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In a stunning blend of archaeology and artificial intelligence, a team of researchers has successfully read ancient Roman scrolls that were buried and carbonized by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius nearly 2,000 years ago. These scrolls, known as the Herculaneum papyri, have long been considered unreadable due to their fragile, burnt condition. But now, thanks to an AI model called Aeneas, these historical texts are speaking once more.

The Story of the Herculaneum Scrolls

In 79 AD, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried the Roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum in volcanic ash. While Pompeii is famous for its preserved architecture and human figures, Herculaneum holds one of the world’s rarest libraries from antiquity: a collection of over 1,800 carbonized papyrus scrolls.

These scrolls were found in the 18th century at a villa believed to have belonged to Julius Caesar’s father-in-law. Unlike ordinary ancient scrolls, these were so badly charred that any attempt to unroll them would cause them to disintegrate. For centuries, the knowledge contained within them remained sealed in blackened lumps.

How AI Cracked the Code

Fast forward to 2025. Researchers turned to 3D X-ray imaging and machine learning to unlock the texts. The process began with high-resolution scans of the scrolls using X-ray phase-contrast tomography, which reveals the internal structure of the rolled papyri without damaging them.

Then came the AI magic. A model named Aeneas was trained to recognize patterns of ink within the scans. Though invisible to the human eye, the chemical signature of ancient ink could still be detected by the machine. Aeneas learned to identify Greek letters and phrases from the complex textures and folds inside the scrolls.

This AI-assisted approach allowed researchers to decode parts of the text without physically opening the scrolls. It’s a breakthrough that combines the power of machine learning with archaeological preservation.

What Did the Scrolls Reveal?

The translated segments revealed philosophical texts likely written by Philodemus, a Greek philosopher and Epicurean who lived in Rome. Philodemus was known for writing about ethics, logic, and the pursuit of pleasure—core themes in Epicureanism.

Some passages discussed the nature of happiness and wisdom, echoing ideas that are still relevant today. Scholars believe these may include lost works or previously unknown thoughts on morality and human nature from the Hellenistic period.

This isn’t just a triumph of AI; it’s a rediscovery of intellectual heritage. The ability to access these texts without destroying the scrolls opens the door to further discoveries and philosophical debates.

Why This Matters Beyond History

This project is about more than just reading old books. It demonstrates how AI can be used for cultural preservation and knowledge recovery. Here’s why it matters:

• Cultural Restoration: Ancient texts offer insight into early human thought, society, and philosophy.
• Interdisciplinary Innovation: The project merges AI, physics, classics, and archaeology.
• Non-Destructive Analysis: AI methods help preserve artifacts while making them accessible.
• Future Potential: Similar methods could be used for unreadable texts in other historical contexts, like Dead Sea Scrolls or medieval palimpsests.

A New Era of Digital Archaeology

The successful reading of the Herculaneum scrolls symbolizes a new chapter in archaeology. Instead of breaking things open to study them, we’re learning to read the invisible. AI is not just transforming the future; it is rewriting the past.

This isn’t the end of the story, either. Many scrolls remain untouched, and as AI models improve, so too will our ability to read and interpret them. Future findings could reshape what we know about ancient philosophy, politics, and science.

Final Thoughts

The revival of the Herculaneum papyri through artificial intelligence is one of the most compelling examples of how technology can bridge the gap between past and present. As we continue to develop tools that see what humans cannot, we might find ourselves in conversation with minds long gone, discovering that their concerns are not so different from ours.