AI cracks ancient code: Oxford researchers unveil secrets of 250-year-old papyrus scroll

In a recent article, Glass Almanac highlights that artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a tool for futuristic applications; it is now proving to be a game-changer in the field of archaeology. A groundbreaking discovery by researchers from the University of Oxford has demonstrated how AI can unlock historical mysteries, as it helped decipher an ancient papyrus scroll that has eluded scholars for over 250 years.

Although AI has made significant impacts in areas like medicine and astronomy, its role in archaeology has been limited until recently. That is now changing as AI begins to play a pivotal role in historical exploration. One of the most notable breakthroughs occurred at Oxford’s Bodleian Library, where researchers, working with the Vesuvius Challenge, made a significant leap in decoding an ancient scroll from the Roman town of Herculaneum.

The scroll had been buried in the ruins of Herculaneum, which was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Over the centuries, the papyrus scrolls turned into fragile, unreadable fragments. However, in July 2024, a major step forward came when researchers utilized the Diamond Light Source, a synchrotron in Oxfordshire, to scan the scroll non-invasively. This development marked an important milestone. But the true breakthrough happened when AI was employed to help decode the hidden text.

The key to the discovery lay in the composition of the ink used on the scroll. Researchers found that the ink, which was chemically different from others used in Herculaneum scrolls, stood out more clearly under X-ray scans. While the ink’s exact chemical makeup is still unknown, it likely contains lead. This unique characteristic enabled AI to detect the ink and reveal the hidden text within the ancient papyrus.

AI didn’t directly transcribe the text, but it played a crucial role in revealing faint characters, allowing researchers from the Vesuvius Challenge to transcribe the ancient Greek text. The process has been slow, but the initial scans revealed columns of text, including the word “διατροπή,” meaning “disgust,” which appeared twice. Although these initial results are modest, they have generated immense excitement in the academic community.

Dr. Brent Seales, co-founder of the Vesuvius Challenge, expressed his enthusiasm about the success of the project. “We are thrilled with the success of scanning this scroll at the Bodleian Library,” Seales said. “This scroll contains more recoverable text than any other Herculaneum scroll scanned so far.” However, he cautioned that more work is needed to refine the techniques and fully read the scrolls, both this one and others from Herculaneum.

The Vesuvius Challenge has drawn attention from around the world, inviting the public to participate in decoding the ancient texts. This effort represents a major leap in archaeological science, blending modern technology with ancient mysteries.

The collaboration between AI and archaeology has opened a new chapter in understanding ancient civilizations. While much remains to be done to fully decipher the Herculaneum scrolls, the potential for further discoveries is vast. This partnership serves as a model for how future archaeological breakthroughs may unfold, combining human curiosity with technological innovation to uncover the secrets of the past.

Though the journey is far from over, there is optimism that the mysteries of ancient texts—hidden for millennia—will soon be unlocked. What is certain is that AI has emerged as a crucial tool in unraveling the mysteries of our history.

By Naila Huseynova