Latest news with #VesuviusChallenge
Otago Daily Times
09-05-2025
- Science
- Otago Daily Times
Scans unravel the mystery of scrolls
Unread for 2000 years, this scroll from Herculaneum has been virtually unwrapped and the ink identified. The eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79AD is one of the best-known human catastrophes and Pompeii is regularly thronged with visitors who can walk down the Roman streets, enter the houses and even view the street stalls that once sold fast food to passersby. But 18km to the north, on the shores of the Bay of Naples, lies a second buried city, Herculaneum. It is much easier to excavate Pompeii because the volcanic ash there is relatively soft. At Herculaneum, it is rock hard and at least 25m thick, so only a fraction of the city has been opened. In 1750, a villager encountered a marble pavement while digging in his field. Over the next 14 years, the Swiss engineer Karl Weber directed excavations that had to tunnel down and explore by a flickering light. In what has been described as the first scientific excavation, he uncovered a wonderfully intact Roman villa. As he explored the rooms, he came across what looked like burnt lengths of firewood. Closer examination revealed that these were papyrus scrolls. He had made a unique find, a complete ancient library. There have been numerous attempts since to unravel and read these, but when you unroll them, they disintegrate. The villa was evidently owned by Lucius Caesoninus, father-in-law of Julius Caesar and patron of the poet and philosopher Philodemus. By 79AD, it was probably his son who lived in this sumptuous villa and enjoyed his father's library. In 2023, Nat Friedman, a Silicon Valley tech magnate, proposed the "Vesuvius Challenge", now with multiple sponsors offering prizes in the millions of dollars for progressive achievements: deciphering the first word, the first line and the person or team able to provide a significant part of the text. It was advances in medical diagnoses that provided the breakthrough. Just as a scan probes into the human body, X-ray computed tomography can digitally distinguish the pages and flatten the contents of a scroll. Then infrared analyses and AI has been deployed to identify the written characters. The first word to be deciphered was "purple" but this was the tip of the iceberg. The prize has now been awarded to three young scientists, who have read part of a text ascribed to Philodemus, that asks "Do things that are available in lesser quantities afford more pleasure than those available in abundance?". Who knows what else awaits in this unique library.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers Decipher Herculaneum Scrolls Found at Pompeii
Researchers have virtually unfurled a Herculaneum scroll which was rescued from Pompeii after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The Herculaneum scrolls, first discovered within Pompeii's ruins in 1752, have long beguiled scientists. Written on papyrus using carbon-based ink, the scrolls cannot be physically opened without disintegrating. With the advent of digital AI technology, researchers have been given a new opportunity to discover the scrolls' the technology, they were able to decipher the contents and even identify the author of an ancient piece entitled 'On Vices.' The tome, on how to live a virtuous life, was written by Greek Epicurean philosopher Philodemus, who lived in Herculaneum from 110 B.C. until 35 B.C. The discovery of his work within the ruins of Pompeii indicates that Philodemus' work was still highly regarded amongst modern people. 'Finding the full title of a work inside a scroll that has been unread for two millennia is an astonishing achievement,' Richard Ovenden, who works at the library which houses the scrolls, told the Daily Mail. '[It] illustrates the huge potential for AI to transform arts and humanities scholarship, our understanding of the past, and breathes new life into ancient artifacts.' Although the AI technology allows researchers to virtually unroll the scrolls, reading what was inscribed within them is still a difficult task. The document was eventually unfurled and decoded by two separate research teams: Marcel Roth and Micha Nowak from the University of Würzburg, Germany; and Sean Johnson with Vesuvius Challenge, a program which awards cash prizes to those who are able to decipher the scrolls. 'The simultaneous reproduction of the title image from multiple sources, along with independent scholarly review, provides a high degree of confidence in the reading,' the Bodleian Libraries said. As it turns out, their hard work paid off. Roth and Nowak took home the very first Vesuvius Challenge Title Prize, which included a reward of $60,000.
CNN
06-05-2025
- Science
- CNN
Title and author of burned, still-rolled scroll decoded after nearly 2,000 years
Sign up for CNN's Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. CNN — Researchers working to decipher the contents of a burned, still-rolled scroll have uncovered both the author and the title of the text nearly 2,000 years after it was buried in the Mount Vesuvius eruption. The scroll — named PHerc. 172 — is one of hundreds from the ancient Roman town of Herculaneum, which was buried under volcanic debris when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, according to the Vesuvius Challenge, an initiative focused on decoding the texts of the Herculaneum scrolls without needing to unroll them. Preserved under mud and ash in a villa believed to have been once owned by the father-in-law of Julius Caesar, the scrolls were discovered by an Italian farmer in the 18th century. Burned so badly they were carbonized, they are extremely fragile. Over the years, scholars have tried a range of methods to unroll them, including using weights, chemicals, gases and pulverization, though this often led to the scrolls being damaged or destroyed. The Vesuvius Challenge was launched in 2023 to encourage researchers from around the world to try and decipher the scrolls by virtually unwrapping and decoding them. Now, Marcel Roth and Micha Nowak, graduate students from Germany's University of Würzburg, have uncovered the title and author of PHerc. 172. Vesuvius Challenge researcher Sean Johnson made the same discovery around the same time, and both findings were independently reviewed by the competition's papyrological team, according to a Tuesday press release from Oxford University's Bodleian Libraries, where the scroll is housed. The text deciphered identifies the scroll as 'On Vices' by the Greek philosopher Philodemus, according to the Vesuvius Challenge. It is a part of Philodemus' ethical treatise known in full as 'On Vices and Their Opposite Virtues and In Whom They Are and About What,' and could even be the first book in the series, though this is not yet clear. Oxford University's Bodleian Libraries suggests that the book number could 'plausibly' be read as an alpha, which would indicate that the scroll is book one in the series, but it could also be other numbers, such as a delta, which would mean it is book four. Scholars have generally thought that the first book of 'On Vices' was a text called 'On Flattery,' but the content of PHerc. 172 does not correspond with this. Philodemus, according to the Bodleian Libraries, was an Epicurean philosopher whose teachings 'emphasise the pursuit of pleasure as central to a good life.' The majority of the scrolls found preserved in the Herculaneum villa were his works, Bodleian Libraries said. Michael McOsker, a researcher in papyrology at University College London, who is also a member of the Vesuvius Challenge papyrology team, called the new discovery a 'very exciting development.' 'Other books from the On Vices and their Opposite Virtues are known from the papyri that were physically unrolled — best known are On Property Management (book 9, presumably the opposite virtue to greed) and On Arrogance (book 10, presumably the opposite vice to having a correct evaluation of yourself), but there are others too,' McOsker said. 'This will be a great opportunity to learn more about Philodemus' ethical views and to get a better view of the On Vices as a whole, especially if it turns out to be the first book,' McOsker said. This find, the first time a scroll's title has been read, is the latest from the Vesuvius Challenge. In October 2023, the first full word from one of the unopened ancient papyri was decoded with the help of computer technology and advanced artificial intelligence. The word was 'πορφυρας' or 'porphyras,' which is Greek for purple. And in February, researchers investigating columns of text from PHerc. 172 identified the word 'διατροπή,' meaning 'disgust,' which appears twice within a few columns of text, the Bodleian Libraries said.
Scottish Sun
06-05-2025
- Science
- Scottish Sun
Title of scroll burnt to a crisp by Mt Vesuvius 2,000 years ago finally read by AI – & we even know who wrote them
The University of Oxford's Bodleian Library holds a number of the scrolls, which have been left untouched for decades CHARRED SECRETS Title of scroll burnt to a crisp by Mt Vesuvius 2,000 years ago finally read by AI – & we even know who wrote them Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RESEARCHERS have deciphered the title and author of a charred scroll destroyed by the Mount Vesuvius eruption 2,000 years ago. The tightly bound scroll cannot be opened since its delicate, burnt pages would only fall apart. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 The scroll was discovered in Herculaneum, an ancient Roman town that was buried under the massive volcanic fallout from Mount Vesuvius Credit: Vesuvius Challenge 6 After 'virtually unwrapping' scroll PHerc. 172, researchers discovered it was titled On Vices by the Greek philosopher Philodemus Credit: Vesuvius Challenge 6 The text offered ancient Romans guidance for cultivating a virtuous life, according to researchers Credit: Vesuvius Challenge 6 The University of Oxford's Bodleian Library holds a number of the scrolls, which have been left untouched for decades Credit: Vesuvius Challenge Therefore, researchers have used a cutting-edge technique hinging on artificial intelligence (AI) to reveal the lost text. The scroll was discovered in Herculaneum, an ancient Roman town that was buried under the massive volcanic fallout from Mount Vesuvius. After 'virtually unwrapping' scroll PHerc. 172, researchers discovered it was titled On Vices by the Greek philosopher Philodemus. The text offered ancient Romans guidance for cultivating a virtuous life, according to researchers. Philodemus, who lived between roughly 110 and 30 BCE, was an Epicurean philosopher and poet from Gadara. The University of Oxford's Bodleian Library holds a number of the scrolls, which have been left untouched for decades. But recent advancements in technology have allowed the scrolls to be 3D reconstructed with powerful X-ray beams without damaging them. Once researchers have identified each layer of the scroll, AI is used to detect the ink. The ink is digitally painted onto the scroll, for researchers to decipher. As part of an international competition, researchers have found the title and author inside of a sealed scroll for the first time. The Vesuvius Challenge awards money to all those who can help decipher the charred scrolls housed at the Bodleian Libraries at the University of Oxford. The Tragic History of Pompeii Researchers behind this latest feat have been awarded the Vesuvius Challenge First Title Prize, which includes prize money of $60,000. This was achieved by two parties at roughly the same time - Sean Johnson from the Vesuvius Challenge, and Marcel Roth and Micha Nowak from the University of Würzburg. The pages of the relic PHerc. 172 were first published in February, the title page had yet to be deciphered. PHerc.172 is one of roughly 800 scrolls unearthed in the Villa of the Papyri, a luxurious estate believed to have belonged to Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus, Julius Caesar's father-in-law. How AI & X-rays are unravelling scroll secrets AI and X-rays are revolutionising the study of ancient scrolls by enabling researchers to virtually "unroll" and decipher texts that are too fragile to handle physically. X-rays, particularly advanced methods like X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), create highly detailed 3D scans of scrolls. These scans capture the layers of tightly wound or damaged parchment or papyrus without physically unrolling them, preserving their integrity. X-rays can also detect variations in density caused by metallic or carbon-based inks used in ancient writing. AI algorithms, particularly those using deep learning, can segment layers of text by identifying and separating individual layers of the scroll from 3D X-ray data, isolating the text for analysis. They can also recognise text by enhancing faint markings or patterns corresponding to ancient writing, often revealing characters that are invisible to the naked eye. AI algorithms can reconstruct incomplete sections as well. Machine-learning models can fill in the gaps or predict any missing text. For scrolls where X-rays detect ink differences, AI can distinguish metallic inks - typically used in later periods of history - from carbon-based inks, enabling a more detailed and context-sensitive interpretation. Advanced imaging can also track even faint remnants of ink strokes, reconstructing text in incredible detail. The villa, based in Herculaneum, was thought to house one of the finest libraries of antiquity, including works of Greek philosophy and possibly undiscovered Roman literature. The first milestone in the Vesuvius Challenge was reached in February 2024, when three students shared a $700,000 prize for reading parts of another scroll. The success of the competition has attracted tech moguls like Elon Musk, who funded later phases of the competition. 6 The scroll was discovered in Herculaneum, an ancient Roman town that was buried under the massive volcanic fallout from Mount Vesuvius Credit: Bodleian Library
The Irish Sun
06-05-2025
- Science
- The Irish Sun
Title of scroll burnt to a crisp by Mt Vesuvius 2,000 years ago finally read by AI – & we even know who wrote them
RESEARCHERS have deciphered the title and author of a charred scroll destroyed by the Mount Vesuvius eruption 2,000 years ago. The tightly bound scroll cannot be opened since its delicate, burnt pages would only fall apart. Advertisement 6 The scroll was discovered in Herculaneum, an ancient Roman town that was buried under the massive volcanic fallout from Mount Vesuvius Credit: Vesuvius Challenge 6 After 'virtually unwrapping' scroll PHerc. 172, researchers discovered it was titled On Vices by the Greek philosopher Philodemus Credit: Vesuvius Challenge 6 The text offered ancient Romans guidance for cultivating a virtuous life, according to researchers Credit: Vesuvius Challenge 6 The University of Oxford's Bodleian Library holds a number of the scrolls, which have been left untouched for decades Credit: Vesuvius Challenge Therefore, researchers have used a cutting-edge technique hinging on artificial intelligence (AI) to reveal the lost text. The scroll was discovered in After 'virtually unwrapping' scroll PHerc. 172, researchers discovered it was titled On Vices by the Greek philosopher Philodemus. The text offered ancient Romans guidance for cultivating a virtuous life, according to researchers. Advertisement READ MORE ON ARCHAEOLOGY Philodemus, who lived between roughly 110 and 30 BCE, was an Epicurean philosopher and poet from Gadara. The University of Oxford's Bodleian Library holds a number of the scrolls, which have been left untouched for decades. But recent advancements in technology have allowed the scrolls to be 3D reconstructed with powerful X-ray beams without damaging them. Once researchers have identified each layer of the scroll, AI is used to detect the ink. Advertisement Most read in Tech The ink is digitally painted onto the scroll, for researchers to decipher. As part of an international competition, researchers have found the title and author inside of a sealed scroll for the first time. The Vesuvius Challenge awards money to all those who can help decipher the charred scrolls housed at the Bodleian Libraries at the University of Oxford. The Tragic History of Pompeii Researchers behind this latest feat have been awarded the Vesuvius Challenge First Title Prize, which includes prize money of $60,000. Advertisement This was achieved by two parties at roughly the same time - Sean Johnson from the Vesuvius Challenge, and Marcel Roth and Micha Nowak from the University of Würzburg. The pages of the relic PHerc. 172 were first published in February, the title page had yet to be deciphered. PHerc.172 is one of roughly 800 scrolls unearthed in the Villa of the Papyri, a luxurious estate believed to have belonged to Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus, Julius Caesar's father-in-law. How AI & X-rays are unravelling scroll secrets AI and X-rays are revolutionising the study of ancient scrolls by enabling researchers to virtually "unroll" and decipher texts that are too fragile to handle physically. X-rays, particularly advanced methods like X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), create highly detailed 3D scans of scrolls. These scans capture the layers of tightly wound or damaged parchment or papyrus without physically unrolling them, preserving their integrity. X-rays can also detect variations in density caused by metallic or carbon-based inks used in ancient writing. AI algorithms, particularly those using deep learning, can segment layers of text by identifying and separating individual layers of the scroll from 3D X-ray data, isolating the text for analysis. They can also recognise text by enhancing faint markings or patterns corresponding to ancient writing, often revealing characters that are invisible to the naked eye. AI algorithms can reconstruct incomplete sections as well. Machine-learning models can fill in the gaps or predict any missing text. For scrolls where X-rays detect ink differences, AI can distinguish metallic inks - typically used in later periods of history - from carbon-based inks, enabling a more detailed and context-sensitive interpretation. Advanced imaging can also track even faint remnants of ink strokes, reconstructing text in incredible detail. The villa, based in Herculaneum, was thought to house one of the finest libraries of antiquity, including works of Greek philosophy and possibly undiscovered Roman literature. Advertisement The first milestone in the Vesuvius Challenge was reached in February 2024, when three students shared a $700,000 prize for reading parts of another scroll. The success of the competition has attracted tech moguls like Elon Musk, who funded later phases of the competition. 6 The scroll was discovered in Herculaneum, an ancient Roman town that was buried under the massive volcanic fallout from Mount Vesuvius Credit: Bodleian Library 6 Last year, the Vesuvius Challenge team managed to read about 5% of another Herculaneum scroll Credit: Bodleian Library Advertisement
