Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly helping historians decode ancient writings. According to the US science magazine Nature, citing various scientists, this represents the largest expansion of ancient text sources in 100 years. AI helps complete unreadable scrolls and supports the understanding and translation of unknown languages.
One example is the Herculaneum scrolls. Parts of these scrolls have been made readable for the first time in 2000 years through machine learning. Discovered during excavations between 1752 and 1754, the scrolls were charred during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. While the city’s burial by lava and ash preserved the ancient scrolls, it also posed a significant challenge for historians.
AI is much faster than humans at distinguishing the finest differences between ink and papyrus and identifying the script through surface texture analysis. According to scientists, these and other AI methods ensure that there is currently a flood of new texts available for analysis in many research projects. AI is often much faster at deciphering characters or words because the technology can deduce their meaning from the context more quickly.
Other successful AI projects include the translation of Hanja scripts, which are records of 27 former Korean kings from the 14th to the early 20th century. Human translators would have taken decades to complete this task. In the analysis of Linear scripts from Knossos, AI, along with human expertise, achieved a 72 percent success rate in completing missing script parts.
Researchers hope that the technology can make hundreds of previously unopened scrolls readable. Additionally, historical sources that have been inaccessible until now could be unlocked in medieval documents, mummy wrappings from ancient Egypt, and charred papyri.
AI’s ability to process and analyze vast amounts of data quickly is transforming historical research. By providing new insights and making previously unreadable texts accessible, AI is opening up new avenues for understanding our past. This technological advancement allows historians to uncover hidden stories and gain a deeper understanding of ancient civilizations.
AI’s role in historical research is not limited to deciphering ancient texts. It also aids in the preservation and restoration of historical artifacts. By analyzing patterns and structures, AI can help restore damaged artifacts to their original state, providing valuable insights into the culture and history of past societies.
Moreover, AI can assist in the classification and organization of historical data. By recognizing patterns and identifying connections between different pieces of information, AI can help historians build a more comprehensive picture of historical events and trends.
As AI technology continues to advance, its applications in historical research are expected to grow. The potential for AI to revolutionize the field of history is immense, offering new opportunities for discovery and understanding. By harnessing the power of AI, historians can unlock the secrets of the past and bring ancient civilizations to life in ways that were previously unimaginable.
The integration of AI into historical research is a testament to the power of technology in transforming our understanding of history. As we continue to explore the possibilities of AI, we can look forward to a future where the mysteries of the past are more accessible and comprehensible than ever before.