“Constructing the Sacred: Visibility and Ritual Landscape at the Egyptian Necropolis of Saqqara” is a digital archaeology project by Elaine A. Sullivan, using 3D technologies to examine the archaeological site of Saqqara, Egypt. Interpreting the site at a human level by examining the impact built and environmental changes on burial rituals at the temple. The project portrays the site’s evolution and mobility through time, challenging the view of heritage as static.
The entire project is available online with a detailed analysis of the site and practices in ancient Egypt as well as archaeological landscapes and 3d technologies. Exploring the website you get an in-depth look into the site’s development over the ages, rituals, symbolism, funerary landscapes in Egypt, and many more topics, to explore and ponder over.
Furthermore, the technical aspects of 3d technologies and digital archaeology are detailed through several chapters. The information and access to the 3D models are free and available to the public and researchers to explore and advance through 3D Model Downloads and Full Metadata & Paradata. Access to information and knowledge in heritage management and other sectors is imperative to both the advancement of the field and education.
This project is commendable for not only open access but also for its presentation. The project earned the Archeological Institutes of America Award for Outstanding Work in Digital Archaeology for 2022.
Our take
Exploring “Constructing the Sacred: Visibility and Ritual Landscape at the Egyptian Necropolis of Saqqara” was a magnificent experience for us as many of the research projects and papers we come across are rarely as well and coherently presented. We got to learn more about the fascinating part of ancient Egypt and a comprehensive understanding of the technology surrounding the project.
Whether you love archaeology, egyptology or 3d- modelling, this project is a marvellous read.
I want to learn more:
Elaine A. Sullivan Associate Professor of History at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Constructing the Sacred: Visibility and Ritual Landscape at the Egyptian Necropolis of Saqqara
Our selection of passages
- Saqqara Through Space and Time
- Graffiti and Visitation of Royal and Elite Tombs
- Archaeological Landscapes and 3D Technologies
- Model Visualization Choices: Construction and Design Issues
Announcing the 2022 Award Winners- AIA
