New Study Suggests Dead Sea Scrolls Are Older Than Previously Estimated
Revolutionary AI analysis suggests the Dead Sea Scrolls could be over 400 years older than previously thought, dating back to 200 B.C.
The Dead Sea Scrolls, a cornerstone of ancient biblical scholarship, may predate previous estimates by several decades, according to recently published research employing artificial intelligence (AI). This international study, led by scholars from the Netherlands, Italy, and Denmark, introduced an advanced machine learning model christened "Enoch" to refine the dating of these invaluable documents.
Enoch, aptly named after the biblical figure, utilizes Bayesian ridge regression applied to distinct handwriting-style descriptors found on each scroll. By meticulously analyzing paleographic evidence — essentially, the evolution of handwritten scripts — the model draws on thousands of characteristics to assess the likely period in which each scroll was penned. The research team also cross-referenced their AI-driven predictions with radiocarbon dating, seeking to anchor their findings securely in both technology and traditional science.
Until now, scholarly consensus placed most Dead Sea Scrolls in the window between 150 and 50 B.C. However, Enoch's analysis revealed that many of the texts may actually date as far back as 200 B.C., pushing their origins at least a generation earlier than previously believed. In a published statement, the researchers emphasized that “Enoch’s style-based predictions are often older than traditionally assumed paleographic estimates, leading to a new chronology of the scrolls and the re-dating of ancient Jewish key texts that contribute to current debates on Jewish and Christian origins.”
This new framework could have significant implications for our understanding of religious history. The authors noted that the revised dates are “realistic," explaining, “There are no compelling paleographic or historical reasons that preclude these older dates as reliable time markers.” Their findings open important debates on the development of ancient Jewish thought and early Christian traditions, potentially shifting timelines and interpretations within biblical scholarship.
The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in a series of desert caves near the Dead Sea in the late 1940s and 1950s, have long offered scholars a unique look into Second Temple Judaism. These manuscripts include religious texts that were previously unknown or only partially known through later copies. Their preservation and study illuminate centuries-old debates about the formation of Jewish law, community life, and scriptural interpretation during a pivotal era in world history.
Interest in the scrolls has remained robust since their initial discovery, with new fragments and insights continuing to emerge. In recent years, fresh discoveries and high-profile exhibitions, including those hosted at major institutions, have drawn crowds and renewed scholarly attention. The deployment of cutting-edge artificial intelligence in this latest study underscores how modern technology can reshape our understanding of even the oldest artifacts, adding new dimensions to the ongoing exploration of humanity’s ancient past.
