A groundbreaking initiative combining artificial intelligence and citizen science is making progress in decoding ancient scrolls that were carbonized by Mount Vesuvius’s eruption in 79 CE. The Vesuvius Challenge, launched with a $1 million prize pool, has successfully revealed readable text from these delicate papyrus scrolls using AI-powered imaging analysis. Three computer scientists recently claimed the grand prize by deciphering four passages containing at least 140 legible Greek characters. Their breakthrough involved using machine learning algorithms to analyze high-resolution CT scans of the scrolls, detecting subtle variations in the papyrus surface that indicate the presence of ink. The team developed specialized AI models to enhance the contrast between the ink and the charred papyrus, making previously invisible text visible. This success has opened new possibilities for reading hundreds of other scrolls from the same collection, which were discovered in a villa near ancient Herculaneum. The decoded text appears to be a philosophical discussion about pleasure and luxury, possibly written by Epicurean philosopher Philodemus. This project demonstrates the powerful combination of modern technology and historical preservation, showing how AI can help unlock ancient knowledge that was previously thought lost forever. The success has encouraged further research, with additional prizes being offered for decoding more text from these valuable historical artifacts.