The so-called “grail” is an ancient Nabataean cup, not a mystical relic

In a recent archaeological find at the famous Jordanian site where Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade was filmed, experts have uncovered what many first thought could be a “holy grail” cup. The ceramic object, clasped in the hands of one of the 12 skeletons found at the excavation site in Petra, Jordan, has drawn significant attention. However, archaeologists have clarified that this vessel is not a mystical relic but a Nabataean drinking cup commonly used by the ancient civilization that flourished in Petra over 2,000 years ago.

“It’s a humble jug, not a cup offering the drinker eternal life,” said UK archaeologist Claire Isabella Gilmour in The Conversation. She noted that Nabataean pottery is known for its delicacy, with walls often as thin as 1.5 mm.

Such ceramics were typically used in ceremonial or local settings, highlighting the craftsmanship and culture of the Nabataeans, whose work is distinct from more robust Roman pottery.

Skeletons and artifacts offer a glimpse into Nabataean life

The excavation, led by Dr. Pearce Paul Creasman, executive director of the American Center of Research (ACOR), unearthed well-preserved skeletons, artifacts, and the now-famous chalice. This chalice resembles the iconic grail seen in Indiana Jones, but despite the resemblance, it has no mystical properties. The skeletons, each laid in separate sarcophagi, are believed to belong to members of the Nabataean elite, indicating Petra’s importance as a cultural center in the ancient world.

Cultural significance rather than mythical allure

Further analysis by Gilmour suggests that this resemblance to the “holy grail” can be attributed to a deep understanding of Nabataean artifacts by researchers like Deborah Fine, a former director of archives at Lucasfilm Ltd., whose work informed the design of props for the Indiana Jones films. Gilmour also noted that, despite Hollywood’s influence on popular perceptions of ancient artifacts, the Nabataean cup underscores the real cultural heritage of Petra, which remains one of the most historically significant sites in the ancient world.