AI Interprets Old Scroll, Discovers Plato’s Tomb: Report

Finding out more about ancient history is greatly aided by artificial intelligence. It aids with historical understanding in addition to helping individuals create films and medications. Positive news was shared on Tuesday by specialists from the University of Pisa in Italy. AI has been used to decipher a papyrus scroll from Herculaneum, a village close to Pompeii.

When Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, both cities were completely devastated. This scroll is one of 1,800 that may be discovered in the Papyri Villa. The father-in-law of Julius Caesar formerly owned the villa, but after the eruption, it was completely buried in muck and ash. The scrolls cannot be handled since they are very delicate and burnt. Thus, to read them, specialized scanning gear is required. ANSA claims that scientists examined the charred papyrus using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and infrared hyperspectral imaging.

Approximately thirty percent of the scroll, or 1,000 words, were translated by the team. They discovered that the garden at the location of the Platonic Academy in Athens was the ultimate resting place of the Greek philosopher Plato. Additionally, according to the inscription, Plato was sold into slavery in either 404 or 399 BCE, not in 387 BCE as historians had previously believed before Tuesday’s discovery.

This most recent finding demonstrates how technology may help us learn more about this era and its significant figures. It comes after significant progress achieved during the Vesuvius Challenge in February. The goal of this global competition, which was established in March 2023, is to decode every scroll found at Herculaneum. The fact that these scrolls are the only whole library to have survived from antiquity raises the possibility that they contain fascinating historical secrets.

Technological developments have enabled scholars to use advanced techniques like thermal imaging, tomography, and infrared and ultraviolet optical imaging to interpret the ancient papyrus. This historical record is now a priceless addition to the National Library of Naples’ collection. Three-quarters of Philodemus’s works, or 1,000 words, have been satisfactorily deciphered by academics so far.

Importantly, scholars have discovered that Plato was buried in a garden created especially for him. This garden was a component of the Academy of Athens’ Platonic school. It was close to the Museion, a temple to the Muses, according to the scholars. They said, “Prior to this, people only knew he was buried somewhere in the Academy.”