Elon Musk backs a 'pivotal' AI archaeology initiative that could rewrite history books.
Elon Musk already has ambitious plans for humanity's future. The world's richest man has positioned solar energy as the ultimate pathway to decarbonisation, stressing that making this transition depends on developing technologies capable of efficiently capturing and storing sunlight for 'later use.'
Now, the Tesla CEO is channelling resources towards what could be described as a digital renaissance in archaeology. The initiative is aimed at reimagining life in ancient Rome with technology that potentially could lead to history books being rewritten.
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Through the Musk foundation, the SpaceX founder donated $1 million to the American Institute for Roman Culture (AIRC).
The substantial donation supports AIRC's Ancient Rome Live platform, which documents and preserves Roman heritage as part of the organisation's broader Expandere Conscientiae Lumen initiative (which is Latin for 'to expand the light of knowledge').
At a ceremony hosted by the AIRC on 24 October, Musk spoke about his fascination with ancient Roman civilisation, according to The Times of London.
"I am interested in history and Rome constitutes a large part of the history of Western civilisation," Musk said, adding that AI could fill knowledge gaps by helping write 'a new history book based entirely on ancient material and archaeology.'
While the AIRC hasn't detailed how artificial intelligence factors into its ongoing projects, historical researchers have already begun incorporating AI for various tasks like translating ancient texts, analysing artefacts and digitally mapping ancient structures.
In a statement released earlier this year, the AIRC announced that it had received the seven-figure donation, which it said 'reinforces Ancient Rome Live's mission of fostering global understanding and appreciation of the ancient Roman world through education, research, and innovation.'
AIRC director Darius Arya said: "This grant marks a pivotal moment for Ancient Rome Live.
"We are deeply honoured by the Musk Foundation’s recognition of our work. This is confirmation of our work and we are really excited to be the participatory organisation selecting new, innovative projects in the field."
Musk has already expressed a huge interest in ancient Roman history and was spotted at the Colosseum and the Pantheon during his trip to the Eternal City.
Back in August, Musk pondered: "I wonder if Marcus Aurelius could have done more to carry Rome to greater heights or whether that was as good a job as could have been done."
And last November, the entrepreneur also remarked that the US represents the 'New Rome.'