FOR most of us, there are two kinds of virtual reality: one that produces
鈥渢ouchy-feely鈥� simulations of actual experience, and another that creates a
seductive universe of 鈥渁ll possible worlds鈥�. Virtual Archaeology by
Colin Renfrew (Thames & Hudson, 拢29.95, ISBN 0 500 05085 6) lies
somewhere between the two. This is a fascinating and beautifully illustrated
book whose true value lies more in its broader interpretation of virtuality and
range of coverage than in any attempt to convey a 3D concept in a 2D format.
The heart of archaeology is interpretation, and thus the past has always been
a reconstruction, a series of virtual mental images, sanctioned by experts and
conditioned by prevailing attitudes. Until recently, visualising the past
depended solely on artists鈥� impressions, sometimes fanciful, but usually
evocative and emotionally engaging. Today鈥檚 computer-generated images are
colder, and so paradoxically less naturalistic鈥攜et, as archaeologist Colin
Renfrew observes, they are far more accurate and sensitive to the problems and
minutiae of reconstruction and so more useful scientifically.
Given the book鈥檚 raison d鈥櫭猼re, the quality of the virtual
images, when compared to the stunning photographs, is uneven. Computerised or
digitised views of Abu Simbel and the interior of a Roman house work extremely
well, while others, such as Yayoi village in Japan do not.
Advertisement
The book鈥檚 success lies in moving beyond this narrow, though widely accepted,
understanding of virtuality. Digitised archaeological maps, computer-enhanced
aerial or satellite photography, landscape modelling by geographical information
systems, and computer manipulation of early texts combine powerfully to enrich
our understanding and visualisation of the past. Whether your interests lie in
the cuneiform history of the Syrian city of Ebla or in viewing Roman Pompeii
this is a valuable and informative book, full of dazzling and authoritative
snapshots.