Estimation of the thickness of anthropogenic deposits in historical urban centres: An interdisciplinary methodology applied to Rome (Italy)

In historical urban centres, the superimposition of excavation and deposition activities over time has resulted in an irregular spatial distribution of anthropogenic deposits, which may reach considerable thicknesses. The detection of those thicknesses requires extensive investigations. Broad borehole and geophysical campaigns cost time and money, consequently at the urban-planning level, it is usual to shift to an estimation of thicknesses, which may be performed through map-algebra operations, that is, by subtracting from the modelled ground surface the elevation of the anthropogenic-deposit basal surface. The latter is implemented through the interpolation of point elevation data, which are generally provided by borehole logs. Despite the development of advanced spatial interpolation methodologies, previous modelling results in the literature show that if the process is affected by insufficient input data, it produces imprecise interpolation outputs. This paper reports an interdisciplinary methodology aiming at enhancing elevation datasets, in order to obtain more accurate digital elevation models. The increase in number and spatial distribution of input points is achieved through past-landscape analyses mainly based on elevation data given by borehole logs, available archaeological reports and historical topographic maps, these being generally available for historical urban centres. The methodology was tested in an urban sector of Rome, where significant activities have been performed for millennia particularly during the Roman Age. A reliable model of the basal surface of the anthrostrata led to a better estimation of the spatial distribution of such deposits and, in addition, revealed the original topographic surface, as modified by human activities

The Mausoleum of Theodoric: Archaeoastronomy, Numbers, Geometry and Communication

The following paper focuses on the Mausoleum of Theodoric (520 ca.), one of Ravenna’s Byzantine monuments and a UNESCO heritage site, presenting the results of different phases of research that began in 2015. Starting from the instrumental survey carried out with laser-scanner and digital photogrammetry technology, the unit of measurement and the geometric properties of the decagonal shape of the design of this singular two-level building were analysed. The archaeoastronomical study has highlighted possible meanings of the orientation of the building and the positioning and sizing of small wall openings. Finally, a 3D model was developed from the survey data to verify the astronomical phenomena and to aid in the multimedia communication of the scientific content. It is increasingly clear how virtual models, both interactive and non-interactive, constitute an important edutainment tool. This element is indispensable to the development of contemporary methods of dissemination for the fruition of cultural sites and artefacts