Successful Multispectral Imaging of Ancient Greek Palimpsests in Vienna

A two-week multispectral imaging session recently wrapped up at the Austrian National Library in Vienna, successfully capturing invaluable data from numerous ancient and historically significant Greek palimpsest manuscripts (FWF funded project “The Vienna Basilica Palimpsests“) . A dedicated team of five experts, including skilled photographers, technicians, and image processing scientists, meticulously worked to image these valuable texts, focusing on deciphering their often-illegible hidden layers.

EMEL extends its sincere gratitude to the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OEAW) and Jana Gruskova, as well as the Papyrus Department of the Austrian National Library, for their invaluable collaboration and support in making this endeavor a success.

Similar Projects

  • XRF session in Hamburg

    EMEL collaborated with the Centre for the Study of Manuscript Cultures (CSMC) in a fascinating XRF data collection session in Hamburg (Germany), for the FWF funded project “The Vienna Basilica Palimpsests“. Imaging manuscripts using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) allows us to analyze a wide range of elements in an non-invasive approach, which assists our efforts in…

  • Project Update: EMEL Spectral Imaging of Codex Climaci Rescriptus at MOTB

    EMEL completed a dedicated multispectral imaging campaign at the Museum of the Bible (Washington, DC) to support the documentation of key folios of the Codex Climaci Rescriptus (CCR). The on‑site team included imaging Scientists from EMEL and RIT, along with technical support from MegaVision. This work captured high‑resolution datasets to assess condition, highlight obscured text,…

  • SLAC X‑rays reveal hidden Hipparchus star maps — with EMEL’s contributions

    Photo credits: X-ray fluorescence imaging is illuminating Hipparchus’ lost star catalog, allowing researchers to learn more about ancient astronomy. Jacqueline Ramseyer Orrell/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Synchrotron X‑rays at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SLAC) have brought to light additional long‑erased Greek astronomical text— including coordinates tied to Hipparchus’s star catalog—beneath later Syriac writing in the…