One Animator Created A 3D Model Of Athens Over 12 Years

Dimitris Tsalkanis has recreated ancient Athens in 3D. This project took twelve years, which started when Tsalkanis was still a university student. The Athens-based photographer and animator realised that no one had attempted a complete 3D reconstruction of ancient Athens, so he did one himself. The culmination of the reconstruction of ancient Athens is at Ancient Athens 3D. The website features monuments from seven historical periods, as Hyperallergic detailed:

“This whole project continues to be and functions as a personal creation, without any official backing whatsoever,” said Tsalkanis. “Those who have at times contributed with their knowledge or advice, have done it for free and I am really grateful to them.”

Visitors to the site can browse reconstructions that date back as early as 1200 BCE, the Mycenaean period — or Bronze Age — through Classical Athens, featuring the rebuilds made necessary by the Greco-Persian War, and ages of occupation by Romans and Ottomans. Tsalkanis traces the evolution of sites like the Acropolis throughout the ages, the rise and fall of the city walls, the Agora, which served as center of city life, and various temples, libraries, and other fortifications.