Archaeologists have uncovered a hidden tomb containing 12 ancient skeletons at one of the filming locations of the 1989 blockbuster Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

The extraordinary discovery, made earlier this year beneath Petra’s iconic Treasury building in Jordan, was recently highlighted in the season premiere of the Discovery Channel’s Expedition Unknown. Petra, often called the "lost city," is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

The Treasury, or Al Khazneh, is a magnificent structure carved from rock over 2,000 years ago by the Nabataean Kingdom. It’s one of Petra’s most famous monuments, drawing countless visitors each year. Yet, despite its fame, the true purpose of the Treasury has remained shrouded in mystery.

In search of answers, a team of American and Jordanian researchers, led by Professor Pearce Paul Creasman from the American Center of Research, embarked on an excavation. Their efforts revealed an ancient tomb hidden beneath the surface, containing not only human remains but also a treasure trove of bronze, iron, and ceramic artifacts.

"We were absolutely stunned by the revelation of this hidden chamber," said adventurer Josh Gates, host of Expedition Unknown.

"Nearly all the tombs at Petra have been found empty, so this could be one of the most significant tombs ever uncovered at the site—a discovery of historic proportions," Gates added.

One skeleton in particular was found clutching a ceramic vessel that closely resembled the legendary Holy Grail from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. However, upon further inspection, the vessel turned out to be part of a broken jug.

Petra has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, recognized for the Nabataeans' advanced water management systems, including dams and aqueducts, and their unique architectural style. Gates believes that this tomb discovery could shed light on the daily lives of the early Nabataeans and perhaps even reveal more about the elusive purpose of the Treasury itself.