This exhibition closed January 6, 2008.

Science Behind the Scrolls

In addition to displaying ancient artifacts, the San Diego Natural History Museum will explore the scientific interpretation of the scrolls, including:

• The use of infrared photography to enhance the appearance of the soiled and weathered texts
• DNA analysis that matches individual scroll fragments
• Multi-spectral imaging used to read fragile rolled scrolls
• Computer programs that match edges of torn scrolls
• Carbon-14 dating used to precisely date the scrolls
• Paleography that establishes a chronology based on the evolution of styles of ancient handwritings
• Chemical analysis of clay scroll jars to determine the source of the clay
• Archaeology of nearby settlements of the same period
• Analysis of ancient human burials near Qumran
• Conservation and preservation of the scrolls