Portraits of the Past: How AI Breathes Life into the Faces of Medieval Ancestors
Image Source: Smithsonian | Photo Credits: Chris Ryan
The allure of the medieval era often lies in its mysteries. An epoch characterised by castles, knights, and dramatic societal changes, the medieval period has left us with many unanswered questions, particularly about the people who lived during this time. Enter a game-changing tool that's bridging the gap between the past and the present – Artificial Intelligence (AI). Scientists and historians are now using AI to reconstruct and animate the faces of individuals from the medieval era, offering an intimate glimpse into the past.
The Middle Ages Unveiled
From approximately the 5th to the 15th century, the medieval era laid the foundation for the modern world. Yet, beyond the remains of great architectural structures and the often romanticised images of knights and nobility, little is known about the everyday individuals of this era. Facial reconstruction is primarily the technique forensic scientists use to recreate what an individual’s face probably looked like. Traditionally, it involves extensively studying the skeletal remains and then combining this anatomical understanding with artistry and some guesswork.
The Science of Digital Resurrection
Nowadays, forensic scientists have modern AI at their disposal to aid in recreating faces. AI has the ability to bring about massive improvements in the faces scientists set out to recreate, allowing more accurate results. Scientists use it alongside traditional reconstruction methods. One popular artificial intelligence software scientists use is Deep Nostalgia AI by MyHeritage. This AI software has the ability to animate anything from reconstructed medieval 3D models to your old family photographs.
Breathing Life into the Bones - A Glimpse into the Tudor Period
In 2014, the skeleton of a young man who died during the Tudor Period (1485–1603) was found in Dublin. His skeleton indicated that he died in his late twenties or early thirties, lived in poverty, and engaged in hard labor. In 2017, scientists at John Moore University in Liverpool used his well-preserved skull and the help of artificial intelligence to create a three-dimensional model of his face. Considering how historians have numerous details about the Tudor nobility, but we know nearly nothing about the ordinary people, this gives us a rare glimpse of what an ordinary Dubliner looked like centuries ago.
AI facial reconstruction of a man from Tudor Period
The 'Medieval Daniel Craig'
One interesting aspect of AI facial reconstructions is finding similarities between ordinary medieval people and celebrities today. Context 958, a male body excavated from one of Britain’s largest medieval hospital graveyards underneath the Old Divinity School of St John’s College, University of Cambridge, looks uncannily like a disheveled James Bond. Context 958 probably died in his forties and belonged to the working class. His skeletal remains show signs of physical exertion, but his diet was protein-rich, suggesting he was a merchant or trader.
Context 985 | Photo Credits: Chris Rynn
Resurrecting Medieval Scots — Cold Case Whithorn
In 1957, labourers discovered stone coffins in a dilapidated medieval crypt in Whithorn Priory, Scotland. Over 60 years later, The Whithorn Trust, the Scottish nonprofit that maintains Whithorn Priory, teamed up with experts at the University of Bradford and launched the Cold Case Whithorn, an ongoing archaeological project aiming to uncover the faces of those who lived in Whithorn in the early medieval period. Three faces have already been reconstructed: a religious cleric, a woman, and a bishop, all of whom lived between the 12th and 14th centuries. Their skulls were reconstructed through 3D scanning by Dr. Adrian Evans at the University of Bradford, and then the forensic techniques of facial approximation, reconstruction, and depiction were applied to the scans by Dr. Christopher Rynn, a craniofacial anthropologist and forensic artist from the University of Dundee who is working on the project. Dr. Rynn utilised Deep Nostalgia to animate the reconstructed models.
Among the reconstructed Scots, the most notable is Bishop Walter of Galloway, who presided over Whithorn from 1209 to 1235. His skeleton indicates that he consumed a diet of fish and was obese. His influence is evident through the fact that he was fully dressed at his burial and was buried with valuable possessions. Another reconstructed figure, a cleric with an untreated cleft lip and palate, was buried among the elite but lacked valuables, suggesting he was not wealthy himself. A woman, unnamed but buried near the priory’s high altar on a bed of seashells, also had her face reconstructed. Dr. Rynn remarked on her exceptional beauty due to the symmetry of her skull.
The Cold Case Whithorn not only reveals what our medieval ancestors looked like but also uncovers how they lived. Analysing their diets and burial practices provides insight into the class dynamics and societal structure of the time.
Bishop Walter of Whithorn | Photo Credits: Chris Rynn
Photo Credits: Chris Rynn
The Ethical and Accuracy Considerations
While the advances in AI have facilitated the recreation of historical faces, it is vital to approach this field with a critical mind. Is AI always accurate in these reconstructions?
Research has indicated that AI can be less accurate than humans in estimating ages, especially for older individuals. This raises questions about the accuracy of AI-generated facial reconstructions. There are also concerns about biases in the datasets used for training AI algorithms and the lack of historical and cultural context, which can influence the outcome.
Reflecting on the Past, Looking to the Future
As technology continues to advance, it is crucial for historians, anthropologists, ethicists, and technologists to collaborate. By understanding and respecting the past, while harnessing the ever-evolving tools of the present, we can create a framework that responsibly and effectively brings history to life.
For educators, these AI reconstructions can become invaluable assets in classrooms. A picture speaks a thousand words, and a face from the past can ignite imaginations and provide tangible connections to historical events and lifestyles.
For historians and archaeologists, AI provides another tool in the quest to understand our ancestors. Through continued research and technological advancement, the nuances of these reconstructions will only improve.
For the general public, these faces can awaken a sense of curiosity and wonder. They remind us of the rich tapestry of human history and the unbroken thread that connects us all.
Parting Thoughts
In an age where technology is often seen racing ahead, sometimes seemingly detached from our human roots, the use of AI in reconstructing the faces of our medieval ancestors is a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of our past, present, and future. This remarkable confluence of history and technology serves as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and curiosity. It allows us to traverse the bounds of time, to look into the eyes of those who came before us and gain invaluable insights into the tapestry of human history.
As we marvel at the visages brought back to life through the power of AI, it is imperative that we remain mindful of the ethical and accuracy considerations, and to approach these reconstructions with a sense of humility and reverence. These are not merely images, but echoes of lives once lived; they are a part of the shared heritage.
Moreover, as technology continues to evolve, it opens up limitless possibilities for education, research, and public engagement. The faces of the past have stories to tell, lessons to impart, and a wisdom that, even in silence, can be profoundly moving.
In conclusion, as we continue on our collective journey through time, may we always strive to understand where we came from, and employ our incredible advancements thoughtfully and responsibly. Let’s honour the rich legacies that have shaped our present, and through our actions and innovations, craft a future that respects the past and envisions a world that is enlightened, compassionate, and ever curious.
