Ancient Herculaneum Scrolls Unraveled After Two Millennia

The discovery of a burnt scroll from Herculaneum, destroyed by the Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79AD, is shedding light on long-lost texts through advanced imaging and AI methods, hinting at philosophical content.

In a remarkable advancement, a charred scroll unearthed from the remnants of Herculaneum, a town obliterated by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD, has been digitally "unwrapped," offering unprecedented insight into a document that has remained unreadable for nearly 2,000 years. The scroll, devastated by fire to the point of resembling charcoal, is too delicate to be physically opened. However, scientists have formed a breakthrough approach utilizing X-ray imaging coupled with artificial intelligence to virtually unveil its contents.

This project, known as the Vesuvius Challenge, was developed to unlock the secrets of hundreds of carbonized scrolls, often assumed irreparably damaged, buried under volcanic ash. According to Stephen Parsons, the project’s lead, the team is optimistic about ultimately reading the entire scroll and has already discerned several letters amidst the scroll's text. The team speculates that the content may relate to philosophy.

Previously, attempts to open similar scrolls resulted in their total disintegration, leaving many untouched in the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford for decades. Nicole Gilroy, the head of book conservation, expressed initial skepticism about the efficacy of the new techniques. However, advancements in technology warranted the removal of one scroll for examination.

The scroll was taken to the Diamond Light Source in Oxfordshire—a synchrotron facility that accelerates electrons to produce powerful X-rays capable of scanning without damaging the fragile document. This process produces a 3D reconstruction of the scroll and helps identify its layered structure, which is essential for digitally "unrolling" it.

Once the layers are recognized, artificial intelligence is crucial in identifying the indiscernible ink, which closely resembles the carbon-based papyrus material. The AI seeks subtle differences between the two substances, ultimately allowing for the 'painting' of ink to reveal letters.

Stephen Parsons expressed hope that more substantial passages of text will soon come to light, building upon last year’s success in reading approximately 5% of another scroll that discussed Greek Epicurean philosophy. The ongoing project continues to push the boundaries of human ingenuity, employing both technological innovation and the possibility of unraveling knowledge long hidden in the ashes of history.

For Gilroy, this initiative provides a meaningful link to ancient civilization, emphasizing the value of connecting with individuals who originally crafted and stored these scrolls thousands of years ago. As efforts to comprehend the scrolls’ philosophical messages persist, this endeavor celebrates the timelessness of human thought and the desire to share knowledge across epochs.