Sharjah Archaeology Authority Offers Experience To Explore Artifacts in Metaverse

The Sharjah Archaeology Authority recently unveiled a unique project named ‘Sharjah Archaeology in the Metaverse’ during GITEX Global 2023.

This project is a first-of-its-kind initiative among cultural heritage institutions in the region. The Authority aims to promote cultural diversity across global civilizations and in Sharjah by integrating artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality in the metaverse.

The project includes two pioneering initiatives, the ‘Archaeology Centre’ and the ‘Jabal Khatm Al Melaha Archaeological Trail,’ which showcase the latest research and archaeological findings related to tangible and intangible heritage. These initiatives align with the emirate of Sharjah’s commitment to providing cutting-edge academic and cultural content.

The Archaeology Centre in Sharjah is a repository of valuable archaeological treasures. Visitors can access these artifacts through the metaverse, allowing them to closely examine and manipulate these historical treasures from different angles.

The platform also provides real-time discussions and interactive engagements among visitors and participants in this virtual space. The Khatm Al Melaha Archaeological Trail is a historic mountain trail that boasts over 120 rock inscriptions from the Neolithic Age.

Visitors can take a virtual tour of this trail in the metaverse and explore a range of inscriptions, including depictions of various animals like mountain and Nubian ibexes, wild donkeys, snakes, Arabian tahrs, as well as intriguing footprints and symbols of the sun. To enhance the user experience, the inscriptions are thoughtfully color-coded for convenient identification and interpretation.

The Khatm Al Melaha Archaeological Trail offers a unique and immersive experience beyond observing ancient rock engravings. Users can explore a detailed simulation of the people who created these engravings and the tools they used, providing a glimpse into ancient techniques.

The trail leads to a mountaintop where visitors can witness a lifelike recreation of the former inhabitants’ original houses based on the original structures’ rocky foundations.

These people’s daily routines and activities are brought to life through stone artifacts unearthed during excavations at the Khatm Al Melaha archaeological site. This captivating journey provides a window into the past and is a must-see for anyone interested in ancient history.