Hidden behind a locked door in the British Museum in London is a beautiful library containing ancient clay tablets imprinted with the world’s oldest written language. These tablets are written in cuneiform, a script that was deciphered 165 years ago. However, the majority of texts using this script have never been translated, as it requires experts who can read cuneiform fluently. Now, with the help of artificial intelligence (AI), computers are being trained to read and translate cuneiform, reconstruct fragmented tablets, and even predict missing text. These advancements are allowing the earliest works of literature to be fully understood and providing insights into ancient civilizations.
Inside this secret library at the British Museum, Irving Finkel, assistant keeper of ancient Mesopotamian script, languages, and cultures, pulls out clay tablets from drawers. One tablet is a list of omens, while another is a prayer to the god Marduk. Finkel is one of the few individuals in the world who can read and understand this long-dead script.
Currently, a photographer captures images of these ancient writings, carefully positioning lights to highlight the indented etchings. This work is part of a revolutionary effort to use AI and computing power to bring these 5000-year-old texts back to life. By utilizing AI, researchers are able to decipher and translate cuneiform texts, reconstruct lost libraries, and gain a deeper understanding of the world’s first civilization.
Thanks to AI, computers are being trained to read and translate cuneiform, a complex task which was previously left to experts like Finkel. These advancements enable the translation of ancient texts into modern languages, shedding light on the stories that later appeared in the Bible and providing insights into civilizations at the dawn of history.
This fascinating process of unlocking the secrets of ancient cuneiform texts with AI is allowing us to rediscover the profound knowledge and stories of our past.
Insights
– The British Museum houses a secret library containing clay tablets written in cuneiform, the world’s oldest written language.
– Cuneiform texts have historically been translated by experts, as it is a challenging task that requires fluency in the script.
– With the help of AI, computers are now being trained to read and translate cuneiform, reconstruct fragmented tablets, and predict missing text.
– These advancements are providing a deeper understanding of ancient civilizations and allowing the earliest works of literature to be read in full for the first time.
– The utilization of AI in deciphering cuneiform texts is revolutionizing the field and uncovering invaluable knowledge from our past.
