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Artificial Intelligence reveals the first glimpse into a 2,000-year-old Roman scroll


A newly discovered 2,000-year-old burnt scroll from the Roman town of Herculaneum has been partially revealed through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and X-ray imaging. The scroll, charred by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, is too fragile to be physically opened. This breakthrough comes as part of the Vesuvius Challenge, a project initiated by Brent Seales, a computer scientist at the University of Kentucky, and Silicon Valley backers.

The scroll, made of papyrus, cannot be physically opened without crumbling, so researchers used a synchrotron, a machine that utilizes powerful X-ray beams to examine the scroll without causing damage. The AI technology then creates a 3D reconstruction and digitally reveals the ink on the scroll. Initial translations include the Ancient Greek word for ‘disgust,’ found multiple times in the text.

The University of Oxford scholars are now working to interpret more of the text, which offers a rare glimpse into the ancient world of Herculaneum. The discovery of the scroll, along with hundreds of others buried under volcanic ash in Herculaneum, presents an exciting opportunity for collaboration between librarians, computer scientists, and classical scholars.

Despite the progress made with this particular scroll, Seales emphasizes that further work is needed to improve the software methods and unlock the full potential of this and other Herculaneum scrolls. This collaborative effort showcases a unique moment in history as researchers strive to unveil the secrets of the past using cutting-edge technology.

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