Search Results (264)

This study explores the use of advanced 3D imaging and printing technologies to digitally document and physically replicate cultural artifacts from the Archaeological Museum of Alexandroupolis. By employing structured light scanning and additive manufacturing techniques, detailed digital models and precise physical replicas of two significant artifacts were created—a humanoid ceramic vessel and a glass cup. A handheld 3D scanner was utilized for capturing intricate surface details, with post-processing methods to refine and colorize the digital models. Regarding 3D printing, both Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Stereolithography (SLA) were employed, tailored to the artifacts’ unique requirements for resolution and material properties. This dual approach supports heritage preservation by generating tangible educational resources and providing alternative exhibits to safeguard original artifacts. Our results demonstrate that integrating 3D scanning and printing effectively enhances the accessibility, durability, and educational utility of cultural heritage assets, offering a sustainable model for artifact preservation and study. Full article

The advancement of digital techniques and reduced costs have greatly facilitated their integration into cultural heritage preservation. These technologies are especially valuable in archaeology, where detailed documentation is crucial. However, minimal intervention in restorations often limits public understanding of archaeological spaces, making digital tools essential for enhancing engagement. An example is the study and the virtual hypothesis of the mural decorations in the Sala del Mosaico de los Amores, located in the Castulo Archaeological Site (Linares, Jaén, Spain), dated to the late first and early second centuries AD. The hall originally featured an elaborate wall decoration, now largely lost due to the collapse of its walls, leaving only a few fragments in situ. Using SfM photogrammetry, the hall and the original paintings and cornices—restored in a laboratory—were documented and virtually reassembled. This process employed precise color calibration and dimensional scaling to ensure the faithful recreation of the original appearance. In addition to the anastylosis of the surviving fragments, a virtual reconstruction hypothesis was developed, offering the public an immersive visualization of how the space would have looked in its original state. Full article

The existence of Buddhist nuns (bhikṣuṇīs) in Kucha is documented in Chinese Buddhist literature and further validated by the fragments of the Bhikṣuṇīprātimokṣasūtra recovered from sites in the region. Through the analysis of archaeological remains, this paper explores whether it is possible to identify the nunneries where bhikṣuṇīs resided. While the emphasis is placed on the rock monasteries of Kucha, contemporary material from other areas of China will be examined to facilitate a better understanding of the role, form and functionality of these Kuchean nunneries. Through an examination of the location and degree of concealment within the sites, as well as pictorial representation, this paper provides a tentative identification of the nunnery sites in Kucha. By locating women within the archaeological record, this identification adds a crucial dimension to the already complex archaeological picture of Kucha. Although the role of women in Kucha has previously been overlooked, a clear acknowledgement of their presence and a focus on their location within the archaeological landscape will allow for a better understanding of the Buddhist remains in Kucha. Currently, differences among rock monasteries are interpreted only in terms of chronological or doctrinal variations. However, as this paper highlights, some of these variations are due to the gender of the site’s occupant, essentially whether the site was a monastery or a nunnery. Full article

Improvements in the navigation systems incorporated into unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and new sensors are improving the quality of 3D mapping results. In this study, two flights were compared over the archaeological remains of the castle of Almenara, situated in Cuenca, Spain. We performed one with a DJI Phantom 4 (DJI Innovations Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China) and the other with a Matrice 300 RTK (DJI Innovations Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China) and the new Zenmuse P1 camera (45 mp, RGB sensor). With the help of the new software incorporated into the Zenmuse P1 camera gimbal, we could significantly reduce the flight time. We analysed the data obtained with these two UAVs and the built-in RGB sensors, comparing the flight time, the point cloud, and its resolution and obtaining a three-dimensional reconstruction of the castle. We describe the work and the flights carried out, depending on the type of UAV and its RTK positioning system. The improvement in the positioning system provides improvements in flight accuracy and data acquisition. We compared the results obtained in similar studies, and thanks to the advances in UAVs and their sensors with better resolution, we managed to reduce the data collection time and obtained 3D models with the same results as those from other types of sensors. The accuracies obtained with the RTK and the P1 camera are very high. The volumes calculated for a future archaeological excavation are precise, and the 3D models obtained by these means are excellent for the preservation of the cultural asset. These models can have various uses, such as the preservation of an asset of cultural interest, or even its dissemination and analysis in various studies. We propose to use this technology for similar studies of archaeological documentation and the three-dimensional reconstruction and visualisation of cultural heritage in virtual visits on the web. Full article

Bengala, a steamer that sank in 1889 near Capo Rizzuto, Italy, was a relatively new vessel for its time, with an unusually short 18-year service life, given that steamers of the period typically operated for 30 to 40 years. Despite its brief history, SS Bengala played a significant role in the development of Italy’s young merchant navy, undergoing multiple ownership changes and serving various Italian shipping companies. Employed mainly along the route to Southeast Asia, it transported Italian migrants overseas and also participated in troop raids during the Italian military expedition to Eritrea in 1887. Despite its historical significance, no iconographic material has yet been found to depict SS Bengala, and archival research conducted in Italy and England has not uncovered any naval plans, photographs, or drawings of the ship. To overcome this gap, the authors employed new technologies and historical information to create a virtual reconstruction. This research combined archival sources with underwater surveys, including a detailed 3D survey by divers and archaeologists. Archival research, including consultation of official documents, provided critical information on the ship’s dimensions, superstructure, rigging, materials, and construction methods. The 3D modelling of the ship’s external hull, based on precise geometric data from the wreck site, offers a first step towards virtual reconstruction. The modelling is grounded in photogrammetric surveying techniques, ensuring high accuracy in the reconstruction process. The model can be used in augmented reality (AR) applications to enhance underwater exploration, allowing divers to visualise the reconstructed ship in its original environment. Additionally, it supports museum exhibits, interactive visualisations, and educational games, making it a valuable resource for engaging the public with maritime history and archaeology. Full article

Systematic studies on Late Islamic cemeteries that integrate architectural, ritual, and biological aspects remain relatively rare, particularly in Islamic countries or regions with an active Muslim presence. Typically, available research focuses more on epigraphic and artistic features. Since 2018, excavations at the Cathedral and surveys in the ruins of the city of Adulis (Massawa, Eritrea) have uncovered 326 Muslim graves: six dating to the 15th and 18th centuries CE and 320 attributed to the mid-19th to the early 20th century CE. These discoveries have enabled, for the first time in Eritrea, a detailed scientific study of the biological characteristics of the human remains, the funerary architecture, and the burial rites of Muslim communities from the 15th to the early 20th century. The skeletal remains were analyzed through taphonomic and anthropological studies. The graves were categorized into various typologies based on their structural features, while evidence of funerary rituals was documented as indicative elements of the burial practices adopted. These findings were further enriched by ethnographic sources and collaborative work with local communities, who acted as custodians of the historical memory and traditions of the region. The results provide insights into a historical period of Eritrea that is otherwise poorly documented. More broadly, they contribute to the understanding of the history of the Horn of Africa, a region with limited data from funerary and archaeological contexts. The Muslim cemeteries of Adulis represent the most extensively investigated Muslim burial site in recent years, providing critical insights into the historical Muslim presence in the region. These findings also allow researchers to hypothesize the succession of various communities that chose Adulis as a central location for interring their deceased, reflecting its enduring significance as a focal point for cultural and ritual practices across different periods. Full article

This paper explores the application of Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) technology in the investigation of the medieval Norman site of Castel Fenuculus, in the lower Calore Valley, Southern Italy. This research aims to assess the actual potential of the ALS dataset provided by the Italian Ministry of the Environment (MATTM) for the detection and visibility of archaeological features in a difficult environment characterised by dense vegetation and morphologically complex terrain. The study focuses on improving the detection and interpretation of archaeological features through a systematic approach that includes the acquisition of ALS point clouds, the implementation of classification algorithms, and the removal of vegetation layers to reveal the underlying terrain and ruined structures. Furthermore, the aim was to test different classification and filtering techniques to identify the best one to use in complex contexts, with the intention of providing a comprehensive and replicable methodological framework. Finally, the Digital Elevation Model (DTM), and various LiDAR-derived models (LDMs), were generated to visualise and highlight topographical features potentially related to archaeological remains. The results obtained demonstrate the significant potential of LiDAR in identifying and documenting archaeological features in densely vegetated and wooded landscapes. Full article

This paper deals with the landscape design strategy that was followed in the proposal that was submitted to the International Architecture Competition of the New Archaeological Museum of Cyprus. The aim of this document is to analyze how landscape and architecture interact. In the author’s design proposal for the New Archaeological Museum of Cyprus, the various “gardens” integrated into the Landscape are analyzed. The concept of landscape design is related to the sacredness of trees to certain gods in Ancient Greece and Greek Mythology. The proposal addresses the symbolic meaning of trees and water. The design triggered the creation of several “gardens”: the “Sacred Garden”, the “Stone Garden”, the “Olive Garden”, the “Sacred Grove”, and the “Public Garden”, combining their soft landscapes with the hard landscape of the “Plaza” and the “Courtyard”. Each figure in the garden has a symbolic meaning that allows for a dialogue between landscape and architectural design. In addition, the findings provide valuable insights into the historical and spiritual value of landscape elements (plants, water) that are also thermal regulators for sustainable urban planning. The research results may be of value to landscape architects, architects, and landscape designers in the Mediterranean region. Full article

This study applies UAV-based photogrammetry to map and examine the stratigraphy and archaeological artifact distribution in two localities within the Post research area in northwest Texas. A DJI Inspire 1 UAV equipped with a Zenmuse X5 camera captured nadir and oblique images. These were processed using Agisoft Metashape to generate 3D models. These models enabled the precise mapping of stratigraphic boundaries, revealing the distinctions between Triassic-age bedrock, Pleistocene-age alluvial deposits, and Holocene-age aeolian sediments. Field surveys from 2022 to 2024 documented over 5000 artifacts with sub-centimeter accuracy, including diagnostic projectile points and ceramics. This research highlights the advantages of UAV-derived 3D models in rapidly and accurately documenting stratigraphy and archaeological data. It demonstrates the value of UAV technology for visualizing landscape-scale processes and artifact contexts, offering a new approach to understanding the interactions between geomorphology and archaeology. The findings contribute to advancing UAV applications in both geomorphological and archaeological research. Full article

In submerged landscapes, distinguishing anthropogenic features versus natural ones is often challenging. We have developed a set of criteria to validate the identification of submerged anthropogenic remains that include examining the geological context, sea-level considerations, associated archaeological finds (including coastal survey), and documenting the broader archaeological context. Furthermore, our experience demonstrates that, while progress has been made in applying remote-sensing technologies to detect anthropogenic features on the seabed, there is no substitute for direct, visual assessment by an underwater archaeologist for verification of their anthropogenic status. We have applied these criteria to examine two published case studies detailing suspected anthropogenic stone features on the seabed in the Sicilian Channel. Our examination has led us to conclude that both localities are not anthropogenic features. The Pantelleria Vecchia Bank features represent natural outcrops on a submerged paleo-landscape that were shaped by depositional and erosional processes during transgression and regression periods. The suspected Lampedusa cultic site comprises natural features that are located on a submerged neo-landscape formed due to erosion and retreat of the coastal cliff since the mid-Holocene, when the sea level reached its present level. Full article

The enigmatic major eruption in the late 16th century, believed to have originated from Raung, the most active stratovolcano in the Ijen UNESCO Global Geopark in East Java, Indonesia, has ignited significant debate among researchers and historians due to its profound impact on the region. This research aims to substantiate Raung as the likely source of the major eruption by integrating geological, archaeological, and historical data. This study synthesizes current findings and explores ongoing debates surrounding historical volcanic activities. Eruption parameters suggest that the late 16th century eruption exhibited a Plinian type, characterized by an explosive eruption column reaching the stratosphere, widespread pumiceous tephra fallout, and pyroclastic density current (PDC). Stratigraphic succession reveals that the eruption occurred in five phases, with deposits from 10 eruptive units. These deposits are mainly concentrated on the northwestern flank of Raung. Archaeological findings, historical records, and local legends converge to pinpoint the occurrence of this catastrophic event in the late 16th century. These diverse sources estimate that the eruption resulted in approximately 10,000 casualties, marking it as one of the most significant volcanic disasters in the past 500 years. The implications of this eruption extend beyond historical documentation, providing a critical case study for advancing disaster mitigation strategies through geotourism in the geopark area. Moreover, the eruption record outcrops identified in this study can be proposed as potential new geosites within the Ijen UNESCO Global Geopark, enhancing its educational and touristic value. We propose the Jebung Kidul, Alas Sumur, and Batu Sappar sites as potential disaster-based geosites, considering that these sites record the eruption process and preserve archaeological structures. This addition would not only commemorate the historical event but also promote awareness and preparedness for future volcanic activities in the region. Full article

Studying historical rural landscapes beyond their archaeological and cultural significance, as has typically been addressed in previous research, is important in the context of current environmental challenges. Some historical rural landscapes, such as Roman land divisions, have persisted for more than 2000 years and may still contribute to sustainability goals. To assess this topic, the hydraulic and vegetation network of the centuriation northeast of Padua were studied, emphasising their multiple benefits. Their length, distribution, and evolution over time (2008–2022) were vectorised and measured using available digital terrain models and orthophotographs in a geographic information system (GIS). The results revealed a significant decline in the length of water ditches and hedgerows across almost all examined areas, despite their preservation being highlighted in regional and local spatial planning documents. These findings indicate the need for a better understanding of the local dynamics driving such trends and highlight the importance of adopting a more tailored approach to their planning. This study discusses the GIS metrics utilised and, in this way, contributes to landscape monitoring and restoration actions. Finally, a multifunctional approach to the sustainable planning of this area is proposed here—one that integrates the cultural archaeological heritage in question with environmental preservation and contemporary climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. Full article

The Bir el-Umdan cistern, a prominent archaeological site in the Judean Desert, is one of the largest and best preserved water systems in the region. Hewn in chalk, the cistern area measures 114 m² and has a ~700 m³ volume. Two massive columns, each with a base diameter of 2.5 m, support the ceiling within the cistern’s interior. This impressive structure is estimated to date back to the Hellenistic to Late Antiquity periods based on its architectural characteristics. Historical records indicate that the cistern was documented on 19th-century maps but disappeared from the 1935 and 1943 British Mandate maps. Its reappearance on the 1967 Survey of Israel map includes an upstream road disconnecting the cistern from its natural drainage basin. Despite its renovation in the 2010s, the cistern’s water supply remains limited due to its reduced catchment area, which now constitutes only 25% of its original size. Runoff coefficients calculated for the cistern’s drainage basin are relatively low (1.4% to 8.1%) compared to other desert regions. We analyzed the 21st-century runoff coefficient and recurrence interval over the original drainage basin (0.12 km²) to estimate the water volumes in antiquity. Our analysis suggests that using an 8.1% runoff coefficient, the estimated water volume is 806 m³, implying a cistern overflow every 6–7 years. A more conservative estimate using a 5% runoff coefficient yields a water volume of 500 m³ and a 15-year recurrence interval. Sediment analysis reveals that silt particles dominate the sediment accumulated in the cistern and its upstream sedimentation basins. The consistent grain size distribution throughout the system indicates rapid water flow during flood events. Reconstructing the sedimentation history is challenging due to potential maintenance and possible dredging and cleaning operations. Full article

Plant motifs had a significant role in ancient cultures, with decorative, artistic, and communicative values. However, little knowledge exists of the botanical composition of festoons, widely used in Greek-Roman art. We analysed 81 festoons, exclusively from sculpture artworks, collected from 13 museums and archaeological sites in Rome (1st century BC–3rd century AD). Using iconographic sources and previous data, we identified the represented species and analysed their abundance and composition using statistical methods (Cluster Analysis, Principal Components Analysis) and diversity indexes (Shannon and Evenness). We documented 3081 botanical elements, identifying 30 taxa, in which fruits with leaves (45%) or alone (10%) represented the most common ones. Laurus nobilis and Quercus cfr. robur were the most frequently depicted species, followed by “pomes” (Pyrus, Malus, Cydonia), Vitis vinifera, Punica granatum, and Ficus carica. Festoons with one or two species can be easily distinguished from those with multiple species, often arranged with figs or vine branches at the ends, with symbolic aims related to fertility, rebirth, and abundance values. A balanced botanical composition also exists, with flowers typically in the middle and a species distribution that is not casual. The results enriched our comprehension of ancient Roman society, considering funerary and celebrative events. Full article

Imagining life before the advent of modern medical treatments is challenging. Today, congenital dysplasia is typically diagnosed within the first months of a child’s life, allowing for timely intervention. In the past, however, this condition often went unrecognized and untreated, as evidenced by archaeological findings that document the presence of congenital dysplasia persisting into adulthood. We present the case of the individual recovered from the hypogeal cemetery of Santa Maria Maggiore in Vercelli, Italy, a funerary context dated from the 18th to the 19th century. Using macroscopic and radiographic analyses, various morphological irregularities were identified, consistent with the characteristics of developmental hip dysplasia. The skeletal remains identified as FU12 SU151 include a right os coxa and femur, belonging to an adult female. The femur features a 90-degree femoral head angle and a shortened neck with nodules. The acetabulum shows significant morphological changes, including a triangular shape and absence of lunate surfaces, deviating from the normal structure for femoral articulation. CT scans revealed a void within the acetabulum, indicating an absence of material. Despite preservation challenges that restrict the identification of definitive signs, our findings offer valuable insights into possible developmental dysplasia in historic skeletal remains. This research provides insights into the impact of untreated congenital conditions on past populations, underscoring the importance of preserving and studying such remains to enhance our understanding of historical health issues. Full article