In a remarkable breakthrough, researchers at the University of Oxford’s Bodleian Libraries, in collaboration with the Vesuvius Challenge, have successfully deciphered another scroll carbonized by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius nearly two millennia ago. The scroll, designated PHerc. 172, is one of approximately 2,000 damaged papyrus fragments discovered in the buried Roman town of Herculaneum. This achievement, made possible through advanced artificial intelligence algorithms, marks a significant milestone in understanding ancient texts without physically unwrapping the delicate scrolls. The project has garnered international attention, particularly after a young engineer translated the first word from an unopened scroll, winning substantial cash prizes.

Ancient Texts Revealed Through Cutting-Edge Technology

In the autumn of 2024, a team of experts from the United Kingdom’s Diamond Light Source scanned a carbonized scroll that had lain unread for centuries. This scroll, housed at Oxford’s Bodleian Libraries since the early 19th century, was gifted by Ferdinand IV of Naples and Sicily. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE buried the coastal towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum under layers of ash and volcanic debris, preserving these documents in a charred state. Thanks to pioneering digital unwrapping techniques developed by the University of Kentucky, researchers can now create 3D models of fragile papyri using X-ray tomography and computer vision. A neural network identifies ink residues on the tightly wrapped scrolls, allowing scholars to read their contents virtually.

The recent success in translating parts of PHerc. 172 has revealed intriguing insights. Among the first words deciphered was the Ancient Greek term “διατροπή,” meaning “disgust,” which appeared twice in the initial columns of text. So far, the team has managed to reconstruct about 26 lines from each column. However, the innermost contents of the papyrus remain a mystery, with the hope that further analysis will uncover the document’s title and more profound secrets.

Richard Ovenden, Director of the University Libraries, emphasized the collaborative nature of this endeavor. “Librarians, computer scientists, and classical scholars are working together to reveal what has been hidden for almost 2,000 years. This project exemplifies how interdisciplinary efforts can unlock our shared past.”

This breakthrough not only advances our understanding of ancient civilizations but also highlights the power of modern technology in preserving and interpreting historical artifacts. As researchers continue to unravel the mysteries within these ancient scrolls, they bring us closer to comprehending the lives and thoughts of those who lived long ago.

From a reader's perspective, this discovery underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing knowledge. It shows that combining traditional scholarship with cutting-edge technology can lead to unprecedented discoveries, offering new perspectives on our collective history. The ongoing efforts to decipher these ancient texts remind us of the enduring value of preserving and studying our cultural heritage.