Rome, 12th November 2008 – Today Google launches Ancient Rome in 3D on Google Earth, making it easy and fun to explore the historic city as it stood centuries ago.
Through Google Earth, students, teachers, tourists and historians can:
Ancient Rome in 3D is one of the most extensive collections of three-dimensional buildings to be found on Google Earth. Within the Ancient Rome 3D layer users can visit the Roman Forum, stand in the centre of The Colosseum, trace the footsteps of the gladiators in the Ludus Magnus, stand on the Rostra, swoop over the Basilica Julia, fly under The Arch of Constantine or even examine the detail on the facade of the Basilica of Maxentius.
The project has been developed by Google in collaboration with Past Perfect Productions and the University of California, Los Angeles and IATH at the University of Virginia.
To view Ancient Rome 3D go to the “Layers” panel of Google Earth, select “Gallery”, then “Ancient Rome 3D”.
Bernard Frischer – Director for the Institute of Advanced Technology in the Humanities at the University of Virginia and also Director of the Rome Reborn Project said:
“The project is the continuation of five centuries of research by scholars, architects and artists since the Renaissance 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.”
Joel Myers, CEO of Past Perfect Productions, commented:
“Cultural Heritage, although based in the past, lives in the present, as it forms our identity. It is therefore our responsibility to ensure its conservation, to nourish it and make it accessible, with the objective of promoting global understanding. Ancient Rome in 3D is a major step towards this goal.”
Mayor of Rome, Gianni Alemanno said:
“Our spectacular ancient remains continue to fascinate people all around the world drawing millions of tourists to our city every year. We’re delighted even more people all over the world can now enjoy the heritage of our great city. It’s an incredible opportunity to share the stunning greatness of Ancient Rome, perfect example of how the new technologies can be ideal allies of our history, archeology and cultural identity.”
Michael Jones, Google Earth Chief Technology Advocate said:
“For centuries, people all over the world have been fascinated by Roman civilization. We’re delighted to share the culmination of years of work by scholars, historians, artists and others with Google Earth users around the world.”
For further information please contact Laura Scott: press-uk@google.com or 0207 031 3130.
Labels: English (UK), UK news announcements
