TECHNOLOGY

It is our belief that technology can be used efficiently and effectively to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of ancient Greek toys. Imagine that it is practically impossible for one person to see all different types of ancient toys just in one museum, given that the exhibits are spread in different museums around the world. Therefore, with the techniques of 3D scanning and modeling, we are presenting the emblematic samples of original ancient Greek toys and make them available in one single virtual environment, accessible to all audiences for all purposes of use from a plain observation to deeper study.

A very direct use of these 3D-models is during our workshops in schools. We use screens, projectors, and audiovisual means to present the objects to children, explain where the objects were found, their material, shape, age, use, and provide archaeological information on these objects. Trying to combine the traditional ways of teaching together with modern techniques and technology, our aim is to gain the interest of children and turn the process of learning to entertainment. Of course, 3D technology cannot substitute a visit or a guided tour in a museum, but certainly it can act as a supplementary source of knowledge, giving children the opportunity to interact more with the objects (to check the little details that cannot be seen behind the glass of a vitrine, to zoom in and out, to rotate the object etc). Additionally, the 3D printed objects give the joy of playing with the replicated ancient toys.