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A volcanic eruption ruined the ancient Roman city of Pompeii almost 2,000 years ago. Now, archaeologists in Italy have used artificial intelligence (AI) for the first time to recreate what one of the victims might have looked like.
The Pompeii Archaeological Park shared a picture made by a computer. It shows a man trying to hide while holding a big bowl over his head. Mount Vesuvius is burning in the background.
It is based on the recent discovery of the remains of a male adult outside one of the city’s southern gates.
His remains were found next to a clay mortar that he probably used for protection. Archaeologists think the man was killed by falling volcanic rocks on the second day of the eruption.
He was trying to run to the sea. He had a lamp and 10 bronze coins with him.
“If used well, artificial intelligence can contribute to a renewal of classical studies, illustrating the classical world in a more immersive way,” Gabriel Zuchtriegel said. He is the head of the archaeological park.
Pompeii was a busy city located about 25km southeast of Naples. In the year 79, a volcano called Mount Vesuvius erupted. This huge event covered the city in ash. It also preserved its buildings, objects and writings. The eruption lasted for two days.
Remains of the ancient city were found in the 1700s. This place is one of the world’s most important archaeological sites.
It is also very popular with tourists in Italy. In 2024, about 4.3 million people visited Pompeii.
