Posted on 12/04/2009 6:52:20 PM PST by SunkenCiv
Google has added Pompeii to its Street View application, allowing internet users to take a 360-degree virtual tour of the ancient Roman city.
Italy's culture ministry says it hopes the move will boost tourism to the site, state news agency Ansa reports.
Among the ruins visible on the search engine's free mapping service are the town's statues, temples and theatres.
The city was buried in ash after Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD79 and was not discovered until the 18th Century.
The volcanic debris preserved many of the city's buildings, frescos, silverware, mosaics and other artefacts.
"Giving people a chance to take a virtual stroll through Pompeii will give an extraordinary boost to Italian tourism," Ansa quoted Mario Resca of the culture ministry's heritage promotion department as saying.
The Google Maps service, launched in 2007, provides panoramic street-level views of more than 100 cities around the world.
It also includes the ancient heritage site of Stonehenge.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.bbc.co.uk ...
Wanted to go there since I was a child. At age 70, this may be the closest I’ll ever get. Thank God for technology.
Pompeii is one of the most fascinating places I have ever seen.
Glad you liked it. I must say I am always searching for your posts (GodsGravesGlyphs). You add a lot to FR. Thank you.
Hey, thanks!!!
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