Archeologia e Calcolatori 36.1 - 2025

In actual archaeological projects, there is a push towards embracing open science principles, which involves the transparent sharing of raw data and research protocols to facilitate knowledge dissemination. This emulation fosters technical innovation in the field of software development applied to archaeology, to diffuse large amount of data. However, implementing open science effectively poses significant theoretical challenges to consider when selecting a technical solution. This paper investigates the historiography of pottery kiln research - a field that remains relatively underdocumented - to identify inherent biases in the construction of knowledge, in order to guide the creation of a sustainable and widely accessible body of knowledge on the subject. It details the systemic conceptual framework, decision-making process, and technical implementation of an open-access database designed to record data on pyrotechnology and related archaeological contexts, thereby facilitating comparative analysis and identification of firing structures on the field. Although the database is currently in an early stage of development, it is essential to critically assess theoretical and methodological project requirements, consider how data structuring shape knowledge, and ensure that the chosen software infrastructure aligns with the FAIR and CARE principles, to achieve in the near future, the creation of a robust and enduring data repository.

This paper presents the geodatabase developed within the ‘Populating Byzantine Southern Italy project’, with the aim of systematically cataloguing the cemetery contexts, anthropological data, and scientific analyses carried out on individuals who died in Southern Italy during the Byzantine period. This tool enables the integration of anthropological, isotopic, genetic and archaeological data to deepen the understanding of settlement dynamics, mobility, and funerary practices. The relational structure of the geodatabase is described, strengthened by the use of standardized vocabularies to ensure consistency and reliability in data entry. Additionally, its integration with the geodatabase of the ‘Byzantine Heritage of Southern Italy project’ allows for interaction with other ‘global’ archaeological information on the territory and period under examination. Preliminary results from the catalogued data reveal a significant demographic complexity, but also highlight the current scarcity of available information. In conclusion, the paper advocates for greater attention from researchers to anthropological data and underscores the importance of initiatives aimed at data sharing.

This paper stems from the ongoing project ‘Atlante del Lazio: mappatura digitale dei beni archeologici’, which entails the digital mapping of the archaeological evidence from the Lazio region, dating between the 9th century BC and the 6th century AD, accessible via a digital platform that organizes the findings both in time and space. This objective aligns with the goals of Spoke 8, which focuses on developing methodological tools for cataloguing and reviewing archaeological data, specifically concerning the necropolises of Norchia and Poggio Montano, both located in the municipality of Vetralla (VT), within the Thiessen polygon referred to as ‘Blera’. From a methodological perspective, this paper presents two case studies, each relating to distinct chronological periods (the 8th-7th and 4th-1st centuries BC) and characterized by different funerary practices, which in turn necessitated tailored analytical approaches. The Poggio Montano case study, primarily based on planimetric data, allowed for relatively straightforward solutions. In contrast, the Norchia necropolis required a more complex methodology due to the architectural variety of the tombs, necessitating three-di- mensional graphic reconstructions of elevations and structural elements. Given the specificity of the evidence, the study adopted a localized, in-depth analysis that integrates a qualitative dimension onto a shallow quantitative entry.

The project ‘Masgaba. An Archaeological Map for the Island of Capri’ was launched with the aim of updating and integrating Capri’s archaeological documentation, filling the existing gaps in the knowledge of its archaeological heritage using advanced technologies. The methodological approach included new surveys and analyses of sites that required updates in the graphical documentation or had previously been misinterpreted, the analysis of archival sources to recover information on no longer visible archaeological heritage, and the documentation of museum finds that helped improve the understanding of the island’s ancient history. A central element of the project is the creation of a WebGIS, which organizes the data into an interactive digital map, providing an overall view of the island’s archaeological heritage. The web application allows users to consult detailed records, multimedia content, archival documents, and publications produced within the project. The adoption of open-source technologies has ensured the sustainability of the system, paving the way for future extensions and the possibility of integrating new data.

The work presented in this paper investigates the settlement dynamics of the Lower Verbano area between the Iron Age and the Middle Ages. The known archaeological sites, obtained from the public GNA database, were used along with a series of physical characteristics of the territory as variables for the calculation of an inductive predictive model. The results demonstrate the analytical potential of this methodology in the field of archaeological landscape analysis, highlighting also its shortcomings in strictly predictive terms. The model created for the general record of archaeological sites in the GNA proves to be underperforming from a predictive standpoint, whereas heterogeneous results were obtained when the sample of sites was selected chronologically. The model calculated for the Iron Age shows a high discriminatory power and, when compared to the models for the subsequent periods, under scores the importance of the selection of variables for this methodological approach. The use of data from a public database revealed several deficiencies in the management of complex territorial information inherent in its structure, but also highlighted the intrinsic potential of such a tool, which we hope to fully develop in the future.

The Monti Aurunci Regional Park, located in southern Lazio, Italy, is renowned for its geological and naturalistic features as well as its archaeological significance. This area hosts a wealth of archaeological sites covering from pre-Roman and Roman periods to the modern era, many of which remain largely unexplored. These sites are currently being investigated as part of the Monti Aurunci Project (MAP, https://www.archeologiadiffusa.org/2022/09/17/ map/), an initiative led by the University for Foreigners of Siena. Among the notable sites in this region is the multi-layered and abandoned hillfort known as ‘Le Mura di Campello’. How- ever, dense forest cover significantly hinders the identification, interpretation, and mapping of archaeological remains in the area. Furthermore, the lack or low quality of existing datasets limits their usability for archaeological purposes. To address these challenges, a drone-based LiDAR survey was conducted in the winter of 2023, yielding high-resolution data that have proven invaluable for archaeological analysis. With an average point density of 142 points per square meter, the LiDAR data facilitated the identification of numerous archaeological features, enriching the understanding of the Monti Aurunci’s cultural heritage. Over 100 pre- viously undocumented features were mapped, including terracing systems, hillforts, dwellings, walls, and road system. The results obtained have refined our understanding of the historical settlement dynamics in the Monti Aurunci area and opened the door to new methodological approaches, offering promising future research directions.

LiDAR technology has significantly advanced archaeological prospection, but its potential has been limited by the availability of data, as these are often collected through regional or state campaigns aimed at landscape and environmental mapping rather than archaeological research. Although LiDAR has been widely applied in Italy, partial coverage has left significant areas unexplored, including Emilia-Romagna (RER). Notably, RER launched a new LiDAR mapping campaign in 2022, starting with six test areas. Two of them, the Vena del Gesso Romagnola and Valmarecchia, were selected to assess the potential of the novel RER LiDAR-derived DTMs, which have 0.5m resolution and comprehensive coverage, compared to earlier national MASE/MATTM DTMs with lower 1m resolution and incomplete coverage. The analysis of RER DTMs revealed site layouts, standing remains, and partially buried features across seven medieval castles, including many structures previously unknown in national data and not recorded by earlier field surveys. Higher resolution and full coverage of RER DTMs proved to be especially valuable for hilltop sites, so it is hoped that RER will fund additional mapping campaigns to achieve complete regional coverage. Meanwhile, newly acquired datasets from 2023 and 2024 offer valuable opportunities to further advance archaeological research in the region.

This paper presents a cost- and time-effective, accessible, and practicable method of 3D site recording at an aerial scale using ground-based photogrammetry. The methodology was deployed in a recent survey of the site of Khirbet al-Mudayna al-‘Aliya, Jordan. The authors used ground-based photogrammetry to capture this 2.3 ha site, generating a com- plete and accurate 3D model and georeferenced orthophoto of the site within several days. The paper demonstrates that ground-based photogrammetry can provide a valid alternative where aerial photogrammetry is impractical. Therefore, this method is useful for baseline recording of site conditions under varying circumstances, with potential uses in site moni- toring and conservation.

The Pompeii Archaeological Park is an exceptional example of archaeology where architectural features have been almost totally preserved, in the context of an archaeological excavation. Because of this unique site, a digital management tool constructed upon the planned conservation needs, requires both the features of a BIM (Building Information Modelling) and a GIS (Geographic Information System). This article presents the first steps taken towards the design of such system, where the latest research in the integration of the two technological domains takes into consideration the requirements from the archeologists that will use the system. In particular, semantic mappings between entity classes are explained: the data schemas compared are the open format standards for BIM and GIS, namely IFC and CityGML, against a dedicated taxonomy created specifically for this research on the features of Vesuvian architecture.

HBIM represents one of the new frontiers in the digitalization process applied to archaeological sites. This paper illustrates a methodological procedure applied to the Palestra of Petronius, located in the archaeological site of Thuburbo Maius in Tunisia. The Palestra faces structural and restoration issues, which are investigated using an HBIM procedure. A key element in this context is the Common Data Environment (CDE), a collaborative platform designed as a centralized repository that collects, manages, and distributes all relevant information for a BIM process. CDE serves as a secure and dynamic environment where information can be uploaded, updated, and consulted in real time by all the researchers involved. Its role is essential to ensure that all participants in the process, including archaeologists, surveyors, restorers, and site managers, have access to up-to-date and reliable information, thereby reducing the risks of errors, misunderstandings, or data duplication. These data also enable the configuration of various outputs, ranging from site preservation to its valorization, confirming that digitalization is a crucial and fundamental tool for the management entities overseeing areas subject to this type of investigation.

From 2012 to 2019, archaeological investigations were carried out at Podere San Marco in Portoferraio (Elba Island, LI), revealing a Roman villa dated between the late 2nd century BC and the 1st century AD. The building, mostly constructed with perishable materials, collapsed following a fire, after which the area was no longer inhabited. The large amount of archaeological data unearthed from the excavation allowed for a 3D reconstruction of the architectural complex, through the study of the collapses and the carbonized remains of wooden elements. To better manage the vast amount of information and ensure transparency regarding the reliability of the data, the Extended Matrix method was applied. The application of the method to the case of San Marco, specifically a stratigraphic excavation of collapsed structures made of perishable materials, has provided an opportunity to raise new methodological questions and formulate new hypotheses.

The paper focuses on several sites in the northern Marche region identified by the presence of circular traces detected by remote sensing and tentatively interpreted as funerary monuments of the pre-Roman period. After a brief overview of this characteristic type of archaeological evidence, the results of recent field activities aimed at studying these sites with an integrated approach, including remote and proximal sensing, geophysics and field survey, are presented. The final aim is the theorisation of operational intervention protocols, functional for both territorial research and the safeguarding of the buried archaeological heritage, as part of a prevention strategy based on the non-invasive characterisation of contexts.

The contribution aims to understand the architectural development of the Roman amphitheater of Venosa (Potenza, Italy), conducted through an analytical study of published sources combined with the technical analysis of archaeological evidence, achieved thanks to the support of metric acquisitions combined with laser scanners and photogrammetry from drone. The technical/constructive deductions allowed the development of a 3D reconstruction hypothesis, which was itself part of that cognitive process aimed at verifying those architectural solutions defining the original morphology of the monument.

The paper outlines the state of the art in structured light scanning (SLS) in archaeology and highlights the potential of 3D imaging technologies for documenting architectural elements. It introduces the 3D-STONE workflow, a comprehensive methodology for the structured light scanning and 3D modeling of stone architectural elements, developed and tested as part of the CHANGES project (CNR-ISPC). Experimentation was conducted using the Artec Eva scanner on marble blocks from the Basilica Iulia in the Roman Forum (Rome) and the Monumental Nymphaeum of Tripolis ad Maeandrum (Denizli, Türkiye), addressing both archaeological and technical-practical challenges. The workflow covers all stages, from fieldwork to the creation of high-resolution digital replicas, offering an efficient, reliable process specifically tailored to architectural blocks. Results demonstrate that SLS technology provides unparalleled accuracy in capturing geometry and texture, while significantly reducing field and processing times. This establishes it as a highly valuable tool compared to photogrammetry-based approaches to produce digital replicas of blocks, suitable for virtual reconstructions, morphological analyses, conservation mapping, and for enhancing public engagement with monuments

On the mortar of a radial wall of the cavea of the Roman theatre in Aquileia, evidence of footwear with hobnailed soles was observed. This evidence, which was still fresh when the bricks were laid, took the form of an impression on the mortar. This is a significant finding from an archaeological perspective, as it can be directly linked to the construction phase of the theatre and, more specifically, to the activities of the workers who were active on the site. The objective of this study is to document and interpret the archaeological evidence using three-dimensional surveying methodologies, such as Structure from Motion and structured light system, for the analysis of the most significant impressions from a diagnostic and analytical perspective. This will firstly identify the type of footwear that left impressions on the mortar and secondly investigate the dynamics of the theatre’s building site, such as the number of people involved in the construction of the wall and their working areas.

This research showcases the use of immersive digital technologies to enhance cultural heritage engagement, focusing on the archaeological site of Urbs Salvia, Italy. The project uses Virtual Reality (VR) to reconstruct and narrate the ancient ceramic production kilns of Pollentia-Urbs Salvia. The implemented activity aligns with the goals of the European Adrion TRANSFER project, ensuring a coherent and sustainable strategy for the archaeological park site. Through interdisciplinary methods, the team developed a Virtual Immersive Movie (VIM) combining detailed 3D modeling, texturing, and simulations with cinematic greenscreen footage. The virtual environment, designed for Meta Quest 3 headsets, includes both passive storytelling and active user interaction, enabling participants to explore reconstructed spaces and understand the ceramic production process. Advanced techniques in Blender and Unity ensured a realistic and engaging experience. User testing with 33 participants revealed high satisfaction rates regarding usability, visual appeal, and narrative clarity, with minimal instances of discomfort. The project sets a benchmark for integrating digital tools in cultural heritage, transforming traditional archaeological presentation into an accessible, immersive format. Future developments include expanding interactivity, incorporating gaming elements, and integrating AI-driven language models for multilingual real-time interaction, fostering inclusivity and sustainable heritage promotion.

This study investigates the application of digital replicas in Mixed Reality (MR) environments to enhance accessibility and foster engagement with archaeological heritage. The research centers on the Roman site of Forum Sempronii (Marche Region, Italy). Photogrammetry and 3D modeling techniques were employed to digitize artifacts, resulting in high-fidelity digital reconstructions. These replicas were recontextualized within their original archaeological settings, enabling a phygital experience that enhances visitors’ comprehension of the excavation and history of the site. The MR application, developed for the Meta Quest 3 headset, incorporates state-of-the-art graphics, intuitive navigational tools, and dynamic real-time lighting simulations to deliver an immersive user experience. By preserving the historical and spatial context of the artifacts, the project bridges the domains of museum conservation and archaeological interpretation. This methodological approach underscores the potential of MR to convey scientifically robust narratives while addressing the dual goals of accessibility and visitor engagement, making it suitable for diverse audiences. The framework proposed in this study serves as a replicable model for cultural heritage initiatives, demonstrating the effectiveness of integrating accurate digital replicas with interactive physical settings to reinforce the connection between artifacts and their historical environments.

The surveillance activities, directed by the Superintendency during the works for the Bradano-Basento water scheme between 2016 and 2019, allowed the discovery of 29 archaeological sites along 21 linear km between Palazzo San Gervasio and Genzano di Lucania (PZ). The sites, included among the points of interest of the Ministerial Geoportal along stages 19 and 20 of the verified route of the Appia Regina Viarum Strategic Development Project, represent one of the significant elements of the dossier collected for the candidacy of the Appian Way as a Heritage Route, curated by the UNESCO Office of the MIC. The encouraging results of the investigations have highlighted the importance of a possible interaction between communities and institutions, between public and private. The docu-film ‘Viarium. Cultural landscapes in the ager Bantinus’ summarizes the first results of this synergy, proposing a path in stages, topographical and chronological, from Prehistory to the Middle Ages, to the contemporary age, with particular attention to the historical-archaeological reconstruction of the main sites along the route marked by the archaeological finds. The role played by the roads (Viarium) is evident here, a common thread that unites places and cultures, but also constitutes a ‘way’, a way to tell the story, according to the paradigms of new digital languages.

The project focusing on the upgrade of the New Archaeological Museum of Ugento was created in the framework of the collaboration between the Municipality of Ugento and the Institute of Cultural Heritage Sciences of the CNR. The primary goals of this project are to improve the physical, sensory, and cognitive accessibility of the museum collections and to guide visitors in discovering the region and its rich, millennia-long history. To achieve these goals, we have designed cognitive and experiential pathways incorporating various ICT technologies: from gaming to virtual or augmented reality experiences for an immersive engagement of cultural heritage, from tactile interfaces for visually impaired users to installations inspired by the ‘Cracking Art’ artistic movement. This paper presents in detail the project requirements, the implemented solutions, their validation, and the achieved results.

This study is aimed at evaluating the combination of storytelling and eXtended Reality to enable the enjoyment of a museum collection for a fragile audience, namely people hospitalized in a hospital ward. The application involves the creation of immersive and interactive virtual scenarios, with the possibility of performing several activities, such as exploring a museum setting, according to Museum therapy principles, and practicing stimulating playful-recreational activities, according to Art therapy principles. The goal is to assess the impact of the fruition of the 3D archeological collection, in terms of promoting the psychological well-being of vulnerable people. The experimentation involved the Sigismondo Castromediano Museum in Lecce and took place at the Prof. Petrucciani Clinic (Lecce). During the experimental campaign, the team used a Virtual Reality headset, and two wearable devices for collecting and recording biosignals. This paper provides a description of the methodology adopted with a focus on the storytelling strategy.

This work aims to investigate the feelings and emotions that Prehistory generates in the social network Twitter (today called X). To do this, the messages that, during a period of one year, contain the hashtag #prehistory, together with its possible variants, have been considered. The analysis has been carried out from an R programming environment, mainly through the Syuzhet library, that allows extrapolating feelings and emotions that underlie texts. However, the methodological proposal made in this paper is susceptible to being applied to different data samples related to other cultural manifestations or assets. From the point of view of the results obtained, it can be stated that the valence underlying the data sample analyzed can be considered as markedly positive. Regarding emotions, there is a predominance of anticipation and trust, followed by joy according to the model proposed by Plutchick, which is the one used in this work.

Foreword to the special section: THE H2IOSC PROJECT AND ITS IMPACT ON DIGITAL ANTIQUITY WITHIN THE E-RIHS INFRASTRUCTURE – III

«Archeologia e Calcolatori» (A&C) is an open access scientific journal that follows the Diamond Open Access model, ensuring free access to its content without any charges for authors or readers. One of the main challenges of this model is ensuring the long-term sustainability of the journals that adopt it. The consolidation and growth of A&C over the past two years have been supported by the involvement of the multidisciplinary research group surrounding the journal within the H2IOSC project, through various forms of collaboration and engagement. This synergy has contributed to strengthening the editorial initiative and its related activities, expanding its scope and potential scientific impact through the enhancement of its textual, bibliographic, and visual resources.

This article presents the transformation of DHeLO (Digital Heritage Landscaping Platform) from a relational database into a Linked Open Data (LOD) infrastructure, designed to enhance the discoverability, interoperability, and reuse of digital resources within Cultural Heritage (CH), Heritage Science (HS), and Digital Archaeology (DA) research. Initially conceived within the H2IOSC project as a virtual observatory for cataloguing digital products, tools, and research projects, DHeLO has been restructured as a service-oriented system in response to emerging community needs and a broader reflection on its role. The transition was guided by insights gained from landscaping activities conducted within Work Package 2, including questionnaires and interviews with members of the DH, DA, and HS communities. The new configuration of DHeLO integrates metadata on research outputs, projects, people, and bibliographic references, laying the foundation for a knowledge graph that mirrors the research landscape. A key step in this evolution was the adoption of Omeka S as the core platform, chosen for its modularity, semantic interoperability, and synergy with Zotero, which supports the integration of the BiDiAr bibliographic database. In this form DHeLO aspires to become an active research resource, moving beyond mere monitoring to foster exploratory analysis and linked knowledge networks.

The Open Digital Archaeology Hub (ArchaeoHub) is a modular and extensible platform developed within the H2IOSC project to support the aggregation and dissemination of digital archaeological resources. Conceived as a metadata aggregator rather than a repository, it integrates textual, visual, and bibliographic data from diverse sources, including the journal «Archeologia e Calcolatori» the BiDiAr bibliographic platform, and the DHeLO web app. Its structure is based on a hub-and-spoke model, designed to enable thematic collections organised around geographic entities, using Pleiades identifiers and WebGIS technologies to enhance discovery and contextualization. ArchaeoHub promotes interoperability through standards such as RDF, Dublin Core, and JSON-LD, and supports linked data connections with external resources. It offers scholars and institutions a lightweight, FAIR-compliant environment to access and cross-reference data. A key feature is its integration with BiDiAr, a curated bibliography of digital archaeology structured through Zotero, enabling citation tracking and semantic classification. The platform exemplifies a shift from static repositories to dynamic, research-oriented infrastructures aligned with national and international best practices. Positioned within the broader landscape of digital heritage infrastructures, ArchaeoHub serves as both a scholarly resource and a methodological prototype for managing complex00 archaeological information in a collaborative, open-access framework.

The Digital Archive for the Study of pre-Islamic Arabian Inscriptions (DASI, https://dasi. cnr.it/) currently provides open access to the digital editions of nearly 8800 ancient epigraphic texts from the Arabian Peninsula. After presenting an outline of DASI ecosystem through its 25-year history, this paper focuses on the recent enrichment of its data model, carried out within a pilot project of the E-RIHS infrastructure under the H2IOSC programme. The aim was to optimise DASI as an up-to-date tool for the digital critical edition of a broad spectrum of epigraphic sources from ancient Arabia, including graffiti, instrumenta inscripta, coins, and inscribed sticks, alongside ‘monumental’ inscriptions. Most of the interventions targeted the description of the visual aspect of writing and related contextual information, enhancing the digital representation of the material dimension of written heritage, which is often overlooked in philological studies. Ongoing work is targeting the FAIRification of DASI data, which has so far resulted in the sharing of an extensive bibliography of 1800 records through Zotero.

This paper provides a concise overview of the CIDOC Conceptual Reference Model (CIDOC CRM). The CIDOC CRM is a formal ontology initially developed for museums and cultural institutions to describe and organize their data. It serves as the ISO standard for representing museum and cultural heritage knowledge. The paper outlines the model’s core principles, advantages, challenges, and implications for its use, touching upon the CIDOC CRM’s relationship with the Semantic Web and challenges in implementing it with technologies like RDFS and OWL. It also highlights challenges in querying CIDOC-based knowledge graphs and integrating pre-existing heterogeneous data.

This article provides a preliminary analysis of the administrative metadata of the ARIADNE resources. ARIADNE, an acronym for Advanced Research Infrastructure for Archaeological Dataset Networking in Europe, is a European archaeological infrastructure that supports research. The presented analyses were performed accessing the ARIADNE Knowledge Base via its SPARQL Endpoint. The distribution of available resources per publishers’ country, of archival resources, of combinations of ARIADNE subjects and of combinations of agents (publishers, creators, contributors, owners, scientific responsibles) were estimated and commented, tracing an up-to-date profile of the infrastructure.