In a groundbreaking fusion of ancient history and modern technology, researchers have successfully deciphered the title and author of a 2,000-year-old scroll that was carbonized during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. This remarkable achievement was made possible through the use of advanced X-ray imaging and artificial intelligence, shedding new light on ancient philosophical texts.
The Scroll and Its Historical Significance
The scroll, designated as PHerc. 172, was discovered in the Villa of the Papyri in Herculaneum, a Roman town that was buried alongside Pompeii during the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The villa is believed to have belonged to Julius Caesar’s father-in-law and housed a vast library of papyrus scrolls, many of which were preserved in a carbonized state due to the volcanic ash and heat. These scrolls represent one of the most significant collections of ancient literature ever found.
Deciphering the Undecipherable: The Role of AI
Traditional methods of unrolling and reading these fragile scrolls have proven largely unsuccessful, often resulting in further damage. To overcome this challenge, researchers employed a technique known as “virtual unwrapping,” which utilizes high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (CT) scans to create a digital model of the scroll’s layers. Artificial intelligence algorithms were then applied to detect and interpret the ink patterns on the papyrus, allowing scholars to read the text without physically opening the scroll.
The Vesuvius Challenge: A Catalyst for Discovery
This breakthrough was part of the Vesuvius Challenge, an international competition launched in 2023 to encourage the development of technologies capable of reading the Herculaneum scrolls. The challenge offered substantial financial incentives for teams that could successfully extract and interpret text from the carbonized manuscripts. The recent success in deciphering PHerc. 172’s title and author earned the contributing researchers a $60,000 prize, highlighting the potential of collaborative efforts in advancing historical scholarship.The Guardian
Unveiling “On Vices” by Philodemus
Through the application of these cutting-edge techniques, the scroll was identified as a work titled “On Vices” by Philodemus, a Greek philosopher associated with the Epicurean school of thought. Philodemus was known for his writings on ethics, poetry, and the nature of the gods, and his works provide valuable insights into Hellenistic philosophy. The identification of this text not only adds to our understanding of Philodemus’s contributions but also underscores the richness of the Villa of the Papyri’s library.
Implications for the Future of Ancient Texts
The successful reading of PHerc. 172 demonstrates the transformative potential of combining advanced imaging technologies with artificial intelligence in the study of ancient documents. This approach opens new avenues for exploring other unreadable texts, including additional scrolls from Herculaneum and similar artifacts worldwide. As techniques continue to improve, scholars anticipate uncovering more lost works of literature, philosophy, and science, thereby enriching our understanding of the ancient world.
