Intelligent Reality in the Field of Cultural Heritage

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for virtual access to cultural heritage sites. This research investigates the application of Intelligent Reality (IR) in Cultural Heritage (CH), using the ancient city of Ephesus-home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World-as a case study. The project's first milestone is the digital reconstruction of a section of the city as it appeared in the 2nd century AD as the biggest harbor of Rome in the East, guided by extensive historical data analysis, providing the foundation for immersive virtual visits. Through IR, we developed innovative tools that enhance visitor engagement, enabling users to experience the city as it once stood. AI-powered avatars serve as interactive guides, delivering a dynamic and educational journey. This immersive animation transports visitors back in time, creating a profound sense of presence and connection to the past through 3D modeling, Extended Reality (XR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), technologies. The project redefines how we experience cultural heritage, offering an engaging exploration of ancient Ephesus without the need for physical presence. © 2024 IEEE.