Using advanced imaging techniques, researchers have virtually unwrapped and deciphered a portion of a charred Herculaneum scroll without physically opening it. They identified the title of the work as On Piety by Philodemus, a philosopher whose writings are heavily represented in the Herculaneum library. This breakthrough offers hope for reading other damaged scrolls from the Vesuvius eruption, potentially revealing lost classical works. The imaging technique combines X-ray computed tomography with machine learning to enhance contrast and virtually separate the layers of the rolled-up papyrus, making the ink legible.
Researchers have made a significant advancement in the study of ancient literature by digitally deciphering the title of a work contained within a still-sealed Herculaneum scroll. These scrolls, carbonized by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, are extremely fragile and thus pose immense challenges to traditional methods of unraveling. Utilizing a cutting-edge technique known as "virtual unwrapping," scientists were able to peer through the layers of the rolled papyrus without physically disturbing it, a process akin to digitally peeling back the layers of an onion. This non-invasive approach leverages advanced imaging techniques, specifically X-ray phase-contrast tomography, to create highly detailed three-dimensional representations of the scroll's internal structure.
The revealed title, On Piety, attributed to the Epicurean philosopher Philodemus, adds another piece to the puzzle of understanding the philosophical landscape of the ancient world. Philodemus, a prominent figure in the Epicurean school, resided in Herculaneum at the time of the eruption, and a substantial collection of his works has already been recovered from the Villa of the Papyri, the very site where this latest scroll originated. This discovery not only confirms the authorship and subject matter of a previously unidentified work, but it also further solidifies the Villa of the Papyri's reputation as a significant center of intellectual activity in the Roman Empire. The successful application of virtual unwrapping in this instance marks a hopeful turning point in the field of papyrology, potentially unlocking the secrets held within hundreds of other similarly damaged scrolls that remain unopened and unread, thereby expanding our understanding of classical literature and philosophy. The ability to decipher text without physically manipulating these fragile artifacts represents a monumental leap forward in preservation and research, offering a glimpse into a world lost for centuries.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43953883
Commenters on Hacker News express cautious optimism about the decipherment of the Herculaneum scroll, acknowledging the significance of the work while remaining skeptical of the claim that the title has been definitively identified. Some highlight the long and challenging history of attempts to read these scrolls, emphasizing the damage they sustained and the difficulty of interpreting the resulting data. Others discuss the technical challenges of virtually unwrapping the scrolls and processing the images, noting the limitations of current technology. A few suggest alternative approaches to reading the scrolls, such as machine learning, while others point out the importance of preserving the physical scrolls even as digital techniques advance. Several commenters express interest in learning more about Philodemus, the suspected author, and the philosophical content of the scrolls. The overall sentiment is one of excitement tempered by realism about the complexities of this ongoing project.
The Hacker News post titled "Title of work deciphered in sealed Herculaneum scroll via digital unwrapping" has generated a moderate discussion with several interesting comments.
Several commenters expressed excitement and fascination with the ongoing efforts to virtually unwrap and decipher the Herculaneum scrolls. They see it as a significant step forward in recovering lost ancient texts. One commenter highlighted the immense potential of this technology, imagining the possibility of reading entire libraries lost to time.
A recurring theme in the comments revolves around the fragility and difficulty of working with the scrolls. One user mentions the challenges researchers face due to the scrolls being carbonized and extremely delicate. Another points out the painstakingly slow process of deciphering the texts even after they are virtually unwrapped.
Some commenters discussed the specific techniques used in the virtual unwrapping process. One user, referencing previous experience with similar imaging techniques, mentioned the use of phase-contrast X-ray tomography and the challenges in distinguishing ink from papyrus in these scans. Another commenter delved into the computational methods used to virtually flatten the rolled scrolls, appreciating the complexity of the task.
A couple of comments branched off into a discussion about the contents of the scrolls and the philosophical context. One user questioned whether the deciphered text, attributed to Philodemus, would offer genuinely new insights into Epicurean philosophy, or if it would primarily reiterate already known principles. This sparked a small debate about the value of rediscovering even seemingly redundant philosophical arguments.
Finally, some comments reflected a sense of awe and wonder at the preservation of these texts for centuries and the possibility of finally accessing the knowledge contained within them. They marvel at the resilience of human ingenuity, both in creating these texts in antiquity and in developing the technology to recover them today.