Heritage Key: History for generation “Second Life”

Heritage Key lets online adventurers explore virtual reconstructions of some of the world’s most awe-inspiring historical sites. And what could me more awe-inspiring for your first outing than a trip around the tomb of Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamen?

The people at developers Rezzable have undertaken a painstaking job of reproducing by hand in 3D modelling, both the artefacts and sites using measurements and photos from the real thing.

But what sets this apart from so many other virtual tour-type applications (around museums for instance), is that you create your own customisable avatar, which can interact with others or explore the site as part of a grous (though we have yet to see an avatar holding up a brolly to lead the way through the ancient tombs, urging that you stay together!)

Your avatar can walk around King Tut’s tomb, see wall paintings as they are today and as they were originally created, and listen to in-depth commentary on artefacts uncovered from the dig.

The virtual component has actually been built using the technology pioneered in Second Life, and does share some its less-attractive features, such as a control system that’s counterintuitive, and sees your avatar do some slightly odd things. Just don’t expect the same level of control as you’d get in a first-person PC game and you won’t be disappointed.

To take the experience one step further, the site also features a media-rich website showcasing new videos from leading experts and spectacular photography.

It’s worth a wander around the rest of the website, as there are fascinating snippets and factoids such as a list of the first 10 cities in the world, why women were the first metalworkers, and did you know only 0.13 per cent of Hadrian’s Wall has been excavated?

Whether you want to step back in time and touch thousands of artefacts, watch YouTube videos on your iPhone or post comments on the latest expert articles, you can discover history the way you want to.

The site has been developed by Rezzable, and it will be interesting to see how the whole thing will develop. Obviously it takes time, effort and money to take on the enormous task of photographing, measuring and modelling major historical sites, so how long it will be until the next virtual offering remains to be seen.

If you’d like to explore King Tut’s world for yourself, register (for free) at http://heritage-key.com