Supporting Historical Cryptology: The Decrypt Pipeline

Abstract

We present a set of resources and tools to support research and development in the field of historical cryptology. The tools aim to support transcription and decipherment of ciphertexts, developed to work together in a pipeline. It encompasses cataloging these documents into the Decode database, which houses ciphers dating from the 14th century to 1965, transcription using both manual and AI-assisted methods, cryptanalysis, and subsequent historical and linguistic analysis to contextualize decrypted content. The project encounters challenges with the accuracy of automated transcription technologies and the necessity for significant user involvement in the transcription and analysis processes. These insights highlight the critical balance between technological innovation and the indispensable input of domain expertise in advancing the field of historical cryptology.