AI Breakthrough Decodes Ancient Manuscripts: Roman Scrolls & Cuneiform Texts Revealed

AI breakthroughs are unlocking hidden texts, decoding ancient writings like Roman scrolls and cuneiform

Advertisement
Written by Gadgets 360 Staff | Updated: 31 December 2024 21:57 IST
Highlights
  • AI reveals portions of Greek text in ancient Herculaneum scrolls
  • South Korean AI tools decode Joseon dynasty archives faster than ever
  • AI unearths unknown parts of the Epic of Gilgamesh and Babylon hymns
AI Breakthrough Decodes Ancient Manuscripts: Roman Scrolls & Cuneiform Texts Revealed

AI is being used in South Korea to translate Joseon dynasty records written in Hanja

Photo Credit: Pixabay/ WikiImages

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the study of ancient manuscripts, unlocking texts that have remained unreadable for centuries. From deciphering burnt Roman scrolls to analysing damaged cuneiform tablets, AI-driven tools are revealing new information about the ancient world. This advancement allows researchers to examine vast archives, identify previously unknown writings, and reconstruct missing text with unprecedented accuracy. Scholars are now equipped with more data than ever before, opening up opportunities to answer historical questions that were once out of reach.

Breakthrough in Herculaneum Scroll Deciphering

As reported by nature.com, AI has successfully revealed significant portions of Greek text. Computer scientists Brent Seales from the University of Kentucky and participants of the competition called Vesuvius Challenge, utilised advanced neural networks to detect ink patterns on the fragile scrolls. As reported by Nature.com, the February 2024 winning entry employed a TimeSformer model, revealing text attributed to an ancient Greek philosophical work. Federica Nicolardi, a papyrologist at the University of Naples, described the discovery as a "historic moment for the field."

Applications in Other Historical Archives

AI tools are also being applied to diverse historical collections. Researchers in South Korea are employing transformer-based networks to translate the extensive records of the Joseon dynasty, written in Hanja. This system has expedited translations of state records, offering insights into the political and cultural trends of the era. Similarly, initiatives such as the Fragmentarium project at Ludwig-Maximilians University are using neural networks to identify overlapping cuneiform fragments, uncovering lines from the Epic of Gilgamesh and a previously unknown hymn to Babylon.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Concerns regarding accuracy and accessibility remain as AI enables rapid decoding of large text corpora. Experts emphasise the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and open-source data to ensure transparency and replicability. Brent Seales has noted to nature.com that the success of AI in these applications underscores its role as a complement to human expertise, providing data that specialists can interpret and analyse. As AI continues to evolve, researchers anticipate breakthroughs in decoding lost languages and exploring underground libraries, potentially reshaping the understanding of ancient civilisations.

Advertisement

 

 

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.

Advertisement

Related Stories

Popular Mobile Brands
  1. Apple's M4 Mac Mini Price in India Drops to Rs. 49,999 With These Discounts
  2. OnePlus Pad Lite Design and Specifications Leaked, Could Launch Soon
  3. Samsung Teases Galaxy M36 Launch; Phone Spied Online Alongside Galaxy F36
  1. OnePlus Pad Lite Design and Key Specifications Leaked, Could Launch Soon
  2. Samsung's Upcoming Running Events Reportedly Hint at Galaxy Z Fold 7, Flip 7 and Watch 8 Series Launch Timeline
  3. Poco F7 Design Spotted in Leaked Renders; Battery Specifications Revealed via Flipkart
  4. Neuralink Device Helps Monkey See Something That’s Not There
  5. Apple's Mac Mini With M4 Chip Price in India Drops to Rs. 49,999 With Discounts on Amazon
  6. Samsung Galaxy M36, Galaxy F36 Spotted on Google Play Console; Galaxy M36 Launch Reportedly Teased via Amazon
  7. Google, Scale AI's Largest Customer, Said to Plan Split After Meta Deal
  8. SpaceX Launches 26 New Starlink Satellites, Expands Global Internet Network
  9. Aurora Alert! Northern Lights May Be Visible as Far South as New York on June 14
  10. New Island Forms in Caspian Sea as Water Levels Drop, Russian Scientists Confirm
Gadgets 360 is available in
Download Our Apps
Available in Hindi
© Copyright Red Pixels Ventures Limited 2025. All rights reserved.