Archeomatica è una nuova rivista multidisciplinare, stampata in Italia, dedicata alla presentazione e alla diffusione di metodologie avanzate, tecnologie emergenti e tecniche per la conoscenza, la documentazione, salvaguardia, conservazione e valorizzazione del patrimonio culturale.
Gli autori che pubblicano su questa rivista accettano le seguenti condizioni: Gli autori mantengono i diritti sulla loro opera e cedono alla rivista il diritto di prima pubblicazione dell'opera, contemporaneamente licenziata sotto una Licenza Creative Commons - Attribuzione che permette ad altri di condividere l'opera indicando la paternità intellettuale e la prima pubblicazione su questa rivista. Gli autori possono aderire ad altri accordi di licenza non esclusiva per la distribuzione della versione dell'opera pubblicata (es. depositarla in un archivio istituzionale o pubblicarla in una monografia), a patto di indicare che la prima pubblicazione è avvenuta su questa rivista. Gli autori possono diffondere la loro opera online (es. in repository istituzionali o nel loro sito web) prima e durante il processo di submission, poiché può portare a scambi produttivi e aumentare le citazioni dell'opera pubblicata (Vedi The Effect of Open Access).
Mappematica: un'analisi tra geodesia, frattali e percezioni cartografiche nel mondo contemporaneo
Perché la tecnologia ha bisogno dell’archeologia
Probably nothing more than technological development has characterized the last century. From research on cybernetics, which had an incredible momentum during the years of the Second World War, and that they involved the most brilliant mathematicians, psychologists and ethologists and physicists of the time, the technological development to support of contemporary society has practically none known setbacks. Every element of our daily life has been affected by this process which today still seems unstoppable: from communications to hygiene, from production to knowledge, from entertainment to ethics. Similarly, every discipline has been irremediably involved by technological and digital evolutions.
High-Resolution GPR Surveys at Tyndaris and Gioiosa Guardia: preliminary non-invasive investigations for future archaeological research
This paper presents preliminary results from non-invasive geophysical surveys conducted in the urban area of Tyndaris and at the archaeological site of Gioiosa Guardia. The primary goal was to collect data guiding future archaeological investigations and to verify the continuity of known structures. A 500 MHz Ground PenetratingRadar (GPR), specially designed for high-resolution surveys in archaeological contexts, was used to detect buried features at depths of approximately two meters. Following a pseudo-grid survey design, data were processed (time-zero correction, background removal, band-pass filtering, diffraction-stack migration) to generate vertical radargrams as well as 2D and 3D maps. At Tyndaris, investigations revealed significant anomalies associated with modern infrastructure and new architectural evidence near the so-called Basilica, possibly related to the ancient agora. At Gioiosa Guardia, newly discovered quadrangular features and a large rectilinear anomaly suggest an extension of the ancient settlement beyond previously excavated areas. These findings underscore the importance of integrating geophysical methods, topographic surveys, and traditional archaeological analyses to build a comprehensive picture of settlement dynamics. Future research will focus on expanding surveys with multiple GPR frequencies, magnetometry, and photogrammetric data for a more complete understanding of subsurface stratigraphy and site development.
Archeologia, Osservazione della Terra e Intelligenza Artificiale: il contributo dell’Agenzia Spaziale Ita liana per il Pat rimonio Culturale
Remote sensing in the archaeological field has proved to be an important tool for the identification, documentation and conservation of archaeological sites. The use of SAR data is constantly increasing in the monitoring of archaeological sites. COSMO-SkyMed satellites funded by the Italian Space Agency, offer high-resolution images and the ability to operate day and night, in any weather condition. Remote sensing and Artificial Intelligence offer new perspectives for archaeology. Through the integration of human skills and advanced technologies new opportunities can be offered to deepen knowledge of the past and preserve our archaeological heritage for future generations.
Soluzioni di Machine Learning per il Patrimonio Culturale. Il progetto ArtI4EO.
Through ArtI4EO, the Project Team wanted to explore the possible use of neural networks based on ML techniques applied to satellite, photographic and UAV image datasets, i) for a more in-depth description of the context in which an archaeological asset is located and ii) for the characterization of some types of damage present on the surface of the assets. The use of Machine Learning and Deep Learning techniques in the context of monitoring and safeguarding cultural heritage constitutes an important technological advancement. In particular, having automatic tools and methodologies for identifying damage constitutes a strategic asset of considerable importance, especially if applied to the Italian context characterized by an incredible widespread archaeological and architectural heritage.
Il Piano Nazionale di Digitalizzazione in Italia: Opportunità e Rischi di Fallimento
Thermography for the conservation of historical art ifacts: the case of the Chinese Buddha in an underground environment
Thermography is the ideal choice for protecting historical treasures. Using this technique, we are able to identify imperfections that can damage our artifacts, such as water infiltration or mold, invisible to the naked eye. This technology is increasingly widespread as a preventive maintenance method for cultural and artistic heritage throughout the world. Thermography is not a measurement of temperature, but is based on the principles of thermodynamics: each body is characterized by its own thermal emission depending on its surface temperature, which is in turn conditioned by the thermal conductivity and specific heat of each material. In fact, each material has a different capacity to transmit or retain heat. Thermography allows us to investigate and identify internal problems that are not visible to the naked eye and is very useful in various applications for the protection of artistic and cultural heritage.
Cultural Heritage and Gamification: Xenia Progetti solutions that revolutionize the ways of learning and visiting cultural sites
In recent years, the concept of gamification has acquired increasing relevance, becoming a valid and recognized learning methodology. Gamification, using characteristic elements of games, such as prizes, timed challenges and competitions, makes the learning process more engaging and interactive, thus promoting the acquisition of knowledge. When integrated with technology, this method turns into a highly effective tool, also capable of improving the user experience, especially in certain contexts such as, for example, the cultural one. The adoption of gamification in cultural contexts not only attracts a larger and more diverse audience, but stimulates a more dynamic approach to culture and education.
From Sport s Collectibles to the Digital Humanities: the Evolution of Technology and the Transformation of Consciousness
For several decades now, we have been living through rapidly accelerating technological change, at a moment in history in which digitization is remaking the relationship between knowledge and humanity. Until recently, the act of passing down our history from generation to generation was entrusted to the voluntary or involuntary production of material witnesses. But in today’s growing digital ecosystem, historical memory has turned into data, computer architectures, and algorithmic interpretations. It is important not to approach this in purely technological terms, but instead as a real epistemological revolution. This not only changes the way we do things; it is also changing the ways we perceive them, know them, interpret them, and rework them. History, culture, and knowledge are all part of an evolving information ecosystem, which today, more than ever, is based on the possibility of direct interaction, immediate accessibility, and dynamic modularity. All of this requires new skills and new methodologies, born from an encounter between humanistic knowledge and technology.
Revealing Tyndaris: a technological approach to archaeological conservation and study
The archaeological site of Tyndaris (currently Tindari, municipality of Patti, province of Messina, Italy) served as the backdrop for an important technological and cultural initiative organized by mediaGeo on May 30, 2024: the “Technology for All on the Road 2024”. The event brought together university professors, experts in geomatics, archaeology, and engineering, as well as industry professionals engaged in applying advanced surveying methodologies. The main objective was to create precise and detailed digital documentation of a site useful for conservation, study, and tourism enhancement. During the event, a series of stateof- the-art surveying technologies were employed to map and meticulously document the topography and monuments of the ancient Greek, and later Roman, city in Sicily— an area for which a complete survey is still lacking.
Cultural heritage: from Italy smart conservation and protection from fire, bacteria, water
Makros founded in 2018, is based in Ferrara, Emilia Romagna. its organization includes a technical scientific committee of biologists, mathematicians, physicists, computer technicians and scientists, architects, who direct research and development, to which about half of the profits are allocated. Makros owns six patents, which can be combined together. Clients are public, private and even religious authorities and institutions.
Artificial Beings in Archaeology: Bridging Historical Reality and Digital Simulation
The "Johannes" project represents an innovative intersection of archaeology and artificial intelligence, aiming to reconstruct and simulate the consciousness of a medieval individual based on extensive archaeological data. By utilizing AI, specifically a ChatGPT model, the project seeks to bridge the gap between material culture and digital self-awareness. The AI is populated with data from the archaeological site of Miranduolo, integrating information about the village's historical context, material culture, and societal structures from the 7th to the early 14th century. This project explores the challenges of limiting the AI's knowledge to what would have been known by a 12th-century individual, thereby enriching the AI's "memories" with sensory experiences and historically plausible narratives. The project raises significant questions about the potential of AI in historical reconstruction, particularly in the simulation of emotions, empathy, and self-awareness. Ultimately, "Johannes" is not merely an intelligent collection of data but an experimental artificial being capable of critical thought, subjective experiences, and emotional expression. The implications of this project extend beyond archaeology, offering new perspectives on the use of AI in understanding the past and its potential as a teaching tool and a medium for theoretical exploration.
Immersive Virtual Reality in Archaeology: Enhancing Research and Public Engagement - A Case Study of the Temple of Juno Excavations in Agrigento, Italy
The use of Virtual Reality (VR) is becoming increasingly popular in the creation of innovative content archiving and cataloguing solutions. In the field of archaeology, the utilisation of VR for both professional and non-specialist applications remain a relatively unexplored area. To address this gap, we present a VR application designed to streamline the storage and access of critical data for archaeological studies, while facilitating the presentation of these studies to the public. The application interface facilitates direct interaction with 3D models generated through photogrammetry and modelling techniques, facilitating two distinct yet complementary objectives: firstly, a detailed examination of the data collected, which in turn improves research activities; secondly, it brings visitors closer to the world of archaeological research. We applied this system to the case study of excavations at the Temple of Juno in Agrigento, Italy.
Trasformazione digitale delle Collezioni civiche di Ascoli Piceno
In line with current trends and challenges in the field of cultural heritage, the research presented here is the result of the V.I.T.A. project: an initiative on digital cultural heritage that involves museum operators in the digitization and development of digital applications for various works of art and ethnographic elements from the Civic Museums of Ascoli Piceno. The project includes the entire digitization workflow, ranging from three-dimensional modeling to immersive virtual experiences for museums. The work testifies to a fruitful collaboration between universities and cultural institutions, which has led the Marche museum to become a virtuous example in the field of digital transformation of heritage.
Le Collezioni Digitali del FAI ad HaltaDefinizione: un patrimonio nel patrimonio
The acquisition technologies developed by Haltadefinizione allow you to obtain very high resolution digital images of the paintings. Thanks to specially designed algorithms, in fact, it is possible to combine a large quantity of individual photographic shots of small portions of the portraits to obtain what is called a gigapixel image.
Intelligent Smart Tourism Education: some experiments with AI based Learning for Cultural Tourism
The paper discusses the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, particularly focusing on digital tourism. It highlights the use of AI-assisted learning to personalize educational content and enhance learning experiences for students. Specific examples include AI-powered platforms for designing cultural travel blogs and personalized learning paths for cultural tourism education. The paper also emphasizes the role of AI in supporting self-learning, adaptive learning systems, intelligent tutoring systems, and natural language processing. It showcases case studies from the University of Rome "Tor Vergata" and explores AI's potential to improve accessibility and provide tailored educational experiences for learners with disabilities.
Holograms per i Beni Culturali: le innovazioni per la fruizione artistica
Our journey through art and technology continues, unveiling an innovative certainty made in Italy capable of standing out internationally. GeckoWay, an Italian company specializing in software research and development, introduces "VirtualCrab," a mixed reality project. Collaborating with IUAV, GeckoWay merges art and technology to enhance user experience at the National Archaeological Museum in Venice. Exploring "VirtualCrab" and its case study with IUAV, we delve into various holographic representation techniques and devices. Furthermore, we detail a case study involving Gecko-Way and IUAV, showcasing their data processing journey from point clouds to software processing to hologram representation. Looking ahead, we anticipate significant advancements in holographic technology over the next decade, including enhanced accessibility, real-time dynamic displays, improved user interaction, and portability. These developments promise to revolutionize holographic applications across various sectors, ushering in a new era of visual and interactive experiences.
Un mix di tecnologie per accrescere la fruizione e l’accessibilità alla rete delle 100 chiese romaniche della Sardegna
The knowledge, promotion and valorisation of Italy's Cultural Heritage express an extraordinary value in the international cultural panorama. Italy contains the major sites of cultural, archaeological and landscape interest which should be accessible to all. The “Sardinia Isola del Romanico” Foundation was created with the aim of showing the great monumental heritage of the Sardinian Middle Ages, represented by over 150 Romanesque monuments located throughout the island. To increase the use of these monuments it is essential to promote their real and virtual accessibility, introducing in both cases the use of new information and digital technologies. Accessibility has therefore become the key word to achieve this objective, which allows everyone to enjoy cultural heritage, breaking down distances and barriers.
Una rivoluzione visuale: quando l’Intelligenza Artificiale mette l’arte nelle mani di tutti
In contemporary society, artificial intelligence (AI) impacts human lives to different extents, including reshaping the public's creative experience. Software and programs enable users to create images from scratch, notwithstanding their actual knowledge or competencies. The visual art system is currently facing an ongoing democratization process, in which the distance separating the creator and the informatic algorithm is gradually fading. Therefore, there is a growing need to analyze AI's implications on the creative process. The paper will analyze the different software and websites providing image- generating services while discussing their impact on society as a whole.
URBE: Applicazioni di Game engine per la valorizzazione del patrimonio culturale attraverso dinamiche di edutainment
During 2022, a research and experimentation project aimed at developing new interactive approaches in the use of cultural heritage was launched within the Virtual Archeology Laboratory of the University of Palermo. Through reflection on the experiences that have characterized the disciplinary field and the observation of the possibilities offered by the videogame world, we proceeded to define a protocol called URBE which provides for the development of simulation ecosystems, through game-type software engine, within which users play the role of protagonists of the proposed experience, being able to relate independently with the virtual resources. These elements have made it possible to develop edutainment dynamics with a strong communicative impact and a high degree of immersion which are proposed as an ideal solution in the context of the valorisation of cultural heritage.
Conservare il Passato nel Mondo Digitale
Immagini di Roma da Donatello a Domenichino
The essay suggests a brief archeological imagine of ancient Rome through the eyes of artists of the Renaissance, from Donatello to Domenichino. In order their moral inspiration by the religious legend and story the entire profile of monuments and ruins, that we appreciate still standing today, appears studied between the new buildings of imagine of modern Rome or, as the old St.Peter, that doesn't exist anymore.
Ripercorrere la Roma Quadrata - Intervista a Piero Meogrossi
The interview discusses how paintings like those by Mantegna and Leombruno depict ancient Rome, blending myth and history to celebrate the religious power and humanistic culture of the 15th century, while suggesting a labyrinthine topography of the eternal city, integrating Christian and pagan elements into a complex symbolic and political fabric.
Il tracollo culturale dell'Ellenismo: una lezione per il presente e un'allerta per il futuro della scienza
In this interview with Archeomatica, Lucio Russo, a physicist, mathematician, and historian of science, delves into a critical turning point in human history: the abrupt collapse of Hellenistic scientific knowledge following the tumultuous Roman conquest of the Mediterranean in the 2nd century BCE. Examining the near-total loss of writings and philosophical-scientific works from that era, the distinguished scholar highlights the challenge of recovering and fully understanding the lost scientific legacy. Throughout the conversation, reflections on potential parallels with the present situation emerge, emphasizing the danger of cultural regression in the age of digital knowledge. A thoughtful exploration that encourages us to carefully scrutinize the past in order to shape clear perspectives on the future of science and culture.
Rome Reborn 4.0: A virtual tour into the heart of the Eternal City
Archivi, cartografia storica, GIS Contesti digitali comuni e sinergie
The paper describes some experiences carried out in the past years bringing together old and new professional knowledge, in the context of digital technologies relating to digital libraries and GIS. The projects mentioned – Imago project at the State Archives of Rome, WebGIS Descriptio Romae financed by CARIPLO, project “The walls of L'Aquila in archive documents” – provide examples of increasing complexity in integrating correctly descriptive standards and opportunities offered by information technology.
MMDCCL XXVII ab Urbe condita… archeomatica di tre visioni di Roma
Valorizzazione del Patrimonio Storico con Tecnologie per la sostenibilità Energetica
I am an entrepreneur passionate about sustainability and participatory planning. With my working group we created an Urban Regeneration project in the Roman district of Casalbertone, where already in 2003 we addressed the issue of Sustainability and applied the available technologies; an international level of certification applied in a comparative and experimental way (Leed, Breeam, Casaclima) by building a building that contained them.
The article analyses the complex digitisation project of Lucrezia Borgia's letters and registers recently carried out by the tech company Haltadefinizione at the State Archive of Modena. In addition to gigapixel acquisition, this case also involved the use of transmitted light digitisation in ultra-high resolution, allowing the unveiling of the watermarks in the documents. The article explores various methodologies used in the digitisation campaign and emphasises how these advanced high-resolution imaging techniques are a fundamental tool for preserving and making these valuable historical documents accessible.