AI for Breakfast

Chris Witham • May 30, 2024

Post 132 - How AI is revolutionising Archaeology:
Uncovering the past with cutting-edge technology


Archaeology, the study of human history through the analysis of artifacts and physical remains, has long relied on traditional methods of excavation, documentation, and interpretation. However, with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), archaeologists now have a powerful tool at their disposal to uncover the secrets of the past more efficiently and accurately than ever before.

One of the most significant applications of AI in archaeology is in the analysis of vast amounts of data. Archaeologists often deal with enormous datasets, including satellite imagery, LiDAR scans, and 3D models of artifacts and sites. AI algorithms can quickly process and analyze this data, identifying patterns and anomalies that might otherwise go unnoticed by human eyes[5]. This enables archaeologists to locate potential archaeological sites and features with greater precision, saving time and resources in the field.

AI is also being used to automate the identification and classification of artifacts. By training machine learning models on large datasets of previously identified objects, AI can quickly sort through newly discovered artifacts and categorize them based on their shape, material, and other characteristics[2]. This not only speeds up the cataloging process but also reduces the risk of human error and bias in artifact identification.

Another exciting application of AI in archaeology is in the reconstruction of ancient landscapes and environments. By analyzing geological data, climate records, and the distribution of flora and fauna, AI algorithms can generate realistic simulations of what past ecosystems and landscapes might have looked like[3]. This allows archaeologists to better understand how ancient peoples interacted with and adapted to their surroundings, providing valuable insights into their daily lives and cultural practices.

Perhaps most impressively, AI is being used to decipher ancient languages and scripts. Natural language processing algorithms can identify linguistic patterns and translate ancient texts, opening up new avenues for understanding the written records of past civilizations[2]. This has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of ancient cultures and their knowledge systems.

Of course, the use of AI in archaeology also raises important ethical considerations. As with any powerful technology, there are risks of misuse or unintended consequences[4]. Archaeologists must work closely with AI developers to ensure that these tools are used responsibly and in a way that respects the cultural heritage and intellectual property rights of indigenous communities.

Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of AI in archaeology are immense. By harnessing the power of machine learning and other AI technologies, archaeologists can uncover new insights into the human past and bring the stories of ancient civilizations to life in ways never before possible. As the field continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more exciting applications of AI in archaeology in the years to come.

Citations:
[1] https://www.aitimejournal.com/how-ai-can-help-in-archaeology/
[2] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/lessons-we-learn-ai-archaeology-unraveling-ancient-mysteries-ghatak
[3] https://www.ool.co.uk/blog/generative-ai-in-archaeology/
[4] https://shura.shu.ac.uk/33307/1/ia.67.8.pdf
[5] https://www.ingenia.org.uk/articles/how-ai-can-unearth-archaeological-sites/

Lines of colorful computer code on a dark background.
By Chris Witham December 11, 2025
Where AI really helps your Business If you spend any time on LinkedIn or X, you’ll have seen bold claims about how AI can help you build software in a matter of days. There’s a lot of excitement, a lot of big promises, and a fair bit of confusion for business owners trying to work out what’s real. A new term doing the rounds is “Vibe Coding” —the idea of describing what you want to an AI assistant and having it generate the code for you. It’s becoming popular because it can move things forward quickly and help people explore ideas they wouldn’t have been able to create alone. And the truth is, it does have its place. The challenge isn’t the technique. It’s the expectation that AI will automatically deliver finished, reliable, production-ready tools without any real design or thinking behind them. AI accelerates the work you already do well Used properly, AI can: • Remove huge amounts of repetitive work • Speed up drafting and iteration • Generate working prototypes in hours • Help non-technical people explore ideas • Improve documentation, planning and communication This is where it shines. But it still needs clarity, structure, and well-designed processes around it. It’s like having a very fast assistant rather than a fully formed development team. Why many AI projects don’t deliver what people expect Independent research this year showed a clear pattern: • Many early AI initiatives failed to produce measurable business value • Companies abandoned AI ideas because they couldn’t scale or integrate them • The gap between an impressive demo and a reliable tool is larger than people thought This doesn’t mean AI is overhyped. It means teams jumped straight to execution without the groundwork. The technology isn’t the issue. It’s the approach. Small businesses don’t need Enterprise Platforms Most UK small businesses don’t need to build a full software product. What they actually need is: • Better workflows • Faster content generation • Clearer communication • Improved customer support • Tools that reflect the way they work • Consistency and repeatability AI is perfect for this. A custom GPT trained on your tone, your documents and your processes can become: • A writing assistant • A customer support helper • A knowledge base navigator • An internal guide for staff • A quality-control layer • A process automator No engineering team needed. No complex infrastructure. No stress. Where AI builds real value right now AI works best when it’s part of a thoughtful, guided approach: • Define the outcome you want • Build a lightweight prototype (AI helps here) • Add structure, rules and guardrails • Connect it to your real workflow • Test it with real users or staff • Iterate until it feels natural You can still move fast. You just avoid building something brittle that breaks the moment it’s needed. The key insight: AI doesn’t replace expertise, it amplifies it AI is at its strongest when someone knowledgeable decides: • What it should do • What it shouldn’t do • How it should behave • What tone it should use • How it fits into the business • What checks and constraints matter That’s where tools like custom GPTs genuinely shine. They’re not software products in the traditional sense. They’re flexible assistants shaped around your business. With the right design, they can save huge amounts of time and deliver consistent, practical value without any of the complexity of building a full system. A more useful way to think about AI in 2026 Instead of “AI will build everything for you”, a healthier mindset is: AI speeds up the work, but you set the direction. For small businesses, that’s more than enough to make a real difference.
By Chris Witham August 21, 2025
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