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Deciphering Ancient Texts with 3D X-ray Technology
Researchers have made a breakthrough in deciphering ancient scrolls using cutting-edge technology. By carbonizing the scrolls and creating 3D X-ray scans, scientists were able to reveal hidden text that illuminated “like a Christmas tree.” The study, published in PLoS ONE, details the process of digitally unfolding the scrolls using CT scans and specialized software.
This discovery is a significant milestone for the Vesuvius Challenge, which aims to decode ancient alphabets. After winning an award in 2023, the team spent $700,000 the following year to uncover the first readable text from the scrolls. Their latest achievement includes generating the first X-ray image of a scroll from the Bodleian Library, revealing a philosophical treatise on ethics and human moral progress.
Lead researcher Sailer emphasized the importance of lead detection in the scrolls, as it can enhance readability. By utilizing handheld X-ray fluorescence scanners, researchers can identify scrolls with lead content for further analysis. The interdisciplinary approach involving inorganic chemistry, papyrus studies, X-ray tomography, and AI highlights the collaborative effort required to unlock ancient texts.
For more information, read the full study in PLoS ONE and discover the fascinating world of ancient text decipherment.
Source: PLoS ONE, 2026. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0353485
Source: arstechnica.com
