Skeleton found at ancient Petra clutching Holy Grail-like chalice may help solve a mystery

Imagine you are standing in the ‘Treasury of the Pharaoh’ – an astonishing building carved into the rock of deep canyons at the famous Petra World Heritage Site in Jordan – when a team of archaeologists discovers a secret tomb. Peering inside, you see a skeleton clutching a cup that looks “nearly identical to the Holy Grail featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”.

Then you learn the walls of the tomb have been scientifically dated to between the first century BC and second century AD. Are the hairs on the back of your neck starting to stand up yet? Discovery Channel presenter Josh Gates, who accompanied the academics, including some from St Andrews University, said: “When we spotted what looked like a chalice, all of us just froze... it was the ultimate moment of life imitating art.”

The Holy Grail may not have been found, but there’s still a considerable mystery to be unravelled. Little is known about the Nabataeans, who built the site, and it’s hoped the tomb will help fill in some of the many gaps – including why they built the ‘Treasury’ in the first place.