Abstract: Advances in digital imaging technology have presented new opportunities for scholars to better study ancient texts through image clarification and enhancement, Textual material exists over a period of at least 5000 years, written on a great variety of material including leather, clay, stone, papyrus, copper and, of course, paper. Much of the knowledge we have of the past emerges through this textual material. The written material provides us with the knowledge and traditions of our past. The histories of religion, technology, science, medicine, astronomy, cartography and commerce are ensconced in the ancient writings left by civilizations and traditions of the past. Not only is knowledge transmitted from this ancient past but records and events of the past are there for use and applications in current times. Records of astronomical occurrences, migratory patterns, climatic incidences, warfare, visions, predictions, pestilence, legends, myths, histories, heroes and despots all play a role in understanding current and future schemes and strategies. Our knowledge base builds on the past and the more we learn about the past the better we can understand and deal with the present and plan for the future. !0
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