The ancient city of Pompeii in Italy can now be explored from the safety of your home with this fascinating drone tour of the archaeological marvel. You can see footage of Regio V, a 54-acre area that has been excavated for the past two years. By Manya Saini
Archaeologists have immortalised the ancient city of Pompeii with drones and laser scanners. They have brought alive the corners of the area that have not been seen since Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79. The site has opened its doors to visitors virtually with a tour on its official YouTube channel narrated by the director of Pompeii Archaeological Park, Massimo Osanna.
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Osanna takes viewers inside two resident buildings or domus dwellings named the ‘House With the Garden’ and the ‘House of Orion’, located on either side of the Vicolo Dei Balconi or the Alley of the Balconies. The team has also found extensive macabre evidence of the eruption of Vesuvius, unearthing the remains of 11 people.
The House of Orion has a colourful floor mosaic mural that depicts Orion, a figure of Greek Mythology, suspended over a coiled snake, turning into a constellation. Osanna while describing the finds, highlights that the archaeologists suspect the snake to be referencing a Greek myth with influences from ancient Egypt.
The tour also covers an exploration of Herculaneum, Pompeii’s smaller and lesser-known neighbour with the help of interactive 3D scan technology and drone photography.
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The excavations are a part of the Great Pompeii Project of an estimated $140 million to conserve the historical marvel. The project has unearthed many electrifying finds and invaluable artefacts like a sorceress’ kit and a body gladiator fresco. Osanna in the video recounts them as: “These excavations have yielded an extraordinary cross-section of… the daily life of this city.”
Until the outbreak of the novel coronavirus subsides, it may not be possible to go to Italy but it has, with its rich heritage and culture, come to you. History buffs take note and experience the ancient wonder straight from your living room couch!
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