The Carbonized Mount Vesuvius Scrolls are Being Read

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Thread starter Tom.G
Start date Feb 29, 2024

Feb 29, 2024

Tom.G

Science Advisor

Gold Member

A friend sent me this e-mail. The article is an interesting read with many details, and rather long.

There is also a presentation on March 16, 2024 at the Getty Villa near Malibu California.
It is FREE but tickets required. https://www.getty.edu/visit/cal/events/ev_4074.html

"Check out this project to digitally "unroll" a library of
2000-year-old papyrus scrolls. The carbonized artifacts are so fragile
that they crumble when touched. By scanning the scrolls with x-rays to
build a high resolution 3D model, faint ink patterns can be revealed
and decoded. Amazing.

https://scrollprize.org/grandprize"

There is also a presentation on March 16, 2024 at the Getty Villa near Malibu California.
It is FREE but tickets required. https://www.getty.edu/visit/cal/events/ev_4074.html

Cheers,
Tom

FAQ: The Carbonized Mount Vesuvius Scrolls are Being Read

What are the Carbonized Mount Vesuvius Scrolls?

The Carbonized Mount Vesuvius Scrolls are ancient papyrus scrolls that were buried and carbonized during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. These scrolls were discovered in the 18th century in the ruins of Herculaneum, one of the cities affected by the eruption.

How are scientists able to read the carbonized scrolls?

Scientists are using advanced imaging techniques such as X-ray phase-contrast tomography and machine learning algorithms to virtually "unroll" and read the carbonized scrolls without physically opening them, which would cause further damage.

What kind of information is expected to be found in these scrolls?

The scrolls are believed to contain a wealth of information, including philosophical texts, literary works, and historical records from the ancient world, particularly related to Greek and Roman culture.

Why is reading these scrolls important?

Reading these scrolls is important because it can provide new insights into ancient civilizations, their knowledge, and their way of life. It can also help fill gaps in historical records and enhance our understanding of classical literature and philosophy.

What challenges do scientists face in reading the scrolls?

One of the main challenges is the fragile and brittle nature of the carbonized scrolls, which makes physical handling risky. Additionally, the dense and overlapping layers of the scrolls make it difficult to decipher the text using traditional methods, necessitating the development of sophisticated imaging and data analysis techniques.

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