Researchers have made significant strides in unveiling the secrets of a burned scroll, designated PHerc. 172, which dates back nearly 2000 years to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. The scroll is one of many that were preserved under volcanic ash in the ancient Roman town of Herculaneum, a site covered by debris during the eruption that buried the villa believed to have been owned by Julius Caesar’s father-in-law.
Unearthed by an Italian farmer in the 18th century, these scrolls have remained largely unreadable due to their fragile, carbonised state. Traditional methods, such as applying weights or chemicals, often resulted in further damage to the texts. To overcome these challenges, the Vesuvius Challenge was initiated in 2023, inviting researchers worldwide to employ advanced digital techniques to “unwrap” and decipher the scrolls virtually.
Recently, graduate students Marcel Roth and Micha Nowak from Germany’s University of Würzburg succeeded in identifying both the title and author of PHerc. 172. Their findings reveal that the scroll contains a work titled “On Vices” by the Greek philosopher Philodemus. This text forms part of a broader ethical treatise, “On Vices and Their Opposite Virtues.” The scroll may potentially be the first in this series, although there is some debate among scholars regarding its exact placement, with interpretations suggesting it may also be book four.
In parallel, researcher Sean Johnson, working within the same digital framework, reached similar conclusions about PHerc. 172, with both their results verified by a specialist team at Oxford University’s Bodleian Libraries, where the scroll is archived. The newfound text challenges previous assumptions that Philodemus’ first book in “On Vices” was “On Flattery,” indicating that researchers may have uncovered a more comprehensive view of his works.
Philodemus, known for his Epicurean philosophy, emphasised pleasure as integral to a flourishing life. The Herculaneum scrolls predominantly consist of his writings, providing insight into his ethical perspectives. Michael McOsker, a researcher at University College London, described the discovery as highly significant, noting it enhances understanding of Philodemus’ ethical framework.
The Vesuvius Challenge has not only highlighted the potential of digital technology in historical research but also allowed scholars to connect pieces of ancient thought that have remained elusive for centuries. As researchers continue to decipher these ancient writings, there is hope that more will be revealed about Philodemus’ philosophical contributions, especially if PHerc. 172 turns out to be the foundational text that elucidates the themes of virtue and vice in his work.