Visit Ancient Rome on the web

 

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Posted on 12 Nov 2008 at 15:13

A new virtual model of ancient Rome will let you explore how the Romans lived in the days of the empire. The model is being launched through Google Earth and will offer a virtual representation of the city in 320 AD - at the height of its development of the Roman Empire.

The project was launched by Google in collaboration with Past Perfect Productions, the University of California, Los Angeles and IATH at the University of Virginia. It is primarily intended to help students, teachers and historians study the days of the empire.

"We have a big interest in education, and for kids in the UK, ancient Rome is on their curriculum and what better way to see it?" said Laura Scott, spokesperson at Google.

The tool will let you virtually fly around the city using Google Earth's navigation, explore over 6,700 historic buildings. You can zoom in to discover the detailed interiors of eleven ancient structures, including the Colosseum, and learn about ancient Rome through information bubbles written by expert historians.

"The organisations we're partnering with had done a physical 3D model of ancient Rome and wanted to take it to the next level and reach new audiences," explained Scott.

"Ancient Rome is probably one of the most popular and well-known periods of history, not least because some of it is still standing in ruins. I think that really appeals," she added.

Bernard Frischer, director at the University of Virginia said the project is the continuation of five centuries of research by scholars, architects and artists who have attempted to restore the ruins of the ancient city with words, maps and images.

"The partnership with Google Earth is another step in creating a virtual time machine which our children and grandchildren will use to study the history of Rome,' he said.

Author: Dawinderpal Sahota