Mitsotakis: The challenge is in front of us, Olympia is only the beginning of what we can |

“21 months ago, in January 2020, I met for the first time with the president of Microsoft. We talked then about a lot, about the possibility of the company to invest in our country and to create data reception centers. The idea to collaborate on an emblematic project fell on the table. “Microsoft immediately agreed, embraced this idea and the place we chose was self-evident in my mind,” said the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in his speech at the inauguration of the project of the digital revival of Ancient Olympia entitled “Ancient Olympia: Common Place ».

As the Prime Minister noted: “My vision is similar experiences to be able to launch for all important archaeological sites” to add: “The challenge is ahead of us. We will hug her warmly. Olympia and common places are just the beginning of what we can do. Technology is the tool not only to make our lives better. It is a great educational tool that ultimately unites and does not divide. We will continue on this path but we will always remember that the first step was taken where it should have been. “Here in ancient Olympia, we are making a fresh start.”

Mr. Mitsotakis described Olympia as “a global symbol of universal values. A place of worship, collective meeting, overcoming differences “

“We worked very methodically,” the prime minister continued. “Indeed, in the project, archeology meets technology. As important on the one hand is the great potential that technology gives us to create virtual and augmented realities, so important is the contribution of archaeologists. “Without the cooperation of the archaeologists, of the Ministry of Culture, without their passion, I believe that this project could not be implemented in the end,” he added.

“Today we are taking a first global step to show how ancient civilization can meet with technology,” continued Kyriakos Mitsotakis. “What I held back was not so much the power of technology as the excitement in the eyes of the students of the new high school of ancient Olympia. I believe that we are opening new horizons, that we are transmitting knowledge to the new generation. Visualizing this experience makes it so unique. I believe that it creates new avenues for the country on how we can highlight our cultural heritage “. |

It is noted that the project “Ancient Olympia: Common Place” allows viewers around the world to explore Ancient Olympia in the form it had more than 2,000 years ago through a immersive experience, which includes: an interactive mobile application, a full website that provides a unique experience, but also an exhibition with digital stations set up around the impressive Microsoft HoloLens 2 at the Athens Olympic Museum.

The project is part of Microsoft’s AI for Cultural Heritage program, which harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to empower people and organizations, and is dedicated to preserving and enriching the world’s cultural heritage.

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