Not since bread and circuses will the mob be so pleased. 3D Rewind Rome is the closest thing yet to time travel. Just 80 meters from the Coliseum a new use of 3D digital technology (yes they still use those glasses) is bringing Rome to life in a way not seen since 310 AD. After being led through a mock archeological excavation visitors can see what it was like to be present in the Coliseum during a gladiator combat, jaunt through the Roman Forum, witness Senators debate and glimpse at how the Roman mob lived.
Why I suggest trying this out:
I am very enthusiastic about Roman history and 3D Rome Rewind provides a faithful rendition of how ancient Rome physically looked. Even the most skillful storyteller (i.e. tour guide) has difficulty communicating that at its height the Roman Forum had enough marble to make twenty Westminster Abbeys not to mention gladiator combat or how everyday Romans lived. 3D Rome Rewind effectively does this in a 30 minute show. For me it was exciting to see a digital version of Rome surround me to the extent that at times I felt I could reach out and touch the walls. The 3D modeling and stadium theater venue are excellent and in themselves worth the visit, even if only for the novelty of seeing how ancient Rome looked in surround 3D.
Why hard core history buffs might want to think twice:
The virtual model and story is based on Rome circa 310 AD when a power struggle was happening between the Emperor Maxentius and Constantine. While Constantine is famous the time frame for the story is not the most exciting or well known Roman history epoch. I would think that with this sophisticated modeling that it would be easy to reconstruct let’s say Julius Caesar (complete with his face) to be the tour guide rather than an anonymous Roman aristocrat who at times can be annoying with his snorting laugh. The gladiator combat in the arena exercises a few artistic liberties that I feel are unnecessary; however, they do not detract from the experience unless you are a stickler for Roman history, in which case I suggest simply enjoying the experience in itself. I feel Rome Rewind is entertainment focused which for the mob is great but not so much for hardcore history buffs. Those of you that could not get over the creative license Ridley Scott took with Gladiator it would be wise to not have very high expectations for the story line.
Rome Rewind is based on a virtual model that was developed in academia and is the same Ancient Rome layer in Google Earth. From my discussion with CEO Joel Myers there is a real focus on keeping the content historically accurate as well as entertaining. There are plans for launching other uses for this technology around Rome, and perhaps in other cities. Overall I feel that this is a novel and worthwhile experience that I recommend visiting immediately before seeing Coliseum and Roman Forum. Seeing this show will do a lot to help you imagine what Rome was when seeing the ruins.
I wish them them great success because I can truly see the value of this technology and how it will greatly enhance how people lean about and experience Rome.
Address: 5 Capo d’Africa
Special prices available ONLY if booked through the website
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