Step Back In Time
Keywords: Rome, Coputer 3D model
A team of experts have developed a digital computer model of the ancient city in 320AD, bring the past a little closer to the present.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was the technology that has scientists, archaeologists, historians and computer game fans excited all at once. An international team of experts has unveiled a ‘virtual Rome’ program, the worlds biggest and most complex computer simulation of what the ancient city was like in 320 AD, under the rule of Constantine. An era considered to be the most powerful peak Rome experienced during ancient times.
The project, a culmination of ten years of work and a collaberation of experts in architecture, archaeology and computer programmers from the United States, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom, was introduced in June this year under the title of ‘Rome Reborn’. It’s a digital, interractive model of the city that features more than 7,000 buildings and structures, which the viewer can enter and explore in real-time 3D animation.
At the unveiling, Bernard Frischer, project deveoper said ‘This is the first step in the creation of a virtual time machine, which our children and grandchildren will use to study the history of Rome and many other great cities around the world.’
The mayor of Rome, Walter Veltroni has also praised the project, saying ‘It’s a fascinating experience, re-created with all the necessary historical and philological care. In other words, it will allow us to to be in the Roman Forum and understand the context we are in.’
To create the program, digital pictures were taken of the Plastico di Roma Antica, a 16 x 17 meter sized plaster model which was built in 1934-74 and is currently on display at the Museum of Roman Civilization. These images were combined with information from laser scans taken of whats left of the remains of these buildings today. Ancient maps and building catalogues were also used by the project developers to reproduce buildings like apartments, houses, and shops as accurately as possible.
Each site that features in the program is accredited by independant ‘recognised authorities’. These authorities are historians and archaeologists who have worked on each particular site over many years and are considered industry experts, to ensure these ancient sites are portrayed accurately, according to the evidence which exists to date.
The project website expains however, that the project has been produced in such a way that it can be updated should future evidence or archaeological findings determine innaccuracies in the model. ‘The model is a representation of the state of our knowledge (and implicitly, of our ignorance) about the urban topography of ancient Rome at various periods of time.’
The $2 million project at this early stage, allows viewers to navigate their way around the city by using simple keyboard controlls. They can enter buildings including the Colosseum, the Senate, the Forum and Temple of Venus, even private residences to examine details of the interior including frescoes and decorative details of the buildings.
At the Colosseum for example, the arena floor, and seating areas can be viewed, as well as the underground chambers onced used to house wild animals caught and stabled for public events such as gladiator matches. One can even view the operation of elevators used to move the animals into the area from their holding cells.
Selected sites are accompanied by text descriptions about details of the site such as it’s history and structural points of interest, which can also be expanded as new information comes to hand.
Developers have pointed to several uses for the program, which is already available to industry proffesionals for further research and study.
According to Frischer, ‘3D modeling is the natural evolution of archaeological research, allowing possibilities for studies on light accoustics, and ventilation, and other aspects of structural engineering techniques used in ancient times.’
He explains that even for the experts who’s life work involves the study and analysis of ancient cities, viewing their project sites in 3D forces them to consider details like this about the sites that they havent in the past.
A purpose built theatre at the UCLA provides access to the model on a 24 x 9ft screen that gives 160 degree views of the program when viewed with 3D glasses, but those of us at home interested in the project can view samples of the simulation through the internet. The developers hope that the project will expand to include other ancient cities around the world, and be available for purposes like education, and even commercial uses like a ‘home study’ kit for tourists planning a visit to Rome, interested in the history of the city.
Plans are already in place to make the model available for viewing at an orientation centre opposite the Colosseum in the near future. In the mean time, the team is focusing on developing the Rome model earlier and later in time, from as early as the Bronze Age up to the Gothic Wars.
With sponsors like Intel and Microsoft funding the development of the project, chances are it wont be long before time travel will be possible for the average family, at least through your TV or computer screen, that is.
Gaizka Pujana is the co-owner of Barcelona Homes, S.L. which is a company specialized in providing short term tenancy solutions in Europe through its web pages
www.barcelonahomes.net www.getreadyrome.com www.getreadybarcelona.com
Previous Articles Highlighter:
How To Travel Around The World On A Budget (1)
Traveling by bus or subway saves money, and if you will be there for awhile, consider getting a bus pass. Lodging can be very expensive or very cheap. If you are going to travel overseas, you can exchange homes with a family in the country you are going to.
Checklist For Hiring A Relocation Company (2)
There are many individuals who specialize in helping corporations relocate. They have proper insight with the relocation process and know everything that you may overlook or avoid. They will be able to manage nearly all facets of the planning and implementation of your move, which will undoubtedly assist you in handling the situation more professionally.
Your Guide To Finding That Perfect Family Vacation (3)
Whether you are planning a ski trip, a beach trip, or something in the middle, the perfect family vacation is more than just the destination; it is the time you spend together away from the rigors of everyday life.
The Ski Resort Whistler In British Columbia (4)
Telephone facility with free local calls and finally the Ski Resort Whistler in British Columbia provide Laundry Service also. The resort consists of two types of well furnished bedrooms - upper level and lower level.
Snowboarding At Whistler For Experts And Beginners (5)
Being in such close proximity to the ocean Whistler Blackcomb also offers some of the mildest winter alpine temperatures to board in. Forget boarding in below -15 Celsius like the rest of Canada's ski resorts, at Whistler Blackcomb the alpine temperatures average just -5 Celsius.
Year-Round Outdoor Activities At Whistler (6)
Principles behind Whistler 2020 are based on "The Natural Step," a scientific framework of sustainable development. Since its publication in 2005, the plan has been endorsed by residents, the municipality and the business community alike.
Discover Bangkok, Asia's Premier Tourism Destination (7)
New and frequent visitors have lots to watch in Thailand. Enjoy and keep in mind as most precious moments with Thai people. The heritage of the land doesn't get swept away with the arc lights of trend and modernity.
Phuket Is A Combination Of Tropical Forest And Crystal Blue Waters (8)
The 4 kilometer long shallow sandy beach is ideal for swimming and other water sports such as skiing, surfing, snorkeling, sailing etc. You can have sunbath on the white sandy beaches for as long as you like and special zone is provided for the convenience of the visitors.
Gilchrist County Florida: Teeming With Natural Beauty (9)
Fanning Springs sits directly on the banks of the Suwannee River and is famous for its boating and fishing opportunities. Many of the photographs seen online of the Suwannee River come from this area.
Citrus County Florida: Home Of The Manatee (10)
The town extends along beautiful coastline and is famed for its golf and tennis facilities. Slightly bigger then Crystal River is Inverness, a city lined with miles of biking and walking trails.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Buying Art In Sacramento (1)
For a while, Vincent Van Goghs works were considered to be the most valuable and expensive pieces, but over the years, the art world has witnessed an increase in the number of new and upcoming artists, who are credited with generating millions of dollars.
Nightlife In Sacramento (2)
Though Old Sacramento takes us back to the gilded past, its modern day counterpart comprises of tall, gleaming buildings, high-tech industries, vibrant and lively art and a burgeoning nightlife. Since the weather is pleasant all year round, Sacramento has become a tourist hub.
Festivals / Fairs In Sacramento (3)
Another popular event is The California State Fair, which attracts scores of tourists from all over the world. Held each year for the past 152 years, this fair attracts more than a million tourists every year and offers loads of entertaining performances and other fun exhibits.
Cruises In Sacramento (4)
Sacramento is also famous for its cruising activities that attract a large number of tourists every year. Spending a quiet evening on a private cruise along the pristine Sacramento River is a perfect romantic getaway for many.
Bay Area Sightseeing Winery Tours (5)
The tour enables you to visit about 3 or 4 different wineries, in either or both, the Napa Valley or Sonoma. It also includes a tour of a smaller boutique winery and a mass production unit.
Italian Influence On The California Wine Industry (6)
American wine drinkers could never indulge in the California wine, till it flaunted the Italian style. The vineyard owners commenced a serious exploration of suitable sites to cultivate grapes of a better quality, after the rush to terroir movement in the 80s.
Napa Valley Wine Tours (7)
The Napa Valley wine tours are more than just a holiday experience. Although Napa Valley is set amidst an abundance of panoramic beauty, it is the vineyards and the wine industry and production of fine wines that make this beautiful place one of the hottest tourist destinations in the world.
Wine Tasting In Sacramento (8)
In most cases, bread and mature cheese or other delicatessen items are offered to the guests. Wine tasting in Sacramento provides you with a better understanding of fine wines and vintage.
California Winemakers - A Style Of Chardonnay (9)
The French grapes ripened slowly, in spite of longer hang times, but the Californian fruit ripened way too fast, forcing the planters to maintain their Chardonnay vineyards in the cooler coastal regions.
The Sierra Foothills- Oldest Winegrowing Region Of California (10)
They are perfect for those who wish to indulge in local wines, with the family in tow. The southern wineries generally focus on making traditional varieties of wine, like the Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel.