Realm of Historia, a platform dedicated to preserving cultural heritage with blockchain, is expanding its global reach with the launch of its first NFT collection, centered on Armenia's ancient Carahunge site.
The aim is ultimately to build a “comprehensive digital archive of our shared human history,” Realm of Historia Co-Founder Ivan Krylov explained in a recent interview.
1 | Realm of Historia is revolutionizing the way we protect the world's invaluable cultural heritage. By leveraging blockchain technology, we're creating transparent, decentralized systems to directly channel funding towards restoration, research, and promotion of historical… pic.twitter.com/jjEIH05pen
— Realm of Historia (@RealmofHistoria) April 11, 2024
The NFT collection, “Realm of Historia: Carahunge X,” highlights the cultural and historical significance of Carahunge, a prehistoric complex of stone circles and menhirs that dates back over 7,500 years. Archaeologists have theorized that the site, whose name translates as “speaking stones,” could have been used as an astronomical observatory. Holders of Realm of Historia's flagship NFT collection get access to a "growing loyalty program that includes benefits with local, and eventually, global partners such as museums, tours, and hotels," Krylov added.
At its core, Realm of Historia leverages blockchain to provide transparency and accountability in cultural preservation efforts. The decentralized technology ensures that supporters can track how their contributions directly impact the preservation of historical sites, Krylov told Decrypt. By using blockchain, he explained, the platform can address inefficiencies that have historically affected non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as the need for more transparency.
Image: Realm of Historia
“Our transparent funding model ensures that funds from NFT sales are directed towards the conservation, exploration, and restoration of historically significant sites,” Krylov said.
Realm of Historia is also partnering with local artists to raise awareness about the importance of cultural preservation, aiming to make historical sites more accessible and engaging to the public. By using their artwork for NFTs, Krylov explained, the platform provides them with “both financial support and global exposure.”
Realm of Historia Co-founder Ivan Grantovsky said that the platform is “committed to making our approach accessible and fostering a future where cultural heritage is celebrated globally,” with the Carahunge X project forming part of a broader effort to digitize and promote historical landmarks. As the collection grows, Realm of Historia is setting its sights on new countries, working with local artists and cultural experts to bring attention to other historical sites.
"Each NFT sale supports essential initiatives, such as infrastructure improvements and research, while collaborating with local artists helps bridge cultural heritage with modern digital art," Krylov told Decrypt.
Grantovsky explained that the team is focused on creating lasting change and plans to expand its methodology for cultural preservation to a broader audience, and on onboarding like-minded organizations and cultural institutions to join in its mission. Through the use of Web3 technologies including blockchain and NFTs, the platform aims to secure the future of cultural preservation while promoting local artists globally.
