Pompeii Victims Reconstructed Using AI

ROME, April 28 (Bernama-dpa) – Italian researchers have, for the first time, used artificial intelligence (AI) to reconstruct the appearance and final moments of a victim of the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in Pompeii in 79 AD, German Press Agency (dpa) reported.

The Archaeological Park published an AI-generated image on Monday which shows a man running in a crouched position, holding a vessel over his head. In the background, the volcano can be seen spewing lava, along with a shower of rock.

The image is based on the recent discovery of a man’s skeleton by archaeologists during excavations at the Porta Stabia necropolis. 

Next to him, the researchers found a large terracotta vessel, which he probably used as protection while fleeing the erupting volcano almost 2,000 years ago.

It is believed that the man attempted to flee to the coast during the eruption but was killed by a rain of volcanic rock. The vessel found next to the skeleton showed clear signs of breakage. Researchers also found a small oil lamp with him, which he probably used to find his way in poor visibility, as well as bronze coins.

The Archaeological Park says that the AI reconstruction is an experimental prototype. The aim is to make the results of archaeological research more accessible to a non-specialist audience.

The park’s German director, Gabriel Zuchtriegel, explained that "when used correctly, AI can contribute to a renewal of classical studies by telling the story of the classical world in a more immersive way."

Archaeologists continue to make spectacular discoveries in Pompeii, which was buried in ash, mud, and lava during the eruption of 79 AD.

Pompeii was rediscovered in the 18th century. The preserved remains of death and destruction still offer an insight into life in the Roman imperial age. Today, the park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy.

-- BERNAMA-dpa