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Pompeii Walls Whisper New Secrets
19 Jan
Summary
- New imaging technology revealed nearly 80 unseen inscriptions on Pompeii walls.
- The discoveries include a love note, gladiatorial scene, and insults.
- This technology unlocks previously invisible details on surfaces considered well-documented.
New imaging technology has uncovered nearly 80 previously unseen inscriptions etched into a wall in Pompeii. The "corridor whispers" project utilized Reflectance Transformation Imaging to reveal faint scratches invisible to the naked eye, leading to significant discoveries on a surface previously considered thoroughly documented.
These newly revealed inscriptions offer a glimpse into daily life in the ancient city, including a love note, a gladiatorial combat scene, and insults. The findings have astonished archaeologists, demonstrating that even well-explored sites can yield fresh insights with the application of innovative techniques. This breakthrough is crucial for understanding Pompeii's past.
Researchers are developing a 3D platform to visualize these graffiti, combining photogrammetry and RTI data. This initiative, a collaboration between Sorbonne University and Quebec University with Pompeii authorities, emphasizes the immense heritage contained within the site's over 10,000 known inscriptions, opening new avenues for historical research.
