Archaeologists at the ancient Roman site of Pompeii have employed artificial intelligence for the first time to digitally reconstruct the face of a victim from the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The digital portrait depicts an older man who was among two victims found attempting to flee the city toward the coast of what is now Italy during the volcanic eruption.
Researchers believe this man died earlier in the disaster, during a heavy fall of volcanic debris. The reconstruction was developed by the Pompeii Archaeological Park in collaboration with the University of Padua and is based on archaeological survey data from excavations near the Porta Stabia necropolis, just outside the walls of the ancient city.
Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage site near Naples, was buried under ash and pumice when Mount Vesuvius erupted nearly 2,000 years ago, preserving the city and thousands of its inhabitants in remarkable detail. Archaeologists found the victim holding a terracotta mortar, which they interpret as an improvised attempt to shield his head from falling lapilli.
Ancient accounts describe residents using objects to protect themselves as ash and debris blanketed the city. The man was also carrying an oil lamp, a small iron ring and 10 bronze coins, personal objects that offer insight into his final moments as well as daily life in Pompeii before the catastrophe. Archaeologists noted that many victims were discovered near the city gates, emphasizing that many may have lost their lives outside the city.
Last year, archaeologists discovered evidence pointing to the reoccupation of Pompeii following the devastating eruption because some survivors could not afford to start a new life elsewhere. The digital portrait was created using artificial intelligence and photo-editing techniques designed to translate skeletal and archaeological data into a realistic human likeness. Researchers believe that only with the help of AI will they be able to adequately protect and enhance archaeological data.
The project aims to make archaeological research more accessible and emotionally engaging for the public while maintaining a scientific foundation, researchers said. Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli stated that investigations conducted with these excavations demonstrate that innovative methodologies can give us new historical perspectives. Earlier this year, archaeologists announced they had uncovered a 2,000-year-old love note and an illustrated gladiator fight scene on a wall in Pompeii.