Source : Greek Reporter

AI Breathes Life into Ancient History: The Analysis of a Burned Papyrus Mentioning Alexander the Great

Introduction: In a remarkable fusion of ancient history and modern technology, AI has made a groundbreaking discovery. A 2000-year-old burned papyrus, recovered from the ruins of the Villa dei Papiri, reveals insights about the generals and usurpers succeeding Alexander the Great. This discovery is a testament to how AI can recover lost artifacts and history, providing us with a window into the past.

The Papyrus and its Discovery: The parchment, almost destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, was found in the mid-18th century in Herculaneum. Charles de Bourbon discovered it in 1761, and it was later presented to Napoleon Bonaparte. An attempt to unroll it in 1986 caused further damage, but now, AI has succeeded in deciphering parts of it.

The AI Analysis: Led by R. Janko from the University of Michigan and B. Seales from the University of Kentucky, the team employed machine learning algorithms and computed tomography (CT) scans to produce 4K-3D digital images of the papyrus. This meticulous process revealed the text bit by bit, showcasing AI’s growing ability to decipher historical artifacts.

The Contents of the Papyrus: The text speaks of Alexander the Great as “the good king” and details the tumultuous period following his death. It mentions Macedonian generals like Seleukos and the cruel Kassandros, painting a vivid picture of the era’s political landscape. The papyrus might be a copy of the lost diary-papyrus of Eumenos, Alexander’s secretary, or written by Agnothemis, a friend of General Antigonos.

The Significance of the Discovery: This analysis not only adds to our understanding of Alexander the Great’s reign and its aftermath but also demonstrates the powerful role AI can play in historical research. The ability to recover and interpret such artifacts opens up new avenues for understanding our past.

Philodemus and the Villa dei Papiri: The Villa dei Papiri, possibly owned by Lucius Calpurnius Piso, Julius Caesar’s stepfather, had an extensive library with works of Philodemus, a philosopher who critiqued the successors of Alexander. This raises questions about the authorship and origin of the papyrus, suggesting it could be from the library of Alexandria.

The Role of AI in Uncovering History: This event marks a pivotal moment in the study of ancient texts. AI’s role in deciphering the undecipherable showcases a synergy between technology and history, allowing us to reconstruct narratives long thought lost. The ability to analyze and interpret such delicate artifacts without causing further damage is a significant advancement in archaeological research.

Conclusion: The analysis of this ancient papyrus by AI is a monumental achievement, shedding light on a crucial period in history. It exemplifies the profound impact AI can have on our understanding of the past. As we continue to unearth and analyze historical artifacts with AI, we stand on the brink of numerous discoveries that could reshape our understanding of history. This technology is not just a tool; it’s a time machine, unlocking secrets from the ashes of time and bringing them into the present for us to marvel at and learn from.