A Jordanian online user has allegedly discovered what appears to be an ancient sarcophagus while digging a well on his property in Irbid close to the border with Israel and the West Bank, bnm IntelliNews learned on September 14.

The finder, posting on Reddit under the username Ok_Bee_4277, shared images of a translucent box measuring approximately 90 centimetres long, 30 centimetres wide and 45 centimetres high.

The container appears to hold several objects, including a head wearing a crown or tiara, a cylindrical object that could be a scroll tube, and a faceted crystal. The box features engravings on its front panel, though the inscriptions remain unclear in the posted photographs.

The material appears stone-like to touch but exhibits unusual transparency, leading to speculation about its composition and age, in what may be 2025’s biggest discovery or hoax.

Several amateur historians have offered various theories about the discovery, with some suggesting it could be a pre-Islamic prayer box or ossuary based on analysis of the visible objects inside.

Others have noted similarities between one internal object and modern crystal paperweights, raising questions about the artefact's authenticity.

Several commenters have advised the finder to contact archaeological authorities before attempting to open the container. "If this is real, please contact a museum before you do anything to it," wrote one user, noting the potential archaeological significance of both the object and its discovery site.

An archaeologist commenting on the thread expressed interest in contextual details such as the depth of discovery and surrounding area characteristics.

The finder indicated the object was unearthed during well excavation on family land but could not specify the exact depth.

Bne IntelliNews contacted members of the Turkish and Israeli archaeological communities, who said that the alleged discovery could in fact be a historical item.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, judging from the photos, a Turkish antiques expert said, “Judging from the exterior photos, it could be from the Roman–Byzantine era” However, the Istanbul-based dealer wasn’t sure without further inspection. 

He added, "The overall form fits the era, and the lion-paw feet strengthen the case. The engraving might represent a personified figure."

Israeli officials were not available for comment by the time of publication of the article. 

If this is genuinely an ancient ossuary or sarcophagus, it could be of archaeological rather than market value, and by Jordanian law, such finds are state property and not legal to trade.