Generally speaking, traveling sits on the top of most people’s bucket lists. But during the pandemic, many of us haven’t traveled beyond our mailboxes or the grocery store. Trips to the Ghibli Museum and the Eiffel Tower may be off the table for now, but the internet is full of exciting resources that help us see the world from our homesOpens in a new tab. And even learn a thing or two in the process. Take the Digital Giza ProjectOpens in a new tab at Harvard University, for example. From the comfort of our living rooms, we can read about the Great Pyramids of Giza—and even go on 3D tours.
The project, which first opened at Harvard in 2011, purports to have “the largest collection of information, media, and research materials ever assembled about the Pyramids and related sites on Egypt’s Giza Plateau.” (We first heard about it from DesignTAXIOpens in a new tab.) Project Giza is a treasure trove of Giza-related materials. It features archival materials, archeological records, and collections from partner institutions all over the world.
But likely the most exciting part is Giza 3D, digital recreations of several sites in the Giza Plateau, including Khufu PyramidOpens in a new tab, the Great SphinxOpens in a new tab and the Sphinx TempleOpens in a new tab, Tomb of Queen Meresankh IIIOpens in a new tab, to name just a few.
The project created the digital renderings using the archival records. They aim to replicate how the monuments and landmarks would have looked in Ancient EgyptOpens in a new tab. And, thus far, they’ve completed 20 thus far, although there are still “many hundreds” left to digitize.
Sam Valadi/FlickrOpens in a new tab
For those who want to dig deeper into the world of ancient Egypt and the Giza Plateau, the project features a library of Giza-focused publicationsOpens in a new tab, including books, articles, bulletins, and so much more. Plus, there’s even a section designed for teachers and students. Giza @ School features materials and resources for students learning all about Ancient Egypt and the famous sites at Giza. Now we can visit Giza and dive into Ancient Egypt, even if we’re unable to go in person.
