Archaeologists at Pompeii have used artificial intelligence to reconstruct the appearance of a victim of the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius, the first such use of the technology at the site. The AI-generated image, released on Monday by the Pompeii Archaeological Park, depicts a man ducking with a large bowl over his head against a backdrop of the flaming volcano.
The reconstruction is based on recently discovered adult male remains found outside the city’s southern gates, beside a terracotta mortar that likely served as his protection. Archaeologists believe the man was killed by volcanic rocks during the second day of the eruption while attempting to flee towards the sea. He was also carrying a lamp and ten bronze coins.
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, head of the archaeological park, said: “If used well, artificial intelligence can contribute to a renewal of classical studies, illustrating the classical world in a more immersive way.”
Pompeii, located 25 kilometres south-east of Naples, was buried under metres of ash during the eruption, preserving buildings, objects, and graffiti. Rediscovered in the 18th century, it is now a major archaeological site and tourist destination, attracting 4.3 million visitors in 2024.
