Secret chamber hidden beneath ancient temple in Lebanon surprises archaeologists

Nothing ignites archaeological and historical curiosity more than an unexpected and mysterious discovery. A secret room uncovered by researchers at a Bronze Age temple in Sidon, Lebanon, is such a find.

Buried within the ruins of the temple, a “deeply concealed room” was found by a delegation from the British Museum in 2015, writes the The Daily Star.

The walls of the hidden underground room were “monumental”, almost 15 feet (4.5 meters) high, and the floor was 24 feet (7.5 meters) below ground. The room, believed to be an extension on the ancient temple, held pottery and wooden vessels and utensils for eating and drinking, as well as artifacts for rituals and celebrations. It is thought that it may have been reserved for high-status people of the community.

The Daily Star reports that a previously discovered chamber at the Sidon’s Frères archaeological site, dubbed “holy of holies,” dates back to 1300 B.C., and researchers believe it was where the ancient community worshipped their gods.  The mysterious subterranean room is adjacent to this.

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