About this episode
Is it possible to reconstruct a 4,500-year-old wonder of the world – and let millions of people walk inside it? In this episode, we're joined by Peter Der Manuelian, Harvard Egyptologist and Director of the Giza Project, and Fabien Barati, CEO and co-founder of the immersive technology company Excurio, to explore how rigorous archaeology and cutting-edge virtual reality came together to create Horizon of Khufu: An Immersive Expedition to Ancient Egypt. Drawing on decades of excavation records, architectural data, and historical research, Peter and his team served as the project's primary scientific advisors, ensuring the virtual Great Pyramid of Giza reflects the latest archaeological evidence. Fabien and the Excurio team translated that scholarship into a shared, large-scale VR experience — allowing participants to traverse the Giza Plateau, enter the Great Pyramid, witness daily life in ancient Egypt, and attend the funerary rites of Pharaoh Khufu… In this episode, we explore: How Harvard's Giza Project data was transformed into a walk-through VR pyramid Why historical accuracy matters in immersive archaeology What muon tomography reveals about hidden voids inside the Great Pyramid How VR can balance preservation with global access to cultural heritage What the future holds for immersive expeditions and digital archaeology With over one million visitors worldwide, Horizon of Khufu has become a landmark example of "edutainment," making fragile and inaccessible heritage sites available to global audiences while preserving their integrity for future generations. Ready to learn more about this fascinating project? 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 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C 🛍️ Recommended Books & Accessories from this Episode 📖 The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt – A richly detailed guide to the deities of ancient Egypt, exploring their roles, stories, and symbolic meanings. 👉
