X-ray reveals ancient Greek author of charred first century BC Vesuvius scroll
GuardianMAY 12
AI Decodes 2,000-Year-Old Scroll Burned by Mount Vesuvius
Above: On Vices. Image copyright: Vesuvius Challenge via X
The Spin
Techno-optimist narrative
The groundbreaking fusion of AI and advanced X-ray technology has revolutionized the study of ancient texts, enabling scholars to access the teachings of Epicurean philosophy that shaped classical thinking that has remained locked away for two millennia. This technological breakthrough shows how modern innovation can unlock historical mysteries and lost chapters of human history without damaging priceless artifacts.
Techno-skeptic narrative
The claim that AI fully "decodes" a 2,000-year-old Vesuvius scroll overstates the achievement. While AI has contributed valuable tools to studying ancient texts, results remain partial and speculative. The hype risks misleading the public about current capabilities, downplaying the immense complexities of ancient texts, and the indispensable role of human expertise in historical interpretation and linguistic context.