Internet allows virtual Giza tour in 3D

PARIS

Travellers and students of history can take a virtual stroll through the vast burial grounds built by the ancient Egyptians in the Giza Plateau, thanks to a 3D Internet project.

The interactive recreation, to be found at www.3ds.com/giza3D, has been put together by French design company Dassault Systems using archives from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts.

"With a simple computer, the public can now discover the marvels of ancient Egypt," said Dassault employee Mehdi Tayoubi.

"Users can roam the necropolis, visit the carefully restored tombs, access shafts and corridors and browse information on occupants of each burial chamber, including the dates of discovery and objects collected," added a statement.

The plateau, situated on the outskirts of Cairo, constitutes a tombs that spread over two kilometres (over one mile).

The great pyramids where the kings are buried and smaller ones for their queens are part of this plateau.

"The Giza Plateau is... subject to threats from all sides, whether from rampant urban sprawl, the elements or even vandalism," the statement said.

"This raises two seemingly incompatible questions: how can this heritage be preserved, and how can it be shared with as many people as possible?"

The answer: the Internet.