Paper short abstract:

Three case studies will be presented to demonstrate the uses of digital technologies in providing researchers with a visual experience of ancient religions. The three cases consider the following topics: mapping and visualization of database data, astronomical exploration, and 3D reconstruction.

Paper long abstract:

One of the main problems in studying ancient history and religions is the lack of visual experience. The prevalent focus on texts and their contents sometimes shadows the lived reality. By presenting three short case studies concerning different topics from the ancient city of Ugarit, I hope to show that technology can bring the past closer and help us with our interpretations. But also that such an approach is often easily and freely accessible. At the same time, the limits and problems of each case study will be discussed.

In the first example, we will explore the helpfulness of using databases and visualizing the data on the map to show us how the textual data were distributed across the city. This may help us to consider the dispersion of different religious activities across the city and show possible relations among individual "religious hubs".

Next, we shall have a look at the topic of celestial divination. One text from Ugarit is by some interpreted as the oldest textual evidence of solar eclipse observation. Modern astronomical knowledge and its application may help us bring the visual experience of such an event as well as consider the frequency and possible experience of such an event.

Last but not least, the case of 3D modelling of architecture reconstructions, hand in hand with the use of VR technologies, can help us bring back the experience of sacred architecture. The temple of Baal will be used as an example.