Recreating Thonis-Heracleion with AccuRig: Modeling the Sunken Egyptian City
Thonis-Heracleion represents one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 21st century, an ancient Egyptian port city that served as the main gateway to the country for centuries before sinking into the Mediterranean over 1,200 years ago. The city, which likely succumbed to soil liquefaction and earthquakes, has revealed through its rediscovery colossal statues, majestic temples, and extraordinary artifacts that resurrect a lost archaeological mystery beneath the waves. We will recreate these structures using the AccuRig auto-rigging system. 🏺
Preparation of Archaeological References and Plans
Begin by studying the archaeological reconstructions and underwater photographs of Thonis-Heracleion. The city showcases a unique combination of Egyptian and Greek architecture, with enormous pharaoh statues, temples dedicated to Amun-Gereb, and a complex network of canals and port structures.
Initial Setup in AccuRig:- Import base models of statues and Egyptian architectural structures
- Set appropriate scale for colossal statues (up to 5 meters tall)
- Establish reference points for the characteristic frontal pose of Egyptian art
"Thonis-Heracleion was no ordinary city: it was the official entry port to Egypt, where Greeks became Egyptians" - Underwater Archaeologist
Rig Setup for Colossal Egyptian Statues
The pharaonic statues discovered in Thonis-Heracleion follow the frontal and symmetrical style characteristic of Egyptian art. Configure the AccuRig bone system to adapt to these hieratic and majestic poses.
Specific Adjustments for Egyptian Statues:- Simplify the bone system for the characteristic frontal pose
- Set up rig for arms glued to the body and closed hands
- Adapt the facial system for the idealized features of pharaonic art
Rigging of Architectural Structures and Temples
The temples and administrative buildings of Thonis-Heracleion feature distinctive architectural elements such as papyriform columns, monumental lintels, and walls with hieroglyphic inscriptions. Create rigging systems that allow animating collapses and seismic movements.
Architectural Elements to Rig:- Columns and pylons with bone systems to simulate collapses
- Decorative elements like cartouches and friezes with independent rigging
- Port structures with progressive sinking animation
Preparation for Sinking Animation
The unique value of AccuRig in this project lies in its ability to prepare models that can animate the sinking process. Set up controls that allow simulating how the structures tilted and collapsed during the catastrophic event.
Animation Controls for Sinking:- Tilting bones to simulate soil liquefaction
- Fracture controls to animate the collapse of stone structures
- Sedimentation system to simulate progressive burial
Export and Integration into Underwater Scenes
Once the rigging is complete in AccuRig, export the prepared models for use in animation and rendering software. The well-configured controls will allow creating dynamic sinking scenes or static recreations of the ruins as they were discovered, capturing the grandeur and tragedy of this city that was once Egypt's golden gate and now lies as a treasure on the seabed. 🌊