Indiana Jones: Myth, Reality And 21st Century Archaeology

On January 20th, 2015 the New York Times published an exciting development in the research of the Herculaneum library’s carbonized papyrus scrolls. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius that decimated Pompeii in A.D. 79 also impacted Herculaneum. The super hot gases and ash from the eruption preserved the papyrus documents. Since their excavation in 1752, researchers have been trying to find a way to read the scrolls. This goal is finally becoming reality thanks to the work of Dr. Vito Mocella and his team at the Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems. With the use of a laser-like beam of X-rays they are able to pick up the very slight contrast between the carbonized papyrus fibers and the ancient ink. Today the Indy Team is pleased to have Dr. Vito Mocella and Dr. Richard Janko join us to talk about the the scrolls and their proverbial unraveling and translation.