A team of archaeologists believe they have found the remnants of a massive ancient monument buried in the sand at the famed Jordanian city of Petra.
The ancient site appears to be a slightly-rectangular platform measuring a whopping 184-by-161-feet, which makes it the second largest such ancient structure ever to be discovered.
Contained atop the platform is what looks to be the remains of a 28-foot-square building that was reached via an immense staircase.
Researchers theorize that the purpose of the elaborate monument was to serve as a stage for public ceremonies attended by huge audiences.
Although the precise date of the monument has yet to be determined, the history of Petra suggests that it was constructed sometime around either 100 B.C. or perhaps even earlier.
The discovery was made possible using advanced satellite imaging coupled with drone photography and ground surveys.
Presumably an excavation of the site will soon commence and eventually allow for a far greater understanding of the huge monument.
The discovery serves as an indication that there are still some lost ancient sites waiting to be discovered in our modern times and that, in this particular case, they may be quite extensive.
It also should give hope to rogue archaeologists that perhaps their theories about humanity's distant past may be more grounded in reality than critics and mainstream academia wish to think.
Coast Insiders looking to learn more about forbidden archaeology can check out the many appearances on the program by renowned researcher Michael Cremo, who has studied a wealth of puzzling ancient sites.
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Source: National Geographic