The Temple of Sidon is a legendary site all on its own, but a secret room has made the Bronze Age site even more intriguing.
A team of archaeologists from Lebanon, delegated by the British Museum, found an underground room they believe was an extension of the temple. The room is adjacent to a "holy of holies" room, which dates to 1,300 B.C.E., that ancient communities likely used for worshipping gods.
The previously unknown room also contained a number of artifacts, including pottery and utensils for eating and drinking. The archaeologists believe the room was hidden by developments that were built over it.
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The find comes as workers prepare a new national museum, which will be built next to the archaeological site. The museum will display artifacts from various civilizations that lived in Sidon, with pieces dating as far back as 3,000 B.C.E. After the surprising new discovery, the museum now has plans to include a basement-level footbridge to showcase the hidden room.
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