AI Study Suggests Dead Sea Scrolls Are Older Than Estimated

Quick Summary

• Traditional methods like palaeography and radiocarbon dating previously estimated the Dead Sea Scrolls’ age to between the 3rd century B.C.E. and the 2nd century C.E.
• A new AI-based date prediction model called “enoch” suggests the scrolls may be older than earlier estimates.
• researchers used a combination of radiocarbon data, palaeography, and Enoch’s analysis on ink patterns to narrow down more precise dates for these ancient texts.
• Findings reveal that certain Jewish script styles (Hasmonaean and Herodian) might have coexisted as at least the late 2nd century B.C.E., predating earlier assumptions about their origin.
• Biblical fragments, including from Daniel (4Q114) and Ecclesiastes (4Q109), appear to date back to times associated with their presumed authors – indicating they were written much earlier than traditionally thought.
• The study provides insights into literacy progress in Judea during the Hellenistic era, as well as intellectual shifts across Mediterranean societies.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The application of AI in historical and archaeological studies introduces a groundbreaking opportunity for reevaluating ancient texts and cultures. For India-home to similarly significant manuscripts like Vedic scriptures-the success of models such as Enoch could pave the way for employing machine-learning tools in refining our understanding of indigenous textual history. The accurate dating capabilities can help resolve debates over authorship timelines or intellectual developments tied directly to India’s own religious or cultural evolution.

Furthermore, insights gleaned from this study on literacy progression during critical historical periods might serve as inspiration for deeper comparative work into how ancient civilizations shaped philosophical discourses globally. With India’s expansive literary legacy equally intricately linked with shaping global thoughts, aligning technological advancements with academic pursuits could prove invaluable.

Read More: AI Reveals dead Sea Scrolls May Be Older Than Previously Thought