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New AI tool changes how we study ancient Rome

Researchers unveil Aeneas, an AI system that predicts missing words in ancient Roman inscriptions.

July 23, 2025 at 03:01 PM

Gaps in what we know about ancient Romans could be filled by AI

A new system fills in missing words from ancient inscriptions carved on monuments and everyday objects.

New AI tool enhances understanding of ancient Roman history

Researchers have developed a new AI tool called Aeneas that can predict missing words from ancient Roman inscriptions found on monuments and other artifacts. This system not only identifies these lost words but also helps date and locate the inscriptions geographically. While previous AI applications have shown some success, concerns remain about the accuracy of its analyses, especially given the potential for error in interpreting historical texts. Historian Prof Dame Mary Beard praised Aeneas as transformative, stating that it could greatly speed up the research process for historians who often rely on time-consuming methods to fill in the gaps of ancient texts.

Key Takeaways

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Aeneas automates the restoration of ancient Roman inscriptions.

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AI helps in dating and placing those inscriptions geographically.

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Concerns exist about the accuracy of AI interpretations.

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Prof Dame Mary Beard views Aeneas as a transformative tool.

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The database includes 176,000 Roman inscriptions for analysis.

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The collaboration of historians and AI specialists is critical for success.

"Aeneas opens up entirely new horizons."

Prof Dame Mary Beard highlights the transformative potential of the Aeneas system.

"Inscriptions are the earliest forms of writing."

Dr Thea Sommerschield emphasizes the significance of inscriptions for historians.

"What the historian can't do is assess these parallels in a matter of seconds."

Dr Yannis Assael explains the advantage Aeneas offers to historians analyzing ancient texts.

"Interpreting them is like solving a gigantic jigsaw puzzle."

Dr Sommerschield describes the challenging nature of analyzing incomplete ancient inscriptions.

The introduction of Aeneas marks a significant shift in the way historians engage with ancient sources. While AI tools have previously assisted in textual analysis, this new model's capability to contextualize inscriptions based on a database of over 176,000 Roman texts represents a leap forward. However, the reliance on AI also raises important questions about the role of human judgment in historical research. As Prof Beard points out, this tool could facilitate breakthroughs, yet it is essential for researchers to approach AI-generated findings with caution, ensuring a balanced perspective between technological assistance and scholarly discernment.