Abstract
At the academic intersections of medievalism(s), multidisciplinary epistemologies, and globalization, we propose that the Middle Ages were not only a Western European and Christian experience, but one that was global, interconnected, culturally diverse, and with many centers of cultural and political authority. Crucial to the invigoration of the study of the medieval globe is the “digital turn” in scholarship and application of digital humanities approaches that implement immersive experiences – digitally-constructed virtual reality worlds where a user can explore, evaluate, and contemplate the nature of life in historical places and times. Immersive environments include 2D, 3D, virtual reality, and augmented reality environments. Using SketchUp Pro software and Oculus Rift headsets, we recreated the Jewish quarter (judería) and other elements of the early 15th century city of Plasencia, which was under the ecclesiastical control of the blended Carvajal-Santa María family of conversos and Old Christians (cristianos viejos). SketchUp Pro allows humanities researchers and their students to create original digital artifacts (objects, devices, architecture and structures, terrain, persons, flora and fauna) and to generate realistic cityscapes and historical communities. Moreover, by embedding digital dioramas of the inter-religious and economic relations of the three religious groups, we center the viewer’s visual attention on these relationships and demonstrate that VR is an equally valid form of historical representation in relation to the book (text).
Presenters
Roger Louis Martinez DavilaProfessor, History, University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2021 Special Focus: Critical Thinking, Soft Skills, and Technology
KEYWORDS
Virtual Reality, Immersive, Global Middle Ages, Digital Tools, Convivencia
