Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into archaeology, significantly transforming the study of ancient economies and trade networks. By analyzing historical data, AI is providing new insights into how ancient societies conducted trade, managed finances, and made purchases. This technological advancement saves time and resources while enabling discoveries that were previously unimaginable.
Maurizio Forte, a professor at Duke University who specializes in AI and archaeology, highlighted the revolutionary impact of AI on the field. He stated that AI allows for data analysis, simulations, and visualizations at unprecedented scales and speeds, offering multiple perspectives on historical interpretations. According to Forte, AI creates new dimensions of space and time, expanding the capabilities to understand and rethink the past.
Mapping Ancient Trade Networks
AI is also revolutionizing the study of ancient trade routes. By analyzing data from sources such as pottery distribution, inscriptions, and ancient shipping records, AI can map out trade routes and economic connections that spanned continents. For instance, researchers at Stanford University used AI to analyze the distribution of amphorae, containers used for transporting goods like wine and olive oil, within the Roman Empire. The AI model revealed intricate trade networks, highlighting the complexity and reach of Roman commerce.
Analyzing Mesopotamian Financial Records
In another application, researchers used AI to analyze thousands of cuneiform tablets from Mesopotamia, which often contained records of transactions, loans, and sales. By training AI to recognize patterns in these texts, researchers uncovered details about the credit systems and financial instruments used by ancient Mesopotamians. This analysis revealed a sophisticated economic system, including the use of promissory notes and complex loan agreements.
Deciphering Ancient Scrolls
AI is also aiding in the interpretation of scrolls from the 79 CE eruption of Mount Vesuvius, which covered the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in ash. These fragile scrolls were too delicate to be unrolled and read until the advent of AI. The Vesuvius Challenge, a competition launched in March 2023, uses AI to decipher these ancient texts. The winning team in 2023 successfully deciphered over 2,000 characters, revealing a unique philosophical manuscript focused on Epicurean ideals.
Remote Sensing and Predictive Modeling
AI has been highly influential in remote sensing analysis and classification, detecting archaeological sites, and predictive modeling. AI algorithms have been particularly successful in automatic pattern recognition of large numbers of archaeological sites through satellite and aerial photos. Forte suggested that AI has the potential to guide museum visitors, swiftly classify archaeological artifacts during excavations, and redefine traditional methods of study and publication.
However, Forte also cautioned about the ethical risks involved in the widespread adoption of AI in archaeology, emphasizing the need to consider these risks seriously.
Overall, AI is proving to be a valuable tool in archaeology, offering new ways to explore and understand ancient commerce and trade routes.
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