Pompeii breakthrough as ancient scroll finally deciphered after 2,000 years

Express UK ^ | Apr 18, 2024 | Richard Ashmore

[mairdie]

A £560,000 prize was on offer for scholars who could read the ancient Roman texts buried when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD.

Scrolls cocooned in volcanic ash that consumed the Roman city of Pompeii have been deciphered for the first time in 2,000 years.

Using AI researchers were able to discern some meaning from the writings which were discovered in the doomed ancient Italian city that was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD.

...In a statement the Vesuvius Challenge revealed some of the information hidden until now in the scrolls which appear to be philosophical treatises concerning pleasure and abundance.

[mairdie]

Pompeii has many outdoor food stalls that have been excavated. I’m vaguely remembering bread, but you do inspire me to try to find images of food on the walls near the stands.