Plague of Athens VR represents a groundbreaking approach to historical education through embodied, immersive learning. This award-winning virtual reality experience transports users to ancient Athens during the devastating plague of 429 BCE—history's first recorded pandemic—allowing them to witness a pivotal moment in human civilization through the eyes of those who lived it.

Developed as part of Dr. Spencer Striker's broader mission to revolutionize how we engage with the past, Plague of Athens VR builds upon the narrative-driven, choice-based approach pioneered in the History Adventures series. Where traditional history education often presents the past as inevitable—a series of events that had to happen—this VR experience emphasizes the human element: the difficult choices, ethical dilemmas, and uncertain outcomes that real people faced during moments of crisis.

Users step into the sandals of Nikos, a young physician sworn to the Hippocratic Oath, as he navigates a city descending into chaos. Through his eyes, players confront profound ethical questions that remain relevant today: How do we balance individual care against public health needs? What happens when religious beliefs conflict with medical evidence? How does society respond when existing systems fail? As Nikos treats the afflicted, his worldview shatters—challenging his faith in Apollo, the meaning of his oath, and his understanding of medicine itself.

More than just storytelling, Plague of Athens VR pioneers what Dr. Striker terms "presence as pedagogy"—leveraging VR's unique capacity to create a feeling of "being there" that fundamentally transforms the learning experience. Research conducted during the project's development demonstrates that this sense of presence significantly enhances understanding, engagement, and retention of historical knowledge, offering a powerful new model for education in the digital age.