A severely damaged scroll recovered from the ancient Roman town of Herculaneum has been digitally reconstructed after 2,000 years, offering a first glimpse into its contents.
Due to being charred during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, the scroll, resembling a piece of charcoal, is too delicate to be physically opened. By employing X-ray imaging and artificial intelligence, scientists managed to virtually unveil the scroll, revealing rows and columns of text.
Further endeavors are required to fully decipher the text, though the research team is encouraged by the progress. Stephen Parsons, leading the Vesuvius Challenge project, expressed confidence in deciphering the entire scroll.
Notably, some letters are already discernible, hinting that the text may pertain to philosophy. Found alongside Pompeii, Herculaneum yielded numerous carbonized scrolls made of papyrus, with previous attempts at opening them resulting in fragmentation.
The Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford houses some of these scrolls, which were presumed unreadable and left undisturbed for years. The recent innovative approach, involving a synchrotron at Diamond Light Source, showcased promising results in digitally unveiling the scroll's content.
Dr. Adrian Mancuso elaborated on the advanced technology used for scanning and reconstruction, followed by an intricate process to differentiate between layers within the scroll. By leveraging artificial intelligence to identify the ink, the text is gradually being unveiled digitally.
The ongoing research aims to enhance the legibility of the scroll, transitioning from scant words to extensive passages. A previous breakthrough by the Vesuvius Challenge team shed light on a Herculaneum scroll discussing Greek Epicurean philosophy, indicating a potential thematic link to the Bodleian's scroll.
Nicole Gilroy emphasized the human connection inherent in this work, reflecting on the individuals involved in creating, writing, and preserving these scrolls. She finds profound value in this endeavor, underscoring the significance of connecting with the past through such discoveries.