Exploring Ancient Greece with Augmented Reality
The island of Delos, a historic hub of Greek civilization, trade, and religion within the Aegean Sea, has been brought back to life through a cutting-edge augmented reality application called CirculAR. This progressive app combines archaeology and technology to supply users a virtual tour of the island’s ancient monuments.
What is CirculAR?
CirculAR was developed as a part of the European project APSIM, coordinated by the I-SENSE research group of the ICCS on the National Technical University of Athens. The project is a collaboration between several institutions, including the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades, the Department of History and Archaeology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and private-sector partners. The initiative is a component of Greece’s "Research–Create–Innovate" program, co-funded by the European Union.
How Does the App Work?
Using a smartphone or tablet, users can scan the location and consider 3D models of key landmarks comparable to the Temple of Apollo, the Stoa of the Naxians, and the Terrace of the Lions. These reconstructions are based on verified archaeological data and permit visitors to rotate, zoom in on, and explore the monuments intimately. The app transforms a passive walk through ruins into an interactive journey through time.
A Bridge Across Time
According to Dr. Angelos Amditis, project coordinator and research and development director at ICCS/NTUA, "Through this app, you do not just see stones or foundations; you see stories, architecture, and human life." He describes CirculAR as "a bridge across time that carries the past into the current and the current into the long run," enhancing each the tangible and intangible dimensions of history. The platform also can turn visits into discovery games, allowing users to attach emotionally with the monuments and switch historical memory into personal experience.
Beyond Delos
The application will not be limited to Delos; it also includes other archaeological sites, comparable to the Basilica of Dion in Pieria and the Arsenal of Philo in Athens. Future updates aim to expand the virtual network to additional Greek heritage sites, offering a broader spectrum of locations, monuments, and sites. With CirculAR, users can explore and discover the wealthy history and culture of ancient Greece in a singular and interactive way.
Getting Started with CirculAR
CirculAR is offered at no cost on Android through Google Play and on iOS via the App Store. Users can download the app and begin exploring ancient Greece from the comfort of their very own homes or on-site on the archaeological locations.
Conclusion
The CirculAR app is a groundbreaking tool that brings ancient Greece to life in a way that’s each educational and entertaining. By combining archaeology and technology, the app provides a singular and immersive experience that permits users to explore and discover the wealthy history and culture of ancient Greece. With its interactive features and 3D reconstructions, CirculAR is a useful resource for anyone fascinated about history, archaeology, or cultural heritage. Whether you are a student, a historian, or just someone who likes to learn, CirculAR is an app that is bound to fascinate and encourage.
