Also available in Persian — نسخه فارسی EN فا
❓ Unknown

New Technology May Unlock Ancient Roman Scrolls Buried by Mount Vesuvius

Just now September 16, 2026 1 min read 📰 Phys.org
📋 Key Takeaway

Researchers have developed X-ray technology and AI to read ancient Roman scrolls damaged by Mount Vesuvius, potentially unlocking historical texts. The study involves scientists from the University of California, Berkeley, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. This advancement in reading ancient texts could have implications for the understanding of historical narratives, including those related to ancient Persia.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: New technology may soon allow historians to read ancient Roman scrolls, potentially reshaping our understanding of historical narratives, including those involving Persia.

👥 Key Players

Douglas Seiler MENTIONED
Researcher and affiliate of the University of California, Berkeley
"Significant for advancing technology that could enhance the understanding of ancient texts, including those related to historical narratives that involve Persia."
Jacob Michael LaManna MENTIONED
Researcher at the National Institute of Standards and Technology
"Contributes to the development of technology that can unlock historical knowledge, potentially impacting the understanding of ancient civilizations."
David Kreimer MENTIONED
Researcher at the University of California, Berkeley
"Part of a team that is pioneering methods to read ancient texts, which can provide insights into historical interactions between cultures, including Persia."

📰 What Happened

Researchers have developed new X-ray technology and artificial intelligence to read ancient Roman scrolls that were buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. This breakthrough could allow for the recovery of lost historical texts.

  • The study was published in the journal PLOS One on September 16, 2026.
  • Lead was discovered in the ink of the scroll fragments, aiding in the reading process.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: Unlocking ancient texts could provide insights into historical narratives that involve ancient Persia, enriching Iran's cultural heritage.
🌍 Regional: The findings may influence how ancient civilizations are understood in the context of their interactions with one another in the Mediterranean and Near East.
🌐 International: This advancement highlights the importance of technological innovation in historical research, appealing to scholars and historians worldwide.

📚 Background

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE buried the Roman city of Pompeii and preserved many artifacts, including scrolls that contain lost literary works. Advances in technology are now enabling researchers to access these texts.

Ancient Roman history Archaeological technology
📡 Source: NEUTRAL
📊 Confidence: 70%
The article is based on a peer-reviewed study, suggesting a reliable and scholarly perspective on the advancements in reading ancient texts.

X-ray technology and artificial intelligence—along with the discovery of lead in the ink of fragments from a collection of ancient Roman scrolls—could soon help scientists read long-lost texts buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, according to a study published Sept. 16, 2026, in the journal PLOS One by Douglas Seiler, an affiliate of the University of California, Berkeley, U.S.; Jacob Michael LaManna of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S.; David Kreimer of the University of California, Berkeley, U.S.; and colleagues.

🌐

Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 100%

📰 Related Coverage

⚖️ Independent Platform — Artesh.com is not affiliated with any government, military, or political organization. Editorial Policy →