Clever techies at the digital company flyoverzone.com have created a virtual tour of Rome that recreates it as it would have been during the days of the Roman Empire.

The US company based in Indiana specialises in creating virtual aerial tours and the Eternal City in ancient times is its latest release.

Digital Archaeologist Professor Bernard Frischer created the Rome tour and other tours as a teaching aid for teachers to use to bring history to life.

‘With the virtual tour, we hope to make it easy and fun for the public to learn about ancient Rome and its cultural heritage,’ said Prof Frischer.

‘History enthusiasts can explore major historical sites without leaving their homes – tourists can prepare for their trip to Rome, deepening their knowledge of the places they will visit, and keep their memories alive once they return home.

Prof Frischer added that the goal of the virtual tours was ‘not to replace real tourism but to enhance it.’ 

The tour is based on the year AD 320, when Rome’s might was at its peak. Flying over the city virtually will reveal around 7,000 ancient buildings over an area of 13.6 square kilometers. Among the famous landmarks on the tour include the Colosseum, the Baths of Caracalla and the Pantheon, where the artist Raphael is entombed.

You can enjoy the whole tour from the comfort of your home online.

Buon viaggio!

Images copyright A. Meredith