Financial reward for individuals capable of translating cryptic ancient manuscripts proposed by scholarly community
In the heart of ancient Rome, a set of charred scrolls, known as the Herculaneum Scrolls, have been a mystery for centuries. These scrolls, carbonised due to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, have remained sealed, their contents hidden from the world. However, recent advancements in technology have sparked renewed interest in these ancient texts.
Scientists from the University of Oxford have been at the forefront of this new wave of research. They have successfully recovered text on one of the scrolls (PHerc.172) using x-rays and ink detection software. The experience, as one scientist put it, was 'unforgettable,' to be the first person to see the text that had been hidden for 2,000 years.
The race to decipher these scrolls is not just a local affair. In 2023, the prize for deciphering one of the Herculaneum Scrolls using artificial intelligence was increased to £550,000. This prize has attracted the attention of students worldwide, including those at the University of Oxford and the Institut de France in Paris. The students who deciphered a scroll at the Institut de France were rewarded with a prize of $700,000 (£550,000).
The challenge of reading the Herculaneum Scrolls lies in their fragility. If opened physically, they would turn to dust. Therefore, experts are turning to AI development for scanning methods. The Herculaneum Scrolls are currently a focus of interest for engineers developing AI to read them via scanning methods.
If successfully deciphered, these scrolls could offer a valuable insight into the past. They are thought to contain literature from Greek and Roman scholars, potentially shedding light on the intellectual climate of the time. The deciphering of these scrolls could rewrite history and deepen our understanding of the ancient world.
As the world waits for the secrets of the Herculaneum Scrolls to be unveiled, you can stay updated by subscribing to our free weekly newsletter or joining our free WhatsApp channel. Your support and interest can help raise this story through the rankings, making it a step closer to uncovering the past.
The article was originally published on 6 December 2024. The journey to uncover the secrets of the Herculaneum Scrolls continues, and each breakthrough brings us one step closer to understanding our past.
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