The city of Pompeii was destroyed after the eruption of
Mount Vesuvius. The city housed a library which contained hundreds of literary works
which were left charred after the disaster.
After their discovery in 18th century, the
papyrus scrolls were too delicate to unroll. Recently, researchers have utilized
X-rays to attempt to read contents of one such scroll, P.Herc.172, which currently
resides in Oxford’s Bodlean Libraries.
Researchers were able to make out the author’s name using
the X-ray scanning method. The scroll has been found to be a work of Philodemus,
an Epicurean philosopher and poet who died around 40 BC.
The scroll is believed to be a part of Philodemus’s On
Vices. This is a 10-volume work which covers topics such as greed, arrogance
and flattery.
The discovery is a major breakthrough and utilization of technology will give us a better understanding of the past.
Further Reading:
X-ray reveals ancient Greek author of charred first century BC Vesuvius scroll
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