Investigation of Herculaneum Papyri by X-Ray Phase-Contrast Tomography

Advanced X-ray phase-contrast tomography (XPCT) and modern computing technologies allow extremely fragile papyrus rolls to be efficiently analyzed from micro- to macro-levels. 3D virtual study of the Herculaneum papyri structure provides a unique opportunity not only for the tracking of the valuable texts contained in them, but also for reconstructing their original format and the historical events undergone by them, including modern ways to unroll them. In particular, XPCT combined with scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence analysis looks into the world of ancient bookrolls in a way that has never been imagined before. From this point of view, XPCT and computing technologies serve as unique tools for the nondestructive investigation, conservation, and exploitation of this extraordinary cultural heritage. This research shows that Herculaneum papyri disclose priceless information not only for scholars of papyrology, ancient philosophy and literature, but also for scientists from other fields.