“The strangest thing I saw on my travels was Pompeii, where you feel as if you have been transported back into the ancient world; even if you normally believe only proven facts, here you feel as if, just by being there, you know more about the place than any scholar”
Stendhal
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Excavation of the Temple of Isis.
From Hamilton, Campi Flegreii |
When it was discovered in 1748 Pompeii was something so incredible that it influenced artistic and cultural trends all across Europe.
Not only archaeologists but also artists, politicians and intellectuals were eager to see (and describe) such a unique place.
Sthendal, Mozart, Dickens and even Napoleon himself are just a few of the many personalities that have been affected by the fascination for the past.
In spite of the enthusiastic tone of old records and contemporary touristic guides, visiting Pompeii today can be a very disappointing experience for the average tourist, especially if compared with such high expectations.
Why?
In the first place, almost all the artefacts and the portable items have been removed from the site and are now exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Naples (which is 30 km away from Pompeii).
Moreover, little or no information is given to the visitor to support his/her understanding of an ancient Roman city.
I believe the dislocation between the site and the museum along with the lack of information available to the public also breaks the emotional connection between the visitor and the ancient remains resulting in a scarce experience.
I want to investigate if 3d visualisation, when combined with tailored communication strategies, can enhance the visitor’s reception of the cultural heritage and make the experience more engaging and rewarding.
