Using Virtual Reconstruction Methods And The Technologies

Abstract In my art history class, we studied Rome Reborn, a 3D digital model of illustrating the urban development of ancient Rome. I thought it could be tied nicely into our understanding new media, more specifically how the use of virtual reconstruction methods and the technologies are cultural and historical customs. A virtual reconstruction, as a simulation, could be seen as accurately imitating the past and it may also be comprehended as a model constituting a hyperreality. These two perspectives are regarded as opposite ends of a spectrum in which the comprehension of a simulation sways due to the embedded conventions of realism. While not arguing a fixed position, this paper argues that above all a simulation should be†¦show more content†¦Rome Reborn (RR)’s objective is to create scientific 3D digital models that illustrate the development of the city of Rome from the first settlement in the late Bronze Ages to the dramatic depopulation of the city in the earl y middle Ages – ca. 552 AD (Frischer, 2) However, the project team started modeling at the moment of 320 AD because at that time Rome is considered to be at the height of its urban development. Since 2007, the project team of RR has been releasing and distributing images and videos of the virtual reconstruction on the web for public viewing. After all, a goal of archaeology is to present their interpretations of the ancient remains. According to Frischer, the videos present the current stage of the virtual reconstruction of ancient Rome’s urban development in 320 AD, even including animations as casual as civilians strolling through buildings to something as exciting as gladiators fighting at the Coliseum. Every time a new walk-through is released, it results in numerous and mainly encouraging, comments from the public; â€Å"This is how beautiful Rome once looked!†(Vimeo) and â€Å"Just amazing!! Rome looked incredible and beautiful!!† (Vimeo) Based on s uch feedback, people are mostly concerned with the correctness and accuracy of the representational qualities of the city. However, ancient Rome does not exist anymore and