col. -8, ll. 2-14:
2 ...]ι̣μ̣εν τοὺϲ̣ [πα]ρ̣[ὰ Ξ]ε̣-
νοφάντωι το̣ιούτου[ϲ,
ὃ καὶ ὑπ’ ἄ̣λλων δοκεῖ
5 γείνεϲθαι, παραπλη-
ϲίωϲ δ̣’ ο̣ὐδὲ παρ̣’ ἑτέρωι
ἴδι̣ον το̣ῦ δ̣οκοῦ̣ντοϲ̣
εἶναι καὶ παρὰ πλε̣ί-
οϲ̣ι̣ν̣ ἥδιο̣ν, ἀλλ’ ὡ̣ϲ̣ καὶ
10 ἐ̣π̣ὶ τῶν βρω̣μ̣άτ̣ων
ο̣ὐ̣κ ἤδ̣η τὰ ϲπάνια
πάντωϲ̣ καὶ ἡδ̣ίω
τῶν δ̣αψιλῶν̣ ε̣ἶναι̣
14 νομίζ̣ο̣με̣ν· οὐ γ̣ὰρ̣
(can you decipher the texts?)
Ancient Greek written texts are currently undergoing the process of decipherment, unveiling insights into our past. From the earliest forms of communication on papyrus to the revolutionary invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in 1440, humanity has made significant strides in preserving and disseminating information.
In the timeline of communication advancements, it's noteworthy to include the first known instance of newspaper printing, pioneered by the Chinese. This milestone, dating back to around the 8th century CE, represents a crucial step in the evolution of mass media.
Papyrus to Pixels
As we progress into the modern era, the advent of modern printing technologies, including RGB and CYMMS colors, has transformed the way we consume and interpret information. This journey through the annals of communication history serves as a reminder of the remarkable evolution of human knowledge and expression.
Today, dedicated teams worldwide are diligently working to decode ancient texts, offering glimpses into the collective human experience of both the present and the past. This endeavor not only enriches our understanding of history but also reaffirms the timeless relevance of preserving our cultural heritage
For centuries, scrolls buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD held their stories captive. Now, thanks to the Vesuvius Challenge, these ancient texts are revealing their secrets – and what they have to say is fascinating!
The Challenge: Reading Without Destroying
The scrolls are too fragile to unroll. Imagine trying to read a book that crumbles into dust when you open it! So, researchers turned to X-ray imaging and AI to create digital copies without touching the originals.
A 2,000-Year-Old Blog Post Emerges
One discovery suggests a text by Philodemus, an Epicurean philosopher. Imagine a blog post from 2000 years ago talking about enjoying life through music, food, and senses! It sheds light on ancient philosophy and its surprising relevance to modern discussions of pleasure and living well. Read more about the scrolls here
More Treasures Await
This is just the beginning! Only a portion of the villa has been excavated. More scrolls, perhaps lost poems or histories, could be hiding there. Each discovery unlocks a piece of the vibrant past, waiting to be shared with the world.
How Do We Know It's Real?
Experts have taken steps to ensure the accuracy of the findings. They double-checked the results and used different techniques to confirm they weren't fooled by biases or errors. So, we can trust that these ancient voices are finally speaking again.
Join the Journey!
The Vesuvius Challenge is a testament to human ingenuity and collaboration. It shows how modern technology can bridge the gap between past and present. Stay tuned for more revelations as researchers unlock the secrets these ancient scrolls
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