First Look Inside Burnt Herculaneum Scroll After Two Millennia

Researchers achieve groundbreaking advancements in reading a charred Roman scroll, potentially opening new chapters in ancient philosophy.

A badly charred scroll from the ruins of Herculaneum has been digitally "unwrapped," granting a glimpse inside for the first time in 2,000 years. The scroll was severely damaged by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, rendering it a fragile lump of charcoal. However, a combination of X-ray imaging and artificial intelligence has enabled scientists to virtually reveal its contents, showing rows of ancient text.

Continued research is needed to decode the scroll's full extent, but project leaders express optimism about its potential. "We're sure we can read almost the entire scroll," affirmed Stephen Parsons of the Vesuvius Challenge, an initiative aimed at deciphering the Herculaneum scrolls. Early findings indicate the text may be philosophical in nature, with some characters already visible.

The scroll is one of many unearthed in Herculaneum, which, like Pompeii, was engulfed by volcanic ash. Previous attempts to physically open these scrolls resulted in their disintegration. The University of Oxford’s Bodleian Library has retained several of these scrolls, which remained untouched for decades due to their condition.

Nicole Gilroy, head of book conservation, shared that earlier methods were deemed too risky. However, advancements in technology prompted the team to explore one of these ancient artifacts. The scroll was specially encased and analyzed using the Diamond Light Source, a facility that utilizes accelerated electrons to gauge the interior of the scroll safely.

Adrian Mancuso, director at Diamond, explained, "It can visualize features down to tiny millimeter scales.” The scanning process makes it possible to construct a 3D model of the scroll, revealing about 10 meters of layered papyrus. Identifying these layers is crucial for digitally unrolling the ancient text.

The challenge lies in distinguishing the carbon-based ink from the papyrus itself, as both are difficult to differentiate. Advanced AI systems are employed to locate subtle signals indicating the presence of ink, which is then digitally enhanced to showcase the letters.

"We know the entire scroll is filled with text," Parsons stated, predicting the prospect of uncovering extensive passages in the future. Previously, a Vesuvius Challenge team succeeded in reading around 5% of another similar scroll, which centered on Greek Epicurean philosophy — a subject likely echoed in the Bodleian scroll.

Gilroy emphasized the human connection this work fosters, “There’s a genuine link with those who compiled these scrolls, offering invaluable insights into the past.” As researchers navigate this delicate process, the promise of revealing forgotten knowledge continues to spark excitement among historians and archaeologists alike.