Elon Musk funds projects to explore ancient Rome

Elon Musk has donated 1 million dollars to support artificial-intelligence-powered archaeological research that could transform our understanding of Ancient Rome, according to The Independent.

The donation was made to the American Institute for Roman Culture (AIRC), an organization dedicated to expanding the study of Greco-Roman civilization, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

During the “Expandere Cotiae Lumennscien” awards ceremony, 11 grants were distributed to projects using advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence.

In a video message, Musk expressed his deep interest in history—particularly Ancient Rome, which he described as a fundamental pillar of Western civilization. He said artificial intelligence could help fill historical gaps and contribute to building “a new history book based entirely on ancient material and archaeology.”

The funded projects are using AI in highly innovative ways. For example, AI-powered drones are creating advanced 3D models of Greco-Roman sites in Jordan that are at risk of disappearing due to climate change.

In Pompeii, researchers are analyzing the “geological signatures” of pigments to uncover the ancient trade routes of Rome.

Musk’s fascination with Ancient Rome is longstanding and well documented. He has referred to himself as a “Conqueror of Mars,” praised Roman engineering as the basis of their historical dominance, and often commented on influential Roman figures such as Marcus Aurelius, according to ATSh. For him, Ancient Rome remains a continuing source of inspiration and curiosity.

These investments show that artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly important tool in archaeology, opening the door to new discoveries that may rewrite history as we know it.