Rome Recreated

Researchers at UCLA and the University of Virginia have developed the largest and most complete virtual reality simulation of a historic city ever created -- Rome in AD 320.

1 minute read

June 18, 2007, 1:00 PM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen

"Using historic maps, laser scans of Roman structures as they are today and the expertise of archeologists, artists and architects from Europe and the U.S., the creators of Rome Reborn have simulated 7,000 buildings and 31 monuments, including the Colosseum and others that are in ruins, such as the Temple of Venus and the Roman Senate.

...Users can enter this virtual Rome and move about at will, soaring above Constantine's Arch, gliding along marble pathways or descending into the dungeons underneath the Colosseum, where lions and other beasts were housed before being unleashed into gory battle as entertainment for Roman crowds."

[Editor's note: While the virtual reality model is not available online, the Rome Reborn website at the University of Virginia features video and images from the model.]

Thanks to Bob Jacobson

FULL STORY: Explore Rome and all its glory, with just a click

Saturday, June 16, 2007 in The Los Angeles Times

Architecture History / Preservation Technology Europe

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