Uncovering a 3,000-year-old cult site in Osnabrück with cutting-edge digital technology
An ancient temple, buried beneath the earth near Jerusalem, is set to be unveiled once more through a groundbreaking virtual reconstruction project. The international team leading this endeavour is headed by the University of Osnabrück and the University of Tel Aviv, with the Charles University in Prague and the University of Malta also participating.
Since 2019, the project has been funded for another three years with around 520,000 euros by the Lower Saxony Ministry for Science and Culture and the Volkswagen Foundation. This funding will allow researchers to delve deeper into the temple complex, which dates back to between 1000 and 600 BCE and was discovered during an emergency excavation ahead of the construction of a new highway to Tel Aviv.
The temple complex offers a direct glimpse into the architecture as well as the cult practice of the Iron Age. Dr. Anselm Hagedorn, Professor of Old Testament and Ancient Judaism at the University of Osnabrück, explains that this project brings knowledge about the world of the Iron Age into the present in a new way.
The scientists involved in the digital reconstruction of the ancient temple complex in Tel Mozza are not publicly named in available sources, but they work closely with Prof. Dr. Oded Lipschits and Dr. Shua Kisilevitz from the University of Tel Aviv. Dr. Florian Oepping, a Minerva Fellowship postdoc at the University of Tel Aviv, emphasizes the importance of a scientifically founded reconstruction.
As part of the project, a 3D model and an app will be created to digitally reconstruct the temple for virtual exploration. This virtual implementation aims to communicate and preserve archaeological sites, marking an innovative step in the digital conservation of historical cultural heritage.
Researchers will conduct microscopic investigations to determine the cultural and economic use of the temple complex. Archaeological findings will be compared with biblical traditions to better contextualize written sources. The project strengthens the international partnership between the University of Osnabrück and the University of Tel Aviv, contributing to the international profile of the University of Osnabrück.
The virtual reconstruction of the ancient temple complex in Tel Mozza promises to provide valuable insights into the religious practices and architecture of the Iron Age. This project is not just about unearthing the past; it's about bringing history to life for a modern audience, offering a unique opportunity to explore and learn from the ancient world.
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