Ammon News - Director General of the Department of Antiquities Fawzi Abu Danah, confirmed that excavation activities seen in areas such as Wadi Al-Seer and Al-Quwaysimah are mostly routine occurrences, noting that the department receives reports almost weekly about cavities, rock collapses, and archaeological features in a country rich with tens of thousands of archaeological sites and landmarks.

In radio remarks on Tuesday, Abu Danah explained that the cave recently discussed in Wadi Al-Seer does not contain gold and that the cavity inside it is a natural formation known to specialists for hundreds of years. He warned against the belief that every underground void or opening conceals hidden treasures.

He said that the circulation of videos showing excavation work in the Bayader Wadi Al-Seer area, allegedly in search of buried gold, reflects the phenomenon of random treasure hunting. He stressed that such practices constitute an assault on archaeological sites and result in the loss of valuable scientific and historical information.

Abu Danah pointed out that Jordan contains thousands of archaeological sites that remain undiscovered or insufficiently studied, noting that archaeological layers are still hidden in various parts of the Kingdom. He added that the interaction between humans and the land has produced a rich cultural heritage spanning thousands of years.

He warned of the dangers of damaging archaeological sites, explaining that Jordanian law imposes penalties for illegal excavation and treasure hunting, including imprisonment ranging from one to three years and fines of up to JD 3,000.

He stressed that "antiquities are the real gold," adding that tampering with them leads not only to the loss of artifacts but also to the disappearance of part of Jordan’s history, identity, and cultural legacy.

He concluded by saying that the idea of establishing a museum showcasing all of Jordan’s antiquities, similar to one in a neighboring country, will be studied. He also emphasized that the planned Citadel cable car project will not affect archaeological sites, as its location has been carefully assessed and no antiquities exist within the project area.