Archaeologists at Pompeii use artificial intelligence to reveal the face of one of the victims

Archaeologists at the ancient Roman site of Pompeii have used artificial intelligence to digitally reconstruct the face of a victim of the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The digital portrait represents an older man discovered near the Porta Stabia necropolis, outside the city walls. Researchers believe he died during a heavy fall of volcanic debris while attempting to flee toward the coast. The man was found holding a terracotta mortar, likely used to shield his head from falling lapilli, and was carrying personal objects including an oil lamp, a small iron ring, and 10 bronze coins. The reconstruction was developed by the Pompeii Archaeological Park and the University of Padua using archaeological survey data and AI techniques. The project aims to make archaeological research more accessible and emotionally engaging for the public.