Qumran through (Real) Time: A Virtual Reconstruction of Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls

The nature of the settlement of Khirbet Qumran has been at the center of archaeological debate since the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the nearby caves. Recent research and publications have renewed questions regarding Roland de Vaux's initial conclusions about Qumran: that the site was built and occupied by the Essenes, who composed the Dead Sea Scrolls there. This book examines the history of interpretation of the settlement at Qumran and introduces a new digital methodology for examining archaeological sites using virtual reconstructions. The process catalogues archaeological data as geometry and allows for the juxtaposition of competing architectural interpretations using "data-switches" in addition to showing diachronic developments using "date-switches." A fully interactive, three-dimensional, real-time, virtual reconstruction of Qumran serves as the test case for future use of this technology. The merits and methods of reconstructing archaeological remains in a digital environment are discussed.