Fine Neolithic tomb unearthed in Jordan

Archeologists working in Jordan say that they've discovered the first example of a true burial chamber from the early Neolithic period.

The German-led expedition says the tomb held the remains of at least seven people, together with examples of jewelry.

The expedition leader, Hans Georg Gebel, said one wall of the chamber contained a hidden wall painting depicting abstract motifs, including a ladder-like image.

He said the painting raises the question of whether belief in the afterlife existed as early as nine-thousand years ago? The excavations are taking place at Ba'ja, near the ancient city of Petra, in cooperation with the Jordanian department of antiquities.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service