<br />Applications of Virtual and Augmented Reality: How They Help Make Antiquities Accessible to the Public in an Interactive Manner<br />This article is part of the effort to support and enhance the 11th Sustainable Development Goal, which aims to achieve (sustainable cities and communities).<br />Administrative Officer Kawthar Aqil<br />Introduction<br />Over the past few decades, there has been a remarkable advancement in technology, and one of the most prominent developments is the use of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). These technologies have found widespread applications in various fields, including archaeology, where they contribute to making archaeological sites and cultural heritage more interactive and easily accessible to the public. They enable exploring the past in entirely new ways, enhancing visitor experiences and providing innovative methods for heritage preservation.<br /><br />Virtual Reconstruction of Archaeological Sites<br />VR technology allows for the digital reconstruction of archaeological sites that have been damaged by time or natural disasters. Users can wear VR headsets and roam through meticulously restored historical environments, giving them a realistic experience as though they are actually inside the archaeological site. One example is the “Virtual Pompeii” project, which enables users to explore the streets of this Roman city before it was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.<br /><br />Experiencing Archaeological Landmarks in Interactive Environments<br />By using AR, virtual elements can be overlaid onto real-world scenes, allowing visitors to view historical layers of an archaeological site through their smartphones or AR glasses. For instance, a museum or site visitor can point their phone at the ruins of an ancient castle to see how it appeared during its golden era. This technology has been used at sites like Stonehenge in Britain, where visitors can see a virtual reconstruction of the original stone circles.<br /><br />Interactive and Educational Experience<br />These technologies offer unique educational opportunities for students and researchers. Students from around the world can explore the Egyptian pyramids or Maya temples without the need for travel. Additionally, VR can provide detailed insights into how these structures were built and the techniques used at the time, making learning more engaging and informative.<br /><br />Preserving and Protecting Archaeological Sites<br />One of the key benefits of using VR and AR in archaeology is reducing the human impact on actual archaeological sites. Rather than allowing visitors to touch or walk on fragile structures, they can interact with them digitally, thereby minimizing wear and tear or damage caused by foot traffic.<br /><br />Conclusion<br />The applications of VR and AR open up new horizons in preserving antiquities and making them accessible to the public in interactive, innovative ways. Thanks to these technologies, people worldwide can now explore cultural and historical heritage in ways previously unavailable, contributing to the spread of knowledge and the global appreciation of our shared human heritage.