Unlocking the Secrets of Ancient Scrolls Buried by Mount Vesuvius

🌋The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE destroyed Roman towns but preserved a library of scrolls.

📜Scientists have used X-ray scans and machine learning to begin reading the burned scrolls.

🔥The scrolls are made of carbon, making it difficult to differentiate ink from the writing surface.

💡Artificial intelligence and computer algorithms have helped in deciphering the hidden text on the damaged scrolls.

🏆Computer scientists have made significant contributions in deciphering the scrolls, winning prizes and advancing the research.

How were the ancient scrolls preserved?

—The eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried the scrolls under ash and rock, protecting them from further damage.

How were the scrolls read despite being burned?

—X-ray scans and machine learning were used to digitally unfold the scrolls and decipher the hidden text.

What challenges did researchers face in reading the scrolls?

—The carbon material of the scrolls made it difficult to differentiate the ink from the writing surface using X-rays.

Who contributed to deciphering the scrolls?

—Computer scientists and volunteers participated in the Vesuvius Challenge, sharing their methods and collaborating on the research.

What knowledge do the scrolls contain?

—The deciphered scrolls contain Greek philosophical musings on the nature of pleasure, providing insights into ancient intellectual movements.

00:00In 79 CE, Mount Vesuvius erupted and destroyed Roman towns, including Pompeii and Herculaneum.

00:23Although the library of scrolls in Herculaneum was burned, it was preserved and can now be read.

01:38Scientists used X-ray scans and machine learning to decipher the text on the scrolls.

03:22The Vesuvius Challenge engaged computer scientists, who contributed to the decoding of the scrolls.

04:02Artificial intelligence algorithms aided in detecting ink on the damaged scrolls.

05:05The deciphered scrolls reveal Greek philosophical musings on pleasure.

05:22Further research and scanning of the scrolls may uncover more ancient knowledge.

06:38The discoveries made through this research have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the classical world.