AI used to reveal face of victim fleeing Mount Vesuvius eruption

Archaeologists at the ancient Roman site of Pompeii have used artificial intelligence for the first time to digitally reconstruct the face of a victim of the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius that smothered the city, offering a new way to understand one of history’s most famous natural disasters.

The digital portrait represents an older man who was among two victims discovered as they attempted to flee the city toward the coast of what is now Italy during the volcanic eruption. Researchers believe the man died earlier in the disaster, during a heavy fall of volcanic debris.

The reconstruction was developed by the Pompeii Archaeological Park in collaboration with the University of Padua and is based on archaeological survey data from excavations near the Porta Stabia necropolis, just outside the walls of the ancient city.

Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage site near Naples, was buried under ash and pumice when Mount Vesuvius erupted nearly 2,000 years ago, preserving the city and thousands of its inhabitants in remarkable detail.

Archaeologists found the victim holding a terracotta mortar, which they interpret as an improvised attempt to shield his head from falling lapilli, the small volcanic stones that rained down during the eruption.

Ancient accounts — including those of Roman writer Pliny the Younger — describe residents using objects to protect themselves as ash and debris blanketed the city.

The man was also carrying an oil lamp, a small iron ring and 10 bronze coins, personal objects that offer insight into his final moments as well as daily life in Pompeii before the catastrophe.

Archaeologists noted that the victim, along with many others, was discovered near the city gates, emphasizing that “it should be kept in mind that many may have lost their lives outside the city, attempting to reach the coast.”

Last year, archaeologists discovered evidence pointing to the reoccupation of Pompeii following the devastating eruption, because some survivors could not afford to start a new life elsewhere.

The digital portrait was created using artificial intelligence and photo-editing techniques designed to translate skeletal and archaeological data into a realistic human likeness.

“The vastness of archaeological data is now such that only with the help of artificial intelligence will we be able to adequately protect and enhance them. If used well, AI can contribute to a renewal of classical studies,” Pompeii park director Gabriel Zuchtriegel said in a statement.

The project aims to make archaeological research more accessible and emotionally engaging for the public while maintaining a scientific foundation, researchers said.

“Pompeii is perhaps the most prestigious place in the world for archaeological research where every new discovery illuminates enthusiastically the plot of ancient life,” Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli said in a statement. “Investigations conducted with these excavations demonstrate that innovative methodologies, used with care, can give us new historical perspectives.”

Earlier this year, archaeologists announced they had uncovered a 2,000-year-old love note and an illustrated gladiator fight scene on a wall in Pompeii.

The digital portrait was created using artificial intelligence and photo-editing techniques designed to translate skeletal and archaeological data into a realistic human likeness.