How can we bring a 4,500-year-old wonder of the world to life and allow millions to experience it? In this episode, we speak with Peter Der Manuelian, Harvard Egyptologist and Director of the Giza Project, and Fabien Barati, CEO and co-founder of Excurio, about their groundbreaking collaboration to recreate the Great Pyramid of Giza using cutting-edge virtual reality and rigorous archaeological research.

Drawing from decades of excavation records, architectural studies, and historical data, Peter and his team provided the scientific foundation for the project, ensuring the virtual pyramid is based on the most accurate, up-to-date evidence. Fabien and the Excurio team then translated this research into a fully immersive VR experience, allowing users to virtually explore the Giza Plateau, enter the Great Pyramid, and witness the daily life of ancient Egypt, including the funerary rites of Pharaoh Khufu.

In this conversation, we dive into:

• How the Giza Project’s data was transformed into a walk-through virtual reality experience of the Great Pyramid.
• Why historical accuracy is essential in virtual archaeology and cultural heritage preservation.
• What muon tomography reveals about hidden chambers inside the Great Pyramid.
• How virtual reality can balance preservation with global accessibility to heritage sites.
• The future of immersive expeditions and the role of digital archaeology in education and preservation.

With over one million visitors globally, Horizon of Khufu has become a trailblazer in “edutainment,” providing global audiences access to fragile, inaccessible sites while ensuring their preservation. Ready to discover how this innovative project is reshaping our understanding of ancient Egypt? Tune in now!

More on Peter: https://anthropology.fas.harvard.edu/people/peter-der-manuelian

More on Fabien: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabien-barati-5b20205/?originalSubdomain=fr

EXP is a Midwest’s largest virtual reality destination that now open in Rosemont, IL and offering the Horizon of Khufu free-roam expedition.

Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/38oMlMr

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