Huge ancient monument discovered that for centuries remained hidden in the ancient Jordanian Stone

A monumental structure has been discovered hiding in plain sight within the ancient Petra World Heritage Site, according to a recent study published by the American Schools of Oriental Research.

Archaeologist Sarah Parcak, a research associate at National Geographic, and Christopher Tuttle, the executive director of the Council of American Overseas Research Center, utilized high-resolution satellite imagery and drone-captured aerial footage. Coupled with documented on-ground evidence, they revealed the existence of this previously unknown structure at Petra.

The researchers estimate the monument to be as long as an Olympic-size swimming pool and twice as wide. It’s situated just 800 meters south of the ancient city’s center.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to the iconic city, famously carved into red sandstone. While Petra spans over 102 square miles, its central area is confined to merely 2.3 square miles (6 square kilometers).

 

This discovery underscores that despite the extensive exploration of Petra’s outskirts since 1812, new discoveries continue to emerge within its urban core.

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The recent data has unveiled a platform-like structure enclosing a slightly smaller platform, originally paved with slabs. The inner platform’s eastern side features a row of columns, once embellishing the side of a staircase.

Atop the inner platform was a small building (8.5 by 8.5 meters) with an entrance facing east, towards the staircase.

This massive open platform, crowned by a relatively small building and a monumental facade, bears no resemblance to any other structure in Petra. It’s believed to have been a site for public ceremonies, making it the second-largest worship area in the ancient city, following the “Monastery” site.

While the monument has yet to be excavated, the presence of pottery dating back to the mid-second century BC suggests that the structure’s construction began during the era of the Nabataeans, the first nomads to settle in the desert region.

Most of the monuments visible at Petra today were erected during its second flourishing period, from the end of the first century BC to the second century AD.

This could well be the first discovery in many years from that early period.

Christopher Tuttle, speaking about the find, commends the use of satellite systems and drones. These technologies, by offering aerial views, aid in identifying subtle remnants of ancient structures, and further understanding how historical monuments and other sites are interconnected across the landscape.

“I’m confident that during the two centuries of research at Petra, someone must have known about this site, but they never proceeded to document or study it. I’ve been working at Petra for 20 years, and I was aware that something was there, but it’s certainly accurate to call it a discovery,” Tuttle remarks.

Information sourced from National Geographic.