AI Deciphers Ancient Scroll Charred by Mount Vesuvius, Unveiling Epicurean Texts

Researchers use machine learning to reveal contents of a nearly 2,000-year-old scroll, offering insights into ancient philosophy and life.

A team of researchers has successfully deciphered parts of a papyrus scroll carbonized in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius nearly 2,000 years ago, using machine learning.
The text, written in ancient Greek, explores Epicurean philosophy, discussing pleasure and the impact of scarcity or abundance on it.
The breakthrough earned the team a $700,000 prize in the Vesuvius Challenge, an international competition aimed at uncovering the contents of the Herculaneum Papyri.
The deciphered text is believed to be the work of the Epicurean philosopher Philodemus, offering valuable insights into ancient thoughts on music, food, and enjoyment of life.
The Vesuvius Challenge continues with a new $100,000 grand prize for decoding entire scrolls, aiming to further uncover the literary treasures buried by the eruption.