Reconstruction of Function Fields

For k an algebraic closure of the finite field , ℓ prime distinct from p and X a surface over k, we prove that the field of rational functions k(X) can be recovered from the maximal pro-ℓ-quotient of its absolute Galois group – in fact already from the second central descending series quotient of . Submitted: July 2004, Revision: October 2005, Final revision: February 2008, Accepted: February 2008