Nemrud Dagi, Anatolia, Turkey - archaeological recreations and simulations - The Institute for the Visualization of History

Nemrud Dagi
Anatolia, Turkey

A Monumental Monument

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Aerial view of the East Terrace extracted from the virtual reality model of the site; © 2011 Learning Sites, Inc. (used with permission).

The sanctuary atop Nemrud Dagi has been the subject of several 3D computer modeling projects over the years. Back in 1995, Learning Sites, Inc., developed a rudimentary model of the site as a demonstration piece for showcasing its pioneering foray into the use of immersive virtual reality to bring archaeological sites to life, and allow anyone a near firsthand experience of walking up the tumulus and exploring the sculpture as if visiting the site itself. That virtual reality project, along with others created by Learning Sites in the mid-1990s helped establish the company as the leader in the fledgling field of virtual archaeology.

In 2001, Learning Sites was called upon to create a new and more comprehensive digital reconstruction of Antiochus’ mountaintop monument. This detailed 3D model of the entire site and environs was used by Ekip Film, Ltd., a Turkish documentary film company, in their television movie about the site, its excavation, and the travails of King Antiochus against the Romans (entitled Mount Nemrud: the throne of the gods). The movie played around the world and became a staple of Turkish airlines’ inflight movie service.

Later that year, Learning Sites was approached by a production company preparing a show for the History Channel. Their project on the site called for new visuals from the model to be incorporated into their documentary about the discovery, excavation, and publication of Nemrud Dagi (entitled The Hidden Tomb of Antiochus; as part of the Histories Mysteries series).

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Page Created: March 7, 2005
Page Updated: January 2, 2012
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Page Author: The Institute for the Visualization of History