Episode Details

Is it possible to reconstruct a 4,500-year-old wonder of the world – and let millions of people walk inside it? In this episode, we're joined by Peter Der Manuelian, Harvard Egyptologist and Director of the Giza Project, and Fabien Barati, CEO and co-founder of the immersive technology company Excurio, to explore how rigorous archaeology and cutting-edge virtual reality came together to create Horizon of Khufu: An Immersive Expedition to Ancient Egypt.

Drawing on decades of excavation records, architectural data, and historical research, Peter and his team served as the project's primary scientific advisors, ensuring the virtual Great Pyramid of Giza reflects the latest archaeological evidence. Fabien and the Excurio team translated that scholarship into a shared, large-scale VR experience — allowing participants to traverse the Giza Plateau, enter the Great Pyramid, witness daily life in ancient Egypt, and attend the funerary rites of Pharaoh Khufu…

In this episode, we explore:

• How Harvard's Giza Project data was transformed into a walk-through VR pyramid

• Why historical accuracy matters in immersive archaeology

• What muon tomography reveals about hidden voids inside the Great Pyramid

• How VR can balance preservation with global access to cultural heritage

• What the future holds for immersive expeditions and digital archaeology

With over one million visitors worldwide, Horizon of Khufu has become a landmark example of "edutainment," making fragile and inaccessible heritage sites available to global audiences while preserving their integrity for future generations. Ready to learn more about this fascinating project? Tune in now!

More on Peter: https://anthropology.fas.harvard.edu/people/peter-der-manuelian

More on Fabien: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabien-barati-5b20205/?originalSubdomain=fr

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C

🛍️ Recommended Books & Accessories from this Episode

📖 The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt – A richly detailed guide to the deities of ancient Egypt, exploring their roles, stories, and symbolic meanings. 👉 Get it here

📘 The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt – A comprehensive and authoritative history of ancient Egypt, covering its culture, rulers, and lasting legacy. 👉 Check it out

📙 The Egyptian Book of the Dead: The Book of Going Forth by Day (The Complete Papyrus of Ani) – A stunning, fully illustrated edition of one of the most important spiritual texts of ancient Egypt. 👉 Explore it here

👜 Oculus Quest 2 (256GB) Advanced All-in-One Virtual Reality Headset – An immersive VR experience that lets you explore virtual worlds, museums, and ancient c