Impact of New Technology and Research
Impact of new technology
Deciphering Papyri * 1800 carbonized papyrus scrolls in Villa of Papyri * Problem – opening, unrolling and reading of fragile papyri * In recent years, renewed efforts have become evident to decipher the scrolls * Computer enhancement * Digital imaging used to extract images from scrolls and uncover text that is not visible to human eye. * Pattern image recognition and medical imaging techniques allow the future of deciphering scrolls without unrolling them.
Human Remains
Estelle Lazer and the skeletons of Pompeii * Many human remains found in Pompeii * Lazer worked on over 300 individuals – stored in the female part of forum baths. * Techniques of forensic medicine and physical anthropology were used to determine sex, age-at-death, height, health and population affinities of the victims – shedded light on many aspects of Pompeian life. * These techniques demonstrated the value of this technology – allowing for careful extraction of details and minimisation of destruction of human remains.
Skeletons of Herculaneum – Sara Bisel * Closely examined 139 skeletons on the beachfront since 1982 * Concluded that: * Low birth rate – abortion present? * Wide diverse genetic inheritance of this population * Evidence for childhood malnutrition and gum disease * Widespread lead poisoning – due to lead present in everyday items e.g. cups. * Detailed study – 162 skeletons done in 2001 by Lugi Capasso – showed that the people of Pompeii were in good health during their bone growth period * Herculaneum skeletal remains in better condition of preservation that Pompeii due to careful excavation and documentation * Recent studies show more people died from extreme heat, rather than
Deciphering Papyri * 1800 carbonized papyrus scrolls in Villa of Papyri * Problem – opening, unrolling and reading of fragile papyri * In recent years, renewed efforts have become evident to decipher the scrolls * Computer enhancement * Digital imaging used to extract images from scrolls and uncover text that is not visible to human eye. * Pattern image recognition and medical imaging techniques allow the future of deciphering scrolls without unrolling them.
Human Remains
Estelle Lazer and the skeletons of Pompeii * Many human remains found in Pompeii * Lazer worked on over 300 individuals – stored in the female part of forum baths. * Techniques of forensic medicine and physical anthropology were used to determine sex, age-at-death, height, health and population affinities of the victims – shedded light on many aspects of Pompeian life. * These techniques demonstrated the value of this technology – allowing for careful extraction of details and minimisation of destruction of human remains.
Skeletons of Herculaneum – Sara Bisel * Closely examined 139 skeletons on the beachfront since 1982 * Concluded that: * Low birth rate – abortion present? * Wide diverse genetic inheritance of this population * Evidence for childhood malnutrition and gum disease * Widespread lead poisoning – due to lead present in everyday items e.g. cups. * Detailed study – 162 skeletons done in 2001 by Lugi Capasso – showed that the people of Pompeii were in good health during their bone growth period * Herculaneum skeletal remains in better condition of preservation that Pompeii due to careful excavation and documentation * Recent studies show more people died from extreme heat, rather than