A computational platform for the virtual unfolding of Herculaneum Papyri

A novel computational platform has been developed to virtually unfold the charred Herculaneum papyri, preserving valuable philosophical texts from ancient Greek scholars like Philodemus. These scrolls, carbonized during Vesuvius' 79 AD eruption, have long eluded full decipherment due to their complex three-dimensional structure and challenges in segmentation and flattening. The platform leverages X-ray phase contrast tomography, a non-invasive imaging technique, to reconstruct the papyri's original form. Applied to two fragments, this approach demonstrates potential for unlocking larger portions of text, advancing our understanding of Epicurean philosophy and other lost works. This breakthrough paves the way for comprehensive surveys of these irreplaceable artifacts, offering new insights into ancient thought.

Stabile, S., Palermo, F., Bukreeva, I., Mele, D., Formoso, V., Bartolino, R., & Cedola, A. (2021). A computational platform for the virtual unfolding of Herculaneum Papyri. Scientific Reports, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-80458-z