Reconstructions of the past – How virtual can they be?

Abstract

Since the Middle Ages, perhaps even before, the questions related to the historical and cultural past, mainly to the level of archaeological findings, have exerted an enormous and mysterious allure on Man. Ever since then, Man has come up with methods and forms to recreate such places, in order to satisfy this recognized natural and ancestral curiosity associated to the human being. In these last few years, the number of projects involving historical reconstruction has increased significantly, due to two main factors: the technological developments that allow such designs to be accomplished more easily, with a larger impact, affecting a greater number of people; and the continuous and increasing interest of humanity about these questions related to cultural and architectural patrimony. This paper intends to present two virtual models developed using some optimization techniques that allowed the creation of realistic historical environments, but keeping low file sizes, so that they can be accessed anywhere by anyone. As a result, you can make your own historical tour at: The Flavian Forum of Conimbriga: http://www.forumflaviano.web.pt; House of Skeletons (Conimbriga): http://www.casadosesqueletos.web.pt