Synopsis:
A highly visual introduction to some of the most important archaeological discoveries of this century, ranging over Egypt the Classical world, Europe, America and Asia. Throughout the book explores the use of computer modelling to make 'virtual' 3D models in order to explore the evidence in non-invasive ways.
Reviews:
YA?This beautiful book is a dual treasure. It contains an information-laden yet highly accessible text and a variety of well-chosen and fascinating illustrations. The 50 chapters are divided into 5 sections, presenting material on sites in Africa, the Near East, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Each chapter covers such topics as the history of the particular site, aspects of the civilization it represents, and some archaeological details of the structures and realia. All reflect the "new directions being opened up by the conjunction of archaeological research and technology." The illustrations include enlightening computer reconstructions such as those of the passageways of Egypt's tomb of Horemheb, a Mongol encampment, the Oetztaler Ice Man's skull, the Lascaux caves and paintings, and the probable original appearance of Beijing's Forbidden City. The sites included provide a wonderful sampling of the world's ancient cultures and civilizations from the well known to the lesser known.?Lorna Kundert, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Ever wonder what the Parthenon was really like? What the ziggurat of Sumer was, or what the streets of Pompeii looked like before the lava struck? In a creative combination of the ancient and the new, archaeologists Forte and Siliotti use computer technology to virtually rebuild these sites and dozens of others, including those of the pyramids at Giza, the biblical city of Ur in Mesopotamia (now Iraq), and the solar-cult megalith Stonehenge as it might have appeared with the sun in various positions. The remarkable images reveal these remains in their original splendor- -faded frescoes restored, eroded walls rebuilt, gaps filled in. Aerial photographs of the actual sites provide comparison with the virtual reconstructions, and the substantial text explains how archaeological remains at each site were used as the basis for the reconstruction. Of course, much speculation and guesswork is invariably involved. Still--a totally cool way to visit the past. (Book-of-the-Month Club/Quality Paperback Book Club/Natural Science Book Club selection) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
In the archaeologist's tool kit, the shovel and sifter have been joined by virtual-reality technology, which allows scholars to imagine how ancient sites might have looked in their prime. However, this stolid volume avoids an unrestrained "oh wow" presentation of images-for-images-sake and, rather, treats computer-generated pictures as supplements, and not culminations, of the excavations and interpretations of a particular place. The authors have selected about 70 ancient ruins from around the world. In each case, an informational summary of the site explains what civilization built a city or monument, while a (real) photograph presents its present-day appearance; the virtual imagery takes the place of color illustrations in the previous generation of archaeology albums and affords impressive glimpses of interiors, and of exterior vistas, of the Acropolis, Cahokia, and other places. A capable introductory tour of each continent's most famous sites. Gilbert Taylor
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