AI helps crack centuries-old encrypted texts from Vatican Library and beyond
By
Sandrine Ceurstemont
Tries hard. Doesn't quite make it out of the oven in one piece.
Summary
The article discusses how artificial intelligence is being used to decipher centuries-old encrypted texts and coded messages found in archives and libraries worldwide. It highlights specific examples including the 400-year-old Borg cipher from the Vatican Library (a 408-page manuscript mixing cipher symbols with Latin script), and the 4,000-year-old Phaistos disc from Crete whose symbols remain largely undeciphered. The piece explores how AI technology is helping researchers unlock historical secrets contained in these encrypted documents, from plots and love letters to ancient remedies.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledMany archives and libraries around the world contain encrypted texts that may contain valuable historical information
The symbols on the 4,000-year-old Phaistos disc – found in the remains of a Minoan palace on Crete – remain largely undeciphered
The Borg cipher is thought to be around 400 years and contains a mixture of strange cipher symbols and some Latin script on its 408 pages
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