Articles by Maria Felicia Rega

This paper proposes an updated reconstructive hypothesis of the structures that form the forum of Roselle (GR) in its last monumental phase (Trajan-Hadrian), drawing on new data from the PRIN PNRR GreatT project. The area underwent a gradual process of regularisation and monumentalisation from the Etruscan to the Roman period, with frequent reuse or modification of pre-existing structures. The buildings were therefore digitally modelled as three-dimensional volumes. This reconstruction proved crucial for evaluating – through simulations – structural interpretations concerning the articulation, form and dimensions of the various structures as well as for clarifying uncertain chronological aspects of the remains. Moreover, visualisation through graphic rendering and real time 3D navigation interfaces contributes to an immediate understanding of the spatial layout of the area and the visual perception of the structures. The preserved remains, together with the presence of an excavation trench in the centre of the square – which currently makes the space appear divided into two distinct sectors – complicate the diachronic interpretation of the complex. The proposed reconstruction enabled further visibility analyses applied to the 3D models in order to investigate topographical choices of location and orientation, as well as to test metadata management systems required for the reconstruction process, particularly within the web3D environment.

Virtual Reality is one of the tools that has become widely used in recent years, in the field of cultural heritage. This tool has proven to be particularly valuable, especially for approaching intangible cultural heritage. Using free and open source software for 3D modeling and animation, such as Blender and Unreal Engine, the international research group, Praeteritas Urbes, focused on the reconstruction of historical events such as the inquisitions many Autos de Fe, which had a significant impact on the colonial history of Central America. In this paper, we will present the results of two different projects: ‘The Great Auto de Fe of Guatemala’, which took place in Santiago de Guatemala in 1554, and ‘The Auto de Fe of Maní’ (Yucatán, Mexico), which occurred in 1562. In both cases, our objective was to make simulations of these two events known and accessible to the public, using a precise methodology, following the scale of evidence, and adhering to the standards established in the Principles of Seville codified in 2017.