the Holy Grail beneath Jordan's iconic Al Khazneh, the very site that featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
The Daily Mail reports that beneath the breathtaking facade of Petra's Treasury, a tomb containing 12 skeletons and various artifacts, including a chalice reminiscent of the legendary Holy Grail, was uncovered.
This astonishing discovery echoes the adventures of Indiana Jones in the 1989 film where Harrison Ford's character unearths remarkable treasures, with Sean Connery by his side.
Dr Pearce Paul Creasman from the American Center of Research (ACOR) and television explorer Josh Gates of The Discovery Channel were the brains behind this extraordinary find.
Their work could illuminate the history of the Nabataeans, the advanced Arab people who constructed the architectural wonder. An episode of 'Expedition Unknown' on The Discovery Channel captured Gates' thrill at the "hugely rare discovery" set against one of the globe's most renowned structures, reports the Mirror US.
Gates expressed his awe, saying: "Even in front of one of the most famous buildings in the world...there are still huge discoveries to be made."
The ACOR was given the nod by Jordanian officials to dig beneath the iconic Treasury in Petra, leading to some astonishing finds. Digging efforts captured by Expedition Unknown in August last year unearthed a dozen intact skeletons and a treasure trove of artifacts including bronze, iron, and ceramics.
Due to Petra's changing flood patterns and humidity, several skeletons were discovered with mould on them. Among the relics was a chalice eerily reminiscent of the famed Holy Grail, an observation noted by Gates: "It really was this awesome moment of history imitating art."
Previous excavations in 2003 had already hinted at hidden secrets when two tombs were discovered under Al-Khazneh's left flank, prompting Dr. Creasman and his team to suspect more treasures lay hidden. Ground-penetrating radar, which uses electromagnetic wave pulses to peep underground, revealed what could be unseen chambers flanking Al-Khazneh.
The Holy Grail, the subject of numerous myths, legends, and Hollywood hits, traces its origin back to Jesus Christ's Last Supper, believed to have been used for sharing His blood.
The chalice has evolved from its religious and mythical origins to become a symbol of immortal life in many narratives, extending its influence into a cultural phenomenon, capturing the imagination in an array of blockbuster movies.
This was sparked off in Arthurian legends where the Holy Grail was frequently portrayed as a magical object with divine powers.
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