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Classics & Ancient History

If you work in Classics or Ancient History, the AI-assisted tasks you are most likely to encounter are translation and language work, analysing images of inscriptions or objects, working with fragmentary or lacunose texts, and spatial analysis of the ancient world. Close reading and teaching preparation are also relevant across the discipline.

Suggested reading order

  1. Start here: Translation & Language — covers ancient language work, checking model output against grammars and lexica, and the specific pitfalls of working with Greek, Latin, and other classical languages.

  2. Images, Objects & Visual Evidence — working with photographs of inscriptions, pottery, coins, and archaeological material.

  3. Close Reading & Textual Analysis — using AI for commentary, argument analysis, and engagement with secondary literature.

  4. Spatial & Geographic Analysis — mapping, gazetteers, and geographic reasoning about the ancient world.

  5. Teaching & Assessment — preparing seminars, tutorials, and assessments.

See also: Quantitative & Tabular Data if you work with catalogues, databases, or statistical evidence.

Further reading

Source-facing AI tools

  • Ithaca (Google DeepMind) --- Ancient Greek inscriptions: restoration of missing text, geographical attribution, and chronological dating via deep learning on epigraphic parallels. ithaca.deepmind.com

  • Aeneas (Google DeepMind) --- Latin inscriptions: the Latin counterpart to Ithaca. Restoration, dating, and provenance assistance.

  • Vesuvius Challenge --- Machine learning + imaging applied to carbonised Herculaneum papyri. scrollprize.org

  • Transkribus --- Handwritten text recognition for manuscripts and archival material. transkribus.org

Pedagogy

  • Shawn Graham, Practical Necromancy for Beginners (Digital Press at the University of North Dakota, 2025) --- AI for archaeology and history. Good for framing, caution, and classroom discussion.

  • Morrice et al., "Making Use of AI in the Classics Classroom," Journal of Classics Teaching (2025) --- Practical uses (translation exercises, question generation, comprehension tasks) plus risks and limits.

  • "Artificial Intelligence and the Practice of History: A Forum," American Historical Review 128, no. 3 (September 2023): 1345--89 --- Multiple perspectives from practising historians.