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Google Unearths 3D Ancient Rome

Users can surf city streets of 320 AD

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 13, 2008 7:07 AM CST

(Newser) – Google Earth is providing users the opportunity to surf the streets of Ancient Rome via a 3D virtual reconstruction of the city as it was in the 4th century. Users can "enter" the Forum, stand in the sands of the Colosseum, or swoop over any of 6,700 buildings of old Rome, reports the BBC. 

The creators used as a guide Plastico di Roma Antica, an official archaeological model of the city housed in Rome's Museum of Roman Civilization. "Whether you are a student taking ancient history, a historian who spends your life researching ancient civilizations, or just a history buff, this will help everyone learn more about ancient Rome," said Google's Earth 3D production manager.

The Arch of Constantine in Rome as seen on Google Earth.
The Arch of Constantine in Rome as seen on Google Earth.   (AP Photo/Courtesy of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia)
Rome's ancient Colosseum. Google Earth has created a 3D simulation that painstakingly reconstructs ancient Rome.
Rome's ancient Colosseum. Google Earth has created a 3D simulation that painstakingly reconstructs ancient Rome.   (AP Photo/Courtesy of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, ho)
Google Earth has created a 3D simulation that painstakingly reconstructs ancient Rome.
Google Earth has created a 3D simulation that painstakingly reconstructs ancient Rome.   (AP Photo/Courtesy of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia)
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