Lesson 11, "How ancient Herculaneum papyrus scrolls were deciphered", focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence, archaeology, and historical research. Key aspects of this lesson include:

1. Introduction to the Herculaneum scrolls, ancient texts carbonised by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

2. Exploration of the challenges faced in reading these fragile scrolls using traditional methods.

3. Introduction to the concept of "virtual unwrapping" using AI and advanced imaging techniques.

4. Discussion of the Vesuvius Challenge, a competitive prize that enlisted over a thousand research teams to work on deciphering the scrolls.

5. Examination of how AI and machine learning are used to analyse vast amounts of data from scans of the scrolls, identifying patterns that might be letters or words.

6. Consideration of how this technology might change the way we study history and uncover new information about the ancient world.

7. Discussion of the ethical implications of using AI to "read" sealed historical documents.

This lesson aims to demonstrate the potential of AI in historical research and archaeology, while also encouraging students to think critically about the implications of such technology. It highlights the interdisciplinary nature of modern historical research, combining elements of computer science, physics, and traditional historical methods.