Simulating the Past: Artificial Intelligence and Computational Modeling for a Dynamic Understanding of Cultural Heritage

Dear Colleagues,

We invite you to contribute to a Special Issue dedicated to exploring the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and computational modeling in the study and preservation of cultural heritage. The intersection of digital technologies and heritage research has opened unprecedented avenues for reconstructing, analyzing, and interpreting the past. As cultural heritage faces increasing threats from environmental and cultural change, social interaction, and conflict, innovative computational approaches offer powerful tools to document, explain, simulate, and safeguard our shared history. This Special Issue brings together interdisciplinary perspectives—from archaeology, history, anthropology, cultural studies, and computer science—to showcase how AI and computational methods can deepen our understanding of what has made us humans, making culture more accessible, interactive, and resilient for future generations.

This Special Issue highlights cutting-edge research that leverages AI and computational modeling to address key challenges in cultural heritage. We welcome contributions that demonstrate novel applications of machine learning, 3D reconstruction, agent-based modeling, natural language processing, and other digital techniques to interpret, preserve, or revitalize cultural artifacts, sites, and traditions. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• AI-driven reconstruction and visualization of lost or endangered heritage;
• Computational analysis of historical texts, images, and material culture;
• Simulation of past environments, societies, or events to test historical hypotheses;
• Ethical considerations and community engagement in digital heritage projects.

By fostering dialogue between technology and heritage studies, this Special Issue aspires to set new benchmarks for how we simulate, understand, and protect the past in an increasingly digital world.

Suggested themes and article types for submissions:

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

1. AI-driven 3D Reconstruction—Automated reconstruction of archaeological sites, historical monuments, or artifacts from fragmented data;
2. Machine Learning for Artifact Classification—Using deep learning to classify and date artifacts based on visual or material properties;
3. AI and Digital Philosophy;
4. Agent-Based Modeling of Ancient Societies—Simulating social dynamics, trade networks, or urban development in historical contexts;
5. Natural Language Processing for Historical Texts—Analyzing and interpreting ancient manuscripts, inscriptions, or oral traditions;
6. Digital Restoration of Degraded Heritage—AI-assisted restoration of documents, paintings, frescoes, or sculptures using image processing;
7. Computational Social Science—Applying spatial analysis, GIS, and simulation to model past landscapes and human-environment interactions;
8. Computational material analysis—Using AI to simulate weathering, structural decay, or restoration processes;
9. Virtual Reality and Extended Realities for Heritage—Immersive experiences for education, tourism, or scholarly research;
10. Predictive Modeling for Heritage at Risk—Using AI to assess threats (e.g., climate change, erosion) and prioritize conservation efforts;
11. Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science in Heritage—Platforms for public participation in data collection, annotation, or interpretation;
12. Ethics and Bias in Digital Heritage—Addressing representation, ownership, and algorithmic bias in AI applications;
13. Generative AI for Cultural Content—Creating synthetic data, art, or music inspired by historical styles or traditions;
14. Network Analysis of Historical Data—Mapping relationships between people, places, or events in archival records;
15. Digital Preservation of Intangible Heritage—Documenting and simulating oral histories, rituals, or performing arts;
16. Interactive Storytelling and Serious Games—Using AI to create educational games or narratives based on historical events.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Joan Anton Barceló Álvarez
Prof. Dr. Jordi Vallverdú
Dr. Álvaro Cuéllar
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Heritage is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• artificial intelligence
• computational modeling
• digital archaeology
• heritage
• culture
• history
• virtual reconstruction