Holy Grail 'found' in 'awesome' discovery just like Indiana Jones
The scene at Al Khazneh in Petra, Jordan – famed as the Treasury and the Temple of the Sun in the Harrison Ford-starring flick – turned into a real-life echo of the movie's plot when archaeologists uncovered a previously unknown tomb.
This remarkable discovery unearthed 12 skeletons and a treasure trove of artefacts, including a chalice that bears resemblance to the legendary Holy Grail, as reported by The Daily Mail.
The find is reminiscent of the storyline from Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade, where the film's protagonist uncovers similar awe-inspiring relics in the 1989 hit, which also featured Sean Connery.
Dr Pearce Paul Creasman from the American Center of Research (ACOR) and telly explorer Josh Gates of The Discovery Channel were the brains behind this sensational find, reports the Mirror US.
It's thought that this could cast new light on the Nabataeans – the advanced Arab civilisation responsible for creating this architectural wonder. Gates was barely able to contain his thrill during an episode of The Discovery Channel's 'Expedition Unknown,' labelling it a "hugely rare discovery" right in front of one of the globe's most iconic facades.
He said: "Even in front of one of the most famous buildings in the world...there are still huge discoveries to be made."
The Jordanian officials granted the American Center of Oriental Research (ACOR) permission to excavate beneath the Treasury in Petra, aiming to uncover any previously unknown chambers. These excavations in August last year were captured on camera by the 'Expedition Unknown' team and unearthed tombs containing 12 complete skeletons along with a treasure trove of intact bronze, iron and ceramic artefacts.
Due to fluctuating levels of humidity and flooding, some of the skeletons were found with mould upon them. Amongst the finds was a ceramic chalice that remarkably echoes the depiction of the Holy Grail, leading Gates to say: "It really was this awesome moment of history imitating art."
Back in 2003, other explorers found two tombs with skeletal remains under the left side of Al-Khazneh, sparking Dr. Creasman and his colleagues to think there could be more secret tombs lying in wait.
With the aid of ground-penetrating radar technology, which sends out pulses of electromagnetic waves, they picked up indications of possible underground cavities flanking Al-Khazneh on both sides.
The Holy Grail is intertwined with numerous legends, myths, and movies but its ancient origins trace back to the narrative of Jesus' Last Supper – specifically the cup used to share Christ's blood.
In many tales, consuming from the Holy Grail or Chalice is believed to bestow immortality. Apart from Christian traditions and the scriptural tale, the Chalice has risen to a cultural zenith, its iterations widespread across an array of blockbuster cinema.
This was initiated in Arthurian legends where the Holy Grail was frequently portrayed as a magical object with divine powers.
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