Archaeologists Use AI to Reconstruct Faces of Pompeii Victims, Present a New Picture of the Tragedy 2,000 Years Ago

Italian archaeologists have for the first time used artificial intelligence (AI) to reconstruct the appearance of one of the victims of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius that destroyed the ancient city of Pompeii almost 2,000 years ago.

The image produced by AI was released by the Pompeii Archaeological Park Authority on Monday, April 27. The picture shows a man crouching while covering his head with a large bowl, with the background of Mount Vesuvius erupting.

This reconstruction is based on the latest discovery of the body of an adult man outside one of the southern gates of the ancient city. When found, the skeleton was lying next to a clay lump, which was allegedly used as a means of protection when trying to escape.

This discovery provides a new perspective on the victim's last moments in one of the most famous volcanic disasters in world history.

According to archaeologists, the man was likely killed by volcanic hail in the early hours of the second day of the eruption, when he tried to head to the sea to save himself.

Near his body, the research team also found an oil lamp and 10 bronze coins, which showed that he was carrying important items while trying to escape.

The head of the Pompeii Archaeological Park, Gabriel Zuchtriegel, assessed that the use of AI opens up great opportunities in classical studies and modern archaeology.

"If used well, artificial intelligence can contribute to the updating of classical studies, by describing the ancient world in a more immersive way," Zuchtriegel said in his statement.

The use of AI in this context is not merely artistic visualization, but a scientific tool to help the public understand the real conditions of the victims and the atmosphere when the tragedy took place.

With this technology, historical sites are no longer only understood through artifacts and texts, but can be visualized in a form closer to the human experience.

Pompeii, which lies about 25 kilometers southeast of Naples, was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The disaster preserved buildings, household objects, and even ancient graffiti under layers of volcanic ash for centuries.

The city was only rediscovered in the 18th century and has since become one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.

Apart from its historical value, Pompeii is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. Based on the latest statistics, this site is visited by around 4.3 million tourists throughout 2024.

The application of AI in Pompeii marks a new chapter in the preservation of history, where modern technology is combined with archaeological research to bring the past to life.

This step shows that artificial intelligence not only plays a role in the industrial or business sector, but is also able to become a bridge between ancient civilizations and today's generation.

Follow VOI Whatsapp Channel