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Archaeologists face the difficult challenge of trying to understand ancient civilizations by the few remnants they’ve left behind — but AI is already causing breakthroughs in the field. Here are a few of the discoveries AI has made, from finding ancient Peruvian geoglyphs to reading charred papyri.
SwissCognitive Guest Blogger: Zachary Amos – “5 Archaeological Discoveries Made by AI”
Whether using satellite imagery to locate lost civilizations, deciphering ancient texts or predicting excavation sites, AI enhances the speed and accuracy of archaeological discoveries. As interest grows in AI’s ability to uncover hidden historical insights, it’s becoming a powerful tool for shedding new light on past mysteries.
1. Mapping Lost Civilizations
AI has proven invaluable in analyzing satellite imagery to uncover ancient cities and structures that have long been hidden from view. One remarkable example is the Nazca region in Peru. Deploying an AI system led to the discovery of 303 new figurative geoglyphs in just six months. This accomplishment would have taken years with traditional methods.
AI uses machine learning algorithms to sift through vast amounts of satellite data and quickly identify patterns and anomalies human eyes might miss. This ability to process large datasets rapidly and precisely makes AI far more efficient and accurate. This allows archaeologists to make discoveries faster and on a much larger scale.
2. Uncovering Hidden Texts
AI is a trailblazer for archeologists trying to read ancient texts that are too damaged for the human eye to decipher. One groundbreaking example is the Herculaneum scrolls, buried under volcanic ash and charred beyond recognition. Deep learning techniques allow researchers to read beneath the surface of these fragile artifacts.
Machine learning algorithms identified ink regions in the flattened papyrus, which would have otherwise remained invisible. Deep learning’s ability to sort and interpret massive numbers of images revolutionizes how these texts are classified and understood. This method reveals previously unreadable content and speeds up the analysis of ancient languages to accelerate discoveries in historical research.
3. Predicting Excavation Sites
AI is increasingly used to predict the most promising excavation sites by analyzing geographical data, historical records and patterns from past discoveries. Examining these large datasets can accurately identify likely locations for hidden artifacts and ancient structures.
Technologies like retrieval augmented generation (RAG) further enhance this process by providing access to the latest reliable information and enabling archaeologists to verify their claims in real time. This combination of AI’s data processing power and advanced technologies ensures efficiency and precision. It allows researchers to focus on areas with the highest potential and reduce time and resources spent on less promising sites.
4. Restoring and Reconstructing Artifacts
AI is crucial in reconstructing fragmented artifacts and structures by helping archaeologists visualize and restore damaged or lost pieces. It uses generative adversarial networks to rapidly manipulate portraits and landscapes and predict missing elements. One notable example is the RePAIR project, which aims to piece together ancient frescoes from thousands of fragments discovered in Pompeii.
AI systems analyze these fragments, predict how they fit together and help restore the art. This technology has also been applied to ancient pottery and sculptures, where AI predicts the shape of missing pieces, allowing archaeologists to recreate the original forms. Speeding up the reconstruction process and improving accuracy transforms restoration work, saving time and making it possible to recover more historical treasures.
5. Studying Human Evolution
AI enhances the study of ancient human migration patterns by analyzing genetic material and fossil evidence with unprecedented precision. Researchers can process complex datasets using deep learning models to trace how early humans moved and settled across different regions.
For example, deep learning models used to study the Mesopotamian floodplain environment achieved an impressive 80% detection accuracy in identifying archaeological sites. This level of precision allows scientists to understand human migration routes and settlement patterns. It also offers insights into the movements of ancient populations that would be difficult to uncover through traditional methods.
Why Staying Informed About AI Advancements Matters
Staying informed about the role of AI in archaeology opens the door to understanding new, groundbreaking discoveries that change how people view the past. AI’s potential to uncover even more hidden historical insights is immense as technology advances.
About the Author:
Zachary Amos is the Features Editor at ReHack, where he writes about artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and other technology-related topics.
Der Beitrag 5 Archaeological Discoveries Made by AI erschien zuerst auf SwissCognitive | AI Ventures, Advisory & Research.
