AI helps recover complete text of Herculaneum scroll burnt by Mount Vesuvius
Researchers have used AI and computational techniques to recover the complete text of a Herculaneum scroll that was burnt by Mount Vesuvius. The scroll was previously unable to be physically opened due to its fragile state, but high-resolution scans allowed for a virtual unwrapping. This breakthrough has provided new insights into ancient texts that were previously inaccessible.
- ▪The Herculaneum scrolls were damaged by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
- ▪Researchers used high-resolution scans and computational techniques to virtually unwrap the scrolls.
- ▪The technique has allowed for the recovery of complete texts from the scrolls.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
AI helps recover complete text of Herculaneum scroll burnt by Mount VesuviusThe blackened, fragile scrolls cannot be physically opened without severe damage. Researchers have instead used high-resolution scans and computational techniques to "virtually unwrap" them.Follow us on GoogleFILE PHOTO: Fragment of Herculaneum scroll is fixed in place at a Diamond Light Source experimental station after it was scanned using bright x-rays in Didcot, Britain, September 30, 2019. (photo credit: REUTERS/George Sargent/File Photo)
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com.