Researchers Use AI to Reveal Ancient Philosophy in Herculaneum Scrolls
Using artificial intelligence and computer technology, researchers have uncovered complete passages from ancient Herculaneum scrolls, shedding light on philosophy from nearly 2,000 years ago.
Deciphering Ancient Texts with AI
The Herculaneum scrolls, which survived the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius, are extremely fragile and would crumble if unrolled. However, using AI, researchers have been able to analyze these scrolls without causing damage. They have deciphered more than 2,000 characters, revealing the first full passages from a scroll.
The Vesuvius Challenge, a competition aimed at accelerating discoveries on the scrolls, has awarded $700,000 to a team led by Luke Farritor, Youssef Nader, and Julian Schilliger for deciphering over 85% of characters from four continuous passages within one scroll.
Virtual Unwrapping and Advanced AI
The team utilized a technique known as "virtual unwrapping" to analyze a rolled-up scroll owned by the Institut de France. They used computer tomography to scan the warped papyrus and flatten it virtually, enabling them to detect the ink on the page. Advanced AI algorithms were then employed to reveal the Greek letters.
Expert papyrologists from England, France, and Italy were brought in to assess the decoded text. The passages were found to be written by the philosopher Philodemus, discussing the nature of pleasure and the influence of abundance on pleasure.
Continuing Discoveries and Future Contests
The researchers hope to decipher an entire scroll this year and have launched a new contest with a cash prize of $100,000. The goal is for a team to decipher at least 90% of all four scrolls released on the contest's website.
This breakthrough in deciphering ancient texts provides scholars with valuable insights into philosophy from the past. The use of AI and computer technology allows for the preservation of these delicate scrolls while unlocking their hidden knowledge.
