Archaeologists Use AI to Reconstruct Face of Pompeii Victim from AD 79 Eruption

Archaeologists at the ancient Roman site of Pompeii used artificial intelligence for the first time to digitally reconstruct the face of a victim of the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The digital portrait represents an older man who was among two victims discovered as they attempted to flee the city toward the coast of what is now Italy during the AD 79 volcanic eruption.

Researchers believe the man died earlier in the AD 79 disaster during a heavy fall of volcanic debris.

The reconstruction was developed by the Pompeii Archaeological Park in collaboration with the University of Padua. The reconstruction is based on archaeological survey data from excavations near the Porta Stabia necropolis just outside the walls of the ancient city. Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage site near Naples.

Pompeii was buried under ash and pumice when Mount Vesuvius erupted nearly 2,000 years ago. The eruption preserved the city and thousands of its inhabitants in remarkable detail. Archaeologists found the victim holding a terracotta mortar.

Archaeologists interpret the terracotta mortar as an improvised attempt to shield the victim's head from falling lapilli during the AD 79 eruption. Lapilli are small volcanic stones that rained down during the AD 79 eruption. The man was carrying an oil lamp, a small iron ring, and 10 bronze coins.

The victim was discovered near the city gates. Ancient accounts, including those of Roman writer Pliny the Younger, describe residents using objects to protect themselves as ash and debris blanketed the city.

The man was also carrying personal objects that offer insight into his final moments as well as daily life in Pompeii before the catastrophe, according to the source material. Archaeologists discovered evidence pointing to the reoccupation of Pompeii following the AD 79 eruption last year.

The digital portrait was created using artificial intelligence and photo-editing techniques to translate skeletal and archaeological data into a realistic human likeness.

"The vastness of archaeological data is now such that only with the help of artificial intelligence will we be able to adequately protect and enhance them. If used well, AI can contribute to a renewal of classical studies," Pompeii park director Gabriel Zuchtriegel said in a statement.

The project aims to make archaeological research more accessible and emotionally engaging for the public while maintaining a scientific foundation, researchers said.

"Pompeii is perhaps the most prestigious place in the world for archaeological research where every new discovery illuminates enthusiastically the plot of ancient life," Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli said in a statement. " Earlier this year, archaeologists uncovered a 2,000-year-old love note and an illustrated gladiator fight scene on a wall in Pompeii.