The Excavations of the Al-Khazna Courtyard in Petra, Jordan Second Season 2005

In 2005, excavations of Tombs 62C and 64A in the area of the al-Khazna/ Treasury monument in Petra, Jordan conducted by the Petra Archaeological Park team, provided important insights into Nabataean funerary practices. Tomb 62C, located beneath the Treasury, contained the remains of at least 11 individuals, including adults and sub-adults, in a subdivided burial chamber. The tomb had been heavily looted, disturbing both the skeletal remains and accompanying artifacts. Pottery fragments and grave goods were scattered throughout the tomb, suggesting prior desecration. Bio-archaeological analysis of samples taken from the skeletal remains, at the University of Copenhagen, indicated that most individuals were adult males. Tomb 64A, a rock-cut structure with a well-preserved Nabataean facade, revealed a burial chamber filled with flood-deposited sediment and two pit graves. One grave contained the remains of seven individuals, while the other held a single individual. Pottery sherds and a corroded silver coin were found with the debris outside the graves. The tomb’s design and stratigraphy suggest complex reburial practices and multiple phases of interment.