Sponsored by

Dear Reader,

Flipped.ai’s weekly newsletter read by more than 75,000 professionals, entrepreneurs, decision makers and investors around the world.

In this week's newsletter, we highlight a significant achievement: students securing a $700,000 prize for their AI-driven deciphering of a 2,000-year-old Vesuvius scroll. This breakthrough reveals insights into Greek philosophy and underscores AI's potential in unraveling ancient texts, led by Dr. Brent Seales.

Before, we dive into our newsletter, checkout our sponsor for this newsletter.

💥FREE AI & ChatGPT Workshop (Holiday Season Offer) 🎁

🚀Join this 3-hour power-packed workshop (worth $99) for FREE and learn hacks to 10X work output and grow your business. 

👉Click here to register (FREE for First 100) 🎁

With AI & ChatGPT, you will be able to:

✅ Make smarter decisions based on data in seconds using AI 

✅ Automate daily tasks and increase productivity & creativity

✅ Skyrocket your business growth by leveraging the power of AI

✅ Save 1000s of dollars by using ChatGPT to simplify complex problems 

👉 Click here to register (Limited seats: FREE for First 100 people only)🎁

Unlocking ancient wisdom: AI deciphers 2,000-Year-Old scroll in breakthrough discovery

In a historic breakthrough, a team of three students has claimed a $700,000 prize for successfully utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to decipher a 2,000-year-old scroll that was charred during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. This unreadable text, recovered from the Roman town of Herculaneum, is believed to have once belonged to Julius Caesar's father-in-law and provides insights into ancient Greek philosophy. The achievement has been hailed as a "revolution" in the understanding of classical philosophy, shedding light on the teachings of Philodemus, a follower of Epicurus, who may have served as a philosopher-in-residence at Herculaneum.

The ancient mystery and the Vesuvius challenge

In the 18th century, the discovery of hundreds of papyrus scrolls in the library of a luxurious villa in Herculaneum marked a unique find, representing the sole library of texts from ancient Roman times to be unearthed. However, the volcanic debris from Mount Vesuvius had severely damaged the scrolls, rendering them unreadable as attempts to unroll them resulted in their disintegration. Dr. Federica, a papyrology researcher at the University of Naples, described this challenge as both a "curse" and a saving grace. The high temperatures during the eruption carbonized and preserved the scripts that would otherwise have decomposed over time.

Last year, Dr. Brent Seales and his team at the University of Kentucky used high-resolution CT scans to unroll the texts, but the challenge persisted. The black carbon ink used on the scripts proved indecipherable from the papyrus itself. In response, Dr. Seales launched the Vesuvius Challenge, a $1 million prize for anyone who could provide a solution to this ancient mystery.

Tech students unveil the power of AI

In an unexpected turn, a team of three students, not specializing in philosophy but technology, rose to the challenge. Youssef Nader, a PhD student in Berlin, Luke Farritor, a SpaceX intern and student, and Julian Schillinger, a Swiss Robotics student, recognized the potential of artificial intelligence in cracking this ancient code. Building an AI model leveraging pattern recognition, the students achieved what scholars and experts had deemed impossible for centuries.

Dr. Federica expressed the profound impact of this breakthrough, stating, "This is the start of a revolution in Greek philosophy in general." The AI model, by working out the lettering, successfully deciphered 2,000 Greek characters from one of the four scrolls scanned by Dr. Seales' team. However, this represents only 5% of the total text, leaving the potential for further discoveries immense.

Philosophical insights unveiled

Translated excerpts from the deciphered characters reveal the author discussing the sources of pleasure in life, with references to music and food. In one compelling passage, Philodemus questions whether scarcity enhances pleasure, stating, "as too in the case of food, we do not right away believe things that are scarce to be absolutely more pleasant than those which are abundant." These philosophical insights provide a unique window into the intellectual pursuits and contemplations of ancient minds.

The future of AI in unlocking ancient texts

The team behind the Vesuvius Challenge is optimistic about the potential applications of this technology. They aim to use AI to read 90% of all four scrolls scanned this year, and eventually, extend this capability to all 800 scrolls. The breakthrough not only offers a glimpse into the past but also hints at a future where artificial intelligence becomes an invaluable tool for deciphering ancient texts, providing access to knowledge and wisdom previously lost to time.

The confluence of technology and antiquity

In conclusion, the successful deciphering of the 2,000-year-old scroll using AI marks a watershed moment in the intersection of technology and antiquity. The unexpected collaboration between tech-savvy students and ancient philosophy has opened new avenues for understanding classical texts. As the Vesuvius Challenge continues, the potential for AI to unlock the remaining mysteries within the scrolls holds promise for scholars, historians, and enthusiasts alike. This groundbreaking achievement reaffirms the ever-expanding role of artificial intelligence in reshaping our understanding of the past and enriching our collective knowledge.

The blending of technology and antiquity has unveiled not only a scroll's content but also the possibilities for AI to contribute to unraveling historical enigmas. The Vesuvius Challenge serves as a testament to the power of collaboration between disparate fields, bringing forth a convergence that promises to illuminate the shadows of ancient wisdom. As we navigate this confluence of technology and antiquity, the potential for further revelations and a deeper understanding of our shared history becomes increasingly tangible. The AI-driven journey into the past may just be the beginning of a transformative era in which technology acts as a bridge to connect us with the profound narratives embedded in the annals of time.

Get the latest in AI and tech. Subscribe this newsletter for exclusive insights and stay ahead of the game.

Are you ready to revolutionize your learning experience? Introducing to you our brand new YouTube Channel, "Flipped Classrooms"!

Unlock a world of knowledge with Flipped Classrooms! Enjoy exclusive, free access to our extensive upcoming library of 100+ courses powered by Flipped.ai. Dive into learning, explore new horizons, and empower yourself. Subscribe for exciting updates and let's flip the script on traditional learning! [Link]

Thank you for being part of our community, and we look forward to continuing this journey of growth and innovation together!

Best regards,

Flipped.ai Editorial Team