Aeneas, an artificial intelligence model co-developed by Google DeepMind and the University of Nottingham, is transforming the analysis of ancient Roman inscriptions. This AI tool assists historians in interpreting, dating, and restoring fragmentary texts, offering a more efficient approach to understanding the past.
Traditional methods of studying these inscriptions are time-consuming and often require extensive expertise. Aeneas accelerates this process by analyzing thousands of Latin inscriptions, identifying textual and contextual parallels in seconds. It can also process both text and images, enabling it to restore damaged texts and predict their geographical and chronological context.
In tests, Aeneas demonstrated its capabilities by analyzing the Res Gestae Divi Augusti, a significant Roman inscription. The AI provided a distribution of possible dates, capturing prevailing scholarly debates, and identified linguistic features that reflect imperial political discourse. This showcases Aeneas's potential to uncover deeper insights into historical texts.
Historians have found Aeneas to be a valuable tool, noting its ability to uncover parallels and provide context that might be overlooked through traditional methods. However, experts emphasize that while Aeneas is a powerful aid, it should complement, not replace, human expertise in historical research.
Aeneas represents a significant advancement in the field of epigraphy, bridging the gap between technology and humanities. Its development exemplifies how AI can enhance our understanding of ancient societies, offering new perspectives on history.