Plato’s Birthplace revealed in the Herculaneum scrolls!

In a remarkable discovery, archaeologists have unearthed a treasure trove of knowledge from the carbonised papyrus scrolls found in the ruins of Herculaneum, shedding light on one of ancient philosophy's most revered figures: Plato.

Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher of the Classical era, stands as a towering figure in the history of Western thought. His teachings, which laid the groundwork for what later became known as Platonism, continue to influence philosophical discourse to this day.

Photo Credit: CNR - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche

The revelations about Plato's life and final resting place emerged from the meticulous analysis of carbonised papyrus scrolls recovered from Herculaneum, a Roman town tragically entombed by the cataclysmic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Alongside its more famous neighbor, Pompeii, Herculaneum bore witness to the devastating power of nature, preserving its ancient secrets beneath layers of volcanic ash and pumice for centuries.

Among the artifacts salvaged from the ruins are numerous scrolls and parchments, their delicate pages carbonised by the intense heat of the volcanic eruption. Employing cutting-edge imaging techniques such as infrared and ultraviolet optical imaging, molecular and elemental imaging, thermal imaging, tomography, and optical microscopy, researchers have begun to decode the ancient texts concealed within these fragile remnants.

One such scroll, containing the History of the Academy of Philodemus of Gadara, has yielded remarkable insights into Plato's life and legacy. Approximately 1,000 words have been deciphered, revealing details about Plato's role in the development of his famed Platonic Academy and, most notably, the location of his burial site.

While historical records had previously indicated that Plato was interred somewhere within the grounds of the Platonic School in Athens, the newfound evidence has refined our understanding, pinpointing his final resting place to a private garden adjacent to the Museion, a sanctuary dedicated to the Muses.

Moreover, the text offers a poignant revelation about Plato's early life, recounting his harrowing experience as a slave following the Spartan conquest of the island of Aegina. This period of servitude, spanning from approximately 404 BC to 399 BC, adds a poignant chapter to the life of the philosopher whose ideas continue to resonate across millennia.

As scholars continue to delve into the mysteries of Herculaneum, we are reminded of the profound connections that link the past to the present, illuminating the timeless wisdom of those who have gone before us.