PEF Activities in Jordan in
2003:
The ‘Khasneh’ Excavation at Petra
by the Department of Antiquities of Jordan
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International Wadi Farasa Project
Zoara Survey and Excavation Project
Excavations at El-Khasneh (The Treasury), Petra
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While the International Wadi Farasa Project supported by the Fund was underway, the Department of Antiquities of Jordan was excavating in front of the ‘Khasneh’. This was meant to be as much a continuation of the now completed excavation of the paved road leading down the siq, as a way of finding meaningful work for unemployed Jordanians. The results surpassed any expectations and are simply spectacular. |
| Excavations in Front of the Khasneh, Petra |
Three rock-cut tombs in the
classic Nabataean style were discovered over six metres below the present
ground level.
These were largely intact and had hewn steps leading into them. Human
bones and other material finds included typical Nabataean pottery
corroborate the dating of the tomb facades to the 1st century
B.C. Perhaps most interesting, though, was the discovery of an altar in
front of the northern tomb which had remains of incense residues, possibly
frankincense, still in
situ.
At the base of the three
tombs, traces of paving stones belonging to the original street were
uncovered which presumably was the continuation of those exposed in the siq. Although the obvious objective would be to continue excavations
and link the two areas, thereby opening the entire area in front of the
‘Khasneh’ to the ancient level, the Jordanian authorities decided to
back-fill most the excavated areas, temporarily covering the three tombs,
concealing them from public view. It is hoped that this exciting project
will continue in the New Year when more government funds are made
available.