Story perspectives

AI X-Rays Reveal Lost Carbonized Stoic Treatise in Herculaneum Scroll

7/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Scientists digitally read carbonized scroll PHerc. 1667 from Herculaneum using X-ray imaging and artificial intelligence, revealing a Stoic philosophical treatise.
The five-foot text mentions Aristocreon, a disciple of Stoic philosopher Chrysippus.
Brent Seales of the University of Kentucky coordinated the Vesuvius Challenge that enabled the discovery.
Researchers also identified a new volume of Philodemus’ work on gods, confirming at least eight books in the series.

1 of 1

Story summary

Scientists digitally read carbonized scroll PHerc. 1667 from Herculaneum using X-ray imaging and artificial intelligence, revealing a Stoic philosophical treatise.
The five-foot text mentions Aristocreon, a disciple of Stoic philosopher Chrysippus.
Brent Seales of the University of Kentucky coordinated the Vesuvius Challenge that enabled the discovery.
Researchers also identified a new volume of Philodemus’ work on gods, confirming at least eight books in the series.