{"id":19245,"date":"2026-05-24T02:16:14","date_gmt":"2026-05-24T02:16:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/italy\/19245\/"},"modified":"2026-05-24T02:16:14","modified_gmt":"2026-05-24T02:16:14","slug":"vr-experience-transports-guests-to-ancient-rome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/italy\/19245\/","title":{"rendered":"VR Experience Transports Guests to Ancient Rome"},"content":{"rendered":"

My first encounter with Virtual Reality (VR) came with the purchase of a Sony Playstation. Donning a futuristic helmet with areas of glowing blue, you suddenly find yourself on a deep dive to the ocean floor, fending off sharks, gripping the side of a snowy peak or trying to escape from zombies on a carnival thrill ride.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Photo by Gerry Barker<\/p>\n

As the technology continues to improve, VR is being employed on ever-larger scales. The latest examples of that are found at the South Florida PBS studios in Boynton Beach, which just debuted \u201cColosseum: The Legendary Arena\u201d and \u201cNapoleon: The Immersive Saga.\u201d Each features an introductory film and a selection of historical artifacts before you enter the VR experience.<\/p>\n

At the station\u2019s VIP reception, we opted to travel back to ancient Rome, planning for a return visit to view the French Emperor\u2019s VR in the near future. But before you\u2019re ready to stand in front of 80,000 screaming spectators in the Colosseum, you\u2019ll need to sign a waiver and receive instructions for your virtual visit to Rome.<\/p>\n

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Guests are instructed how to use the VR headsets (Photos by Gerry Barker)<\/p>\n

First you\u2019ll enter a large, mostly empty room where you\u2019ll be issued your VR headset and told what to expect when the experience begins, such as avoiding fellow guests that appear as white-outlined avatars, when you\u2019re about to approach a real wall or enter an \u201cout-of-experience\u201d area. If you start to feel dizzy or have motion sickness, just raise your hand and someone will assist you.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Caius, your guide in the VR experience (South Florida PBS)<\/p>\n

\u200bReady? Follow the white footsteps, walk through a door and suddenly ancient Rome unfolds before you. We meet young Caius, who aspires to be a gladiator himself, who serves as a guide. You\u2019ll visit a Roman marketplace, where you can even \u201chandle\u201d the food. On the way to the Colosseum, The Colossus of Nero \u2014 a 30-meter bronze statue \u2014 towers above you before stepping onto a platform that slowly takes you to the top of the Colosseum.<\/p>\n

While taking in the view, you\u2019ll also learn about where the different segments of Roman society had to sit. You\u2019ll also meet the legendary gladiator, Flamma, and watch as he battles opponents for the crowd\u2019s amusement. Look out when the wild animals are released, and when they flood the arena for epic sea battles, you even get your own chance to wear the gladiator armor. Not only is the experience entertaining, but also educational.<\/p>\n

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Top: Historical artifacts on display (Photos by Gerry Barker); <\/p>\n

Bottom: Scene from the VR experience (South Florida PBS)<\/p>\n

\u201cColosseum: The Legendary Arena\u201d and \u201cNapoleon: The Immersive Saga\u201d are the latest in a series of successful immersive shows hosted by South Florida PBS, starting with \u201cDa Vinci: Genius\u201d <\/a>in 2024, followed by \u201cEgyptian Pharaohs\u201d<\/a> in 2025 and \u201cTitanic: An Immersive Voyage,\u201d <\/a>which is still showing through the end of June.<\/p>\n

As stated on their website, \u201cEvery immersive journey we create features hands-on activities, interactive elements, custom digital content, and PBS programming integration\u2014designed to inspire lifelong learning and make every visit an active educational experience, not passive viewing.\u201d<\/p>\n

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If you\u2019re looking for a summertime diversion, taking a trip to ancient Rome is a good option, especially considering the cost of travel to see the Colosseum in person. One more thing: At the reception, we had our picture taken at an AI Photo Booth as we might look on our way to the Colosseum. Bring on the games!<\/p>\n

\u201cColosseum: The Legendary Arena\u201d and \u201cNapoleon: The Immersive Saga\u201d will be showing through Aug. 2.\u00a0 The recommended minimum age is 12, and parental discretion is advised. Children under 8 are not allowed in the VR area. Note also that unlike the real gladiator games, this version is family-friendly.<\/p>\n

For more information, visit the South Florida PBS\u00a0website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Gerry and Pamela Barker are freelance writers and journalists living in North Palm Beach, FL. They enjoy travel, art, culture, classic movies and finding new cocktails. Pamela also hosts two podcasts — “Gigi in the 561” and “Travel Bistro.” Gerry maintains their website, North Palm Beach Life, celebrating its 10th year in 2025. Adventure on!<\/p>\n


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