The Potential Impact of ChatGPT on the Study of Ancient Languages

ChatGPT, a powerful artificial intelligence (AI) tool, has recently been introduced to the academic community, particularly in fields such as Egyptology and Assyriology. The intriguing capabilities of this AI model have sparked discussions about its potential impact on the study of ancient languages. This article explores the initial findings and implications of using ChatGPT in the study of ancient languages, focusing on its role in understanding the procurement of raw materials in ancient societies.

ChatGPT's Role in Egyptology

My first encounter with ChatGPT was during a seminar on Egyptology, where we were tasked with exploring how AI systems respond to specific queries related to the procurement of raw materials in ancient Egypt. The seminar focused on the expeditions to obtain raw materials, a crucial aspect of ancient Egyptian civilization. Our professor posed the question: 'How did the ancient Egyptians obtain their raw materials?' My experience with AI was limited, making this an interesting experiment.

Upon querying ChatGPT, the AI provided a comprehensive response that outlined various methods the ancient Egyptians used to obtain raw materials. The response included:

Mining, such as extracting minerals and metals in the Eastern Desert Quarrying for construction materials like limestone and granite Trade networks for importing cedar, ebony, and lapis lazuli Local resource use, such as papyrus from the Nile Delta River transport via the Nile for moving goods Domestic production of ceramics and pottery

The response indicated that the ancient Egyptians practiced a combination of local resource use and external trade. However, the answer did not emphasize how much of the materials were produced domestically, which was a notable absentee in the response. Despite this, the information provided was valuable and offered a broad overview of the ancient Egyptian method of resource procurement.

Implications for Assyriology

My experience with ChatGPT opened my eyes to the potential of AI in various fields, especially in Assyriology. Assyriology, the study of the ancient civilization of Assyria and related cultures, involves reading and deciphering cuneiform script on clay tablets. This task is not only challenging but also time-consuming, with hundreds of thousands of such tablets yet to be deciphered. The idea of using AI to assist in the initial deciphering and interpretation of these texts is both fascinating and promising.

The AI could potentially provide a raw, first-pass translation that scholars could refine and verify. This would significantly speed up the process of research and allow for more efficient use of time. Nonetheless, it is important to note that AI-generated translations are not infallible and require expert verification and further interpretation.

Conclusion

ChatGPT and similar AI tools have the potential to revolutionize the study of ancient languages and civilizations. While the technology may not replace scholars, it can serve as a valuable tool for preliminary research and initial translation. In the field of Egyptology, it offers a broad overview of the methods used to obtain raw materials and understanding of domestic production and trade. In Assyriology, AI could assist in deciphering and translating ancient texts, making the process more efficient and accessible.

Nevertheless, it is crucial to use these tools responsibly, ensuring that the information provided by AI is verified and supplemented with expert knowledge. The future of academic research in ancient languages looks promising, with AI playing a significant role in enhancing our understanding of these civilizations.