Unveiling history: An innovative approach to the dissemination of archaeological heritage

Abstract

The VETTONIA project is focused on evaluating the rich Iron Age heritage of the western Iberian Peninsula and highlighting the recent archaeological research in the area with advanced technologies: virtual tours, 3D models, and immersive simulations. The final project presents dynamic, interactive formats, sparking interest across diverse audiences in different lectures, seminars, and forums. Its initiatives are presented during the annual archaeological interventions at the oppidum of Ulaca (Solosancho, Ávila, Spain), with excellent response by the attending public. A survey was conducted among participants to validate the results, yielding highly positive feedback on the project's impact and accessibility. The project stands as an innovative model in heritage dissemination, demonstrating the educational potential of new technologies. In the future, such resources could become essential for classroom education at several levels and encourage sustainable tourism in delicate natural environments like the major Late Iron Age settlements (approximately 400–50 BC).