Method may allow reading ancient scrolls damaged by Mount Vesuvius eruption

Scientists proposed a method to read ancient scrolls damaged in the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius. A study in PLOS One showed that X-ray tomography and AI, combined with detecting lead in the ink of fragments, can recognize text.

• Method combines X-ray tomography and AI
• Lead was found in the ink of scroll fragments
• Study published in PLOS One on September 16, 2026