Latest news with #Nabataeans
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Archaeologists 'find Jesus' Holy Grail' under iconic Indiana Jones location
Archaeologists believe they have found the Holy Grail chalice beneath the iconic Jordanian Treasury, the incredible building used as the temple in the Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade In a twist straight out of a Hollywood script, archaeologists have stumbled upon what they believe to be the Holy Grail beneath Jordan's iconic Al Khazneh, the very site that featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The Daily Mail reports that beneath the breathtaking facade of Petra's Treasury, a tomb containing 12 skeletons and various artifacts, including a chalice reminiscent of the legendary Holy Grail, was uncovered. This astonishing discovery echoes the adventures of Indiana Jones in the 1989 film where Harrison Ford's character unearths remarkable treasures, with Sean Connery by his side. Dr Pearce Paul Creasman from the American Center of Research (ACOR) and television explorer Josh Gates of The Discovery Channel were the brains behind this extraordinary find. Their work could illuminate the history of the Nabataeans, the advanced Arab people who constructed the architectural wonder. An episode of 'Expedition Unknown' on The Discovery Channel captured Gates' thrill at the "hugely rare discovery" set against one of the globe's most renowned structures, reports the Mirror US. Gates expressed his awe, saying: "Even in front of one of the most famous buildings in the are still huge discoveries to be made." The ACOR was given the nod by Jordanian officials to dig beneath the iconic Treasury in Petra, leading to some astonishing finds. Digging efforts captured by Expedition Unknown in August last year unearthed a dozen intact skeletons and a treasure trove of artifacts including bronze, iron, and ceramics. Due to Petra's changing flood patterns and humidity, several skeletons were discovered with mould on them. Among the relics was a chalice eerily reminiscent of the famed Holy Grail, an observation noted by Gates: "It really was this awesome moment of history imitating art." Previous excavations in 2003 had already hinted at hidden secrets when two tombs were discovered under Al-Khazneh's left flank, prompting Dr. Creasman and his team to suspect more treasures lay hidden. Ground-penetrating radar, which uses electromagnetic wave pulses to peep underground, revealed what could be unseen chambers flanking Al-Khazneh. The Holy Grail, the subject of numerous myths, legends, and Hollywood hits, traces its origin back to Jesus Christ's Last Supper, believed to have been used for sharing His blood. The chalice has evolved from its religious and mythical origins to become a symbol of immortal life in many narratives, extending its influence into a cultural phenomenon, capturing the imagination in an array of blockbuster movies. This was sparked off in Arthurian legends where the Holy Grail was frequently portrayed as a magical object with divine powers.
Jordan Times
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Jordan Times
Spanish football legends Casillas, Salgado visit Petra
Spanish football legends and former Real Madrid stars Iker Casillas and Michel Salgado on Monday visit the ancient city of Petra as part of a tour of Jordan (Petra photo) AMMAN — Spanish football legends and former Real Madrid stars Iker Casillas and Michel Salgado on Monday visited the ancient city of Petra as part of a tour of Jordan. Recognised as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Petra continues to draw international figures with its historical and cultural significance, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The two footballers were welcomed by Chairman of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) Fares Breizat, who briefed them on Petra's archaeological heritage, tourism appeal, and ongoing preservation efforts. Commemorative gifts were also presented to the guests in honour of their visit. Expressing his admiration, Casillas described Petra as 'majestic and beautiful', noting that the site exceeded his expectations and stands as a testament to the ingenuity of the Nabataeans. Salgado called Petra not only a world-class archaeological treasure, but also a powerful symbol of Jordanian hospitality. He commended the organisation of the visit and the warm reception the delegation received. The visit comes as part of PDTRA's ongoing initiative to host influential global personalities to raise Petra's profile and promote Jordan as a premier tourism destination.
Jordan News
12-05-2025
- Jordan News
Jordan Between History and Culture - Jordan News
Jordan has become an important cultural hub in the region, and as such, the artistic and cultural movement in Jordan is in a continuous state of motion and progress. Amman, the capital, has become the heart of art lovers and creators. The city is home to several excellent theaters, galleries, and art exhibitions that showcase high-quality, profound performances. اضافة اعلان Amman Amman is a sprawling city that extends across 19 hills or mountains, representing both the modern and ancient capitals of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. It was known as Rabat Ammon during the Iron Age and later as Philadelphia. Today, it is home to the old city, once part of the Decapolis League, and houses approximately 1.5 million people. Often referred to as the "White City" due to its small-sized stone houses, Amman offers a range of historical sites such as the Citadel, the Umayyad Palace, the Byzantine church, and the Roman Theater, which accommodates 6,000 people and is still used for cultural events. Another recently restored theater is the Odeon, which seats 500 people and hosts musical performances. The three museums in the region offer a glimpse into Jordan's history and culture: the Jordan Archaeological Museum, the Jordan Folklore Museum, and the Jordanian Museum of Popular Traditions. Madaba Madaba is famous for its mosaics, particularly the sixth-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, made from over two million pieces of colored stones. It depicts hills, valleys, villages, cities, and even the Nile Delta in Egypt. Other artworks discovered in the Church of the Virgin and the Archaeological Museum display flowers, plants, birds, fish, exotic animals, as well as scenes from mythology, hunting, farming, and more. These mosaics were popular from the fifth to the seventh century AD in the churches and houses of Madaba. Madaba is easily accessible from Amman, located just 30 kilometers to the south along the Royal Highway. Petra Petra is the jewel of Jordan's historical and tourist sites, drawing visitors from all over the world. It is the rose-red city carved into the rock, home to an ancient civilization created by the Nabataeans over 2,000 years ago. Petra is a treasure trove of history, civilization, and art. Its unique architecture, dams, and water channels are remarkable, with the narrow Siq leading visitors to discover the hidden wonders of the city, starting with the Treasury, a masterpiece of rock-carving. The Treasury, carved with exquisite precision into the pink rock, displays stunning color patterns when the sunlight hits it. Petra's buildings, baths, temples, water cisterns, massive arched doors, and streets lined with columns make it a candidate for one of the ancient and modern wonders of the world. Other attractions include a 3,000-seat Roman Theater, the Monastery (Ad Deir), and a modern archaeological museum. Nearby, a site believed to be the tomb of Prophet Aaron stands atop Jabal Haroun. Jerash Located halfway between northern and southern Jordan, Jerash is just a few hours south of Petra. It is one of the ancient Roman cities preserved and maintained throughout history. The city reached its peak during the Roman era and reflects the ingenuity of the place as a formal center of the ancient Roman Empire. After being uncovered from the sands of time, Jerash is now a bustling city with paved streets, stunning columns, theaters, squares, baths, strong defensive walls, and gates. It is a testament to the intersection of Roman, Greek, and early Islamic cultures. As part of the Decapolis League, it is a prime example of the blending of Roman, Greek, and Arab-Islamic traditions, attracting many tourists annually. Aqaba Aqaba has long been known as a major port in ancient times, acting as a waterway linking the Red Sea with the Far East. Today, Aqaba is a modern port and city, competing with many global ports. In addition to being an important commercial center, Aqaba is a fantastic destination for marine life lovers, offering a chance to experience vibrant coral reefs, fish, and exotic marine creatures in the warm waters of the Red Sea. Desert Castles The desert castles represent an impressive testament to history. Among the most important of these castles is Qasr Amra, an Umayyad architectural masterpiece in the heart of the desert, renowned for its stunning dome, beautiful decorations, and frescoes depicting hunting scenes, animals, and landscapes from that time. The walls also feature images of kings and celestial constellations. Water from a nearby well was transported through a qanat system to warm the building through an early form of central heating. Qasr al-Hallabat, Qasr al-Mushatta, Qasr al-Tuba, and the Azraq Castle, constructed from basalt stone, are other notable examples of desert castles. These castles were built for military defense and are integral to Jordan's history. Crusader Castles Along the Royal Highway from northern Jordan to the south, visitors can see several historical castles that tell stories of bygone eras filled with military conquests. The Crusader castles of Karak and Shobak are magnificent examples of medieval fortification architecture. These castles were constructed during the Crusader period and are surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including the historic sites of Byzantine churches and Roman fortresses. Ajloun Castle Ajloun Castle, also known as Qal'at Ar-Rabad, is a perfect example of Islamic architecture. It was built by Izz al-Din Usama, a commander under Salah ad-Din al-Ayyubi, in 1184 CE. Perched on a mountaintop overlooking the northern Jordan Valley, it was designed for both military defense and surveillance. The castle's towers, staircases, and living quarters reflect the ingenuity of Islamic engineering in constructing fortresses and castles. Visitors can climb to one of its towers for breathtaking views of the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, Palestine's hills, and Jerusalem's domes and minarets. Karak Karak is synonymous with the notorious Crusader leader, Reynald de Chatillon, who betrayed a peace treaty with Salah ad-Din, leading to a decisive battle that resulted in the Crusader's defeat. Karak's historical significance lies not only in the dramatic events of the Crusades but also in its fortifications and the structures that remain from that period, such as the Karak Castle and Shobak Castle. Shobak Castle Located 1,330 meters above sea level and about an hour's drive from Petra, Shobak Castle was originally built by the Crusaders in 1115 CE. Known as "Montreal," the castle features nine towers, including circular, rectangular, and square ones. It is adorned with inscriptions and decorations on the exterior and offers a glimpse into medieval military architecture. Umm Qais Umm Qais sits atop a high plateau, overlooking the Jordan Valley and Lake Tiberias. Visitors can enjoy a lovely meal at a restaurant with spectacular views. Known as "Gadara" in ancient times, it was one of the cities of the Decapolis. The city flourished during the Roman period and was a center for culture, literature, and philosophy. Nearby are the hot springs of Hammamat Ma'in, famous for their therapeutic properties. Pella (Tabaqat Fahl) One of Jordan's most significant archaeological sites, Pella was a city of the Decapolis League. Its ruins reflect a mix of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine influences, with churches, homes, and early Islamic structures still visible. Umm al-Jamal Umm al-Jamal, located on the edge of the eastern basalt desert, is a significant northern Jordanian city. Visitors can explore the ruins of ancient churches, basalt arches, and a Roman castle. Umm ar-Rasas Umm ar-Rasas is home to exceptional Byzantine mosaics, including the famous map of cities mentioned in the Old and New Testaments. The city's 15-meter-high Byzantine tower was likely used by Christian monks for solitude and contemplation. The Royal Road The Royal Road, stretching 335 kilometers from north to south Jordan, is rich in history and biblical significance. It has witnessed military campaigns, trade caravans, and the travels of prophets. Visitors along the road can explore various ancient cities, including those from the Stone Age, and witness landmarks that are key to biblical history. Cultural Information / Art Exhibitions in Jordan Jordan has experienced a significant artistic renaissance, with numerous art galleries showcasing the works of Jordanian artists. These artists have made significant strides in the world of art, making Jordan a prime destination for Arab creators to hold exhibitions and present their artwork in diverse artistic fields, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, and more. Cultural Centers The Royal Cultural Center in Amman serves as a modern cultural facility, hosting theaters, cinemas, conference rooms, and exhibition spaces. It is a model for many cultural centers spread across Jordan, offering diverse cultural and artistic experiences. Information on events and schedules can be found in local newspapers, either in Arabic or English. Theaters and Cinemas Amman boasts theaters and cinemas that showcase a variety of films, both in Arabic and foreign languages. Local newspapers publish schedules for these performances regularly. Handicrafts Jordan is rich in traditional handicrafts passed down through generations, such as hand-woven rugs, pottery, woven baskets, intricate embroidery, and sand bottles. These handicrafts reflect the Islamic and Arab cultural heritage and have adapted to modern technology for creating timeless, unique items.
News.com.au
06-05-2025
- News.com.au
Mum and son found dead after flash flooding in tourist hotspot as hundreds are evacuated
A mother and son tourist pair have died in flash floods that hit an ancient city, as hundreds were evacuated. Dramatic footage shows water cascading into Petra, Jordan – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – and authorities urging everyone out. Streams sprung up and poured down the mountainsides into the famous gully, gushing past the elaborate carved palace. Search and rescue teams found the bodies of the Belgian holiday-makers on Monday, a day after the woman and her three children were reported missing. The other two kids were found alive on Sunday evening. The family was part of a group of 18 tourists on an adventure tour in Wadi al-Nakhil. A local official said the group was swept up in lightning floods that swept down from the mountains. Fourteen other tourists, all Czechs, were rescued on Sunday. The search was called off at 2am due to dangerous weather conditions and resumed on Monday, when the devastating discovery was made. Jordan often contends with flash flooding when heavy rains overwhelms the bone-dry desert valleys. More than 30 people perished when flash flooding hit Petra and Jordan's Dead Sea coast in two separate disasters in 2018. A school bus carrying 37 pupils and seven members of staff was washed away during a field trip near the Dead Sea. Some 18 passengers died, most of whom were pupils younger than 14. At least three people were killed in 2021 when their car was swept away. Heavy rains began this season after low-pressure swept into southern Jordan, beckoning intense rain. The dry valleys around Petra were transformed into rivers – including the Siq passageway which is the narrow entrance to the heritage site. Footage posted to social media show panicked tourists fleeing to high ground as water gushed down the surrounding rock faces. Authorities kicked into action and began shepherding the crowds to safety. Petra is a revered archaeological site where buildings have been carved straight out of the rose-coloured rock. People first carved into the mountainsides 7000 years ago, when nomadic Arabs called the Nabataeans settled there. The most famous structure, Al-Khazneh, was crafted in the first century AD, when Petra's population peaked at around 20,000.
The Sun
05-05-2025
- The Sun
Mum and son found dead after flash flooding in tourist hotspot as hundreds are evacuated
A MUM and son tourist pair have died in flash floods that hit an ancient city, as hundreds were evacuated. Dramatic footage shows water cascading into Petra, Jordan - one of the seven wonders of the world - and authorities urging everyone out. 5 5 5 Streams sprung up and poured down the mountainsides into the famous gully, gushing past the elaborate carved palace. Search and rescue teams found the bodies of the Belgian holidaymakers on Monday, a day after the woman and her three children were reported missing. The other two kids were found alive on Sunday evening. The family was part of a group of 18 tourists on an adventure tour in Wadi al-Nakhil. Maan district local governor said the group was swept up in lightning floods that swept down from the mountains. Fourteen other tourists, all Czechs, were rescued on Sunday. The search was called off at 2am due to dangerous weather conditions and resumed on Monday, when the devastating discovery was made. Jordan often contends with flash flooding when heavy rains overwhelms the bone-dry desert valleys. More than 30 people perished when flash flooding hit Petra and Jordan's Dead Sea coast in two separate disasters in 2018. A schoolbus carrying 37 pupils and seven members of staff was washed away during a field trip near the Dead Sea. Staggering vids show floods sweeping through Italy as 'red alert' issued over storm & rain deluge triggers landslides Some 18 passengers died, most of whom were pupils younger than 14. At least three people were killed in 2021 when their car was swept away. Heavy rains began this season after low-pressure swept into southern Jordan, beckoning intense rain. The dry valleys around Petra were transformed into rivers - including the Siq passageway which is the narrow entrance to the heritage site. 5 5 Footage posted to social media show panicked tourists fleeing to high ground as water gushed down the surrounding rock faces. Authorities kicked into action and began shepherding the crowds to safety. Petra is a revered archaeological site where buildings have been carved straight out of the rose-coloured rock. People first carved into the mountainsides 7000 years ago, when nomadic Arabs called the Nabataeans settled there. The most famous structure, Al-Khazneh, was crafted in the first century AD, when Petra's population peaked at around 20,000.
