Vol 3 - Issue 2

Digital Archaeology

List of Articles

The technological analysis is one of domains for which the 3D technologies have to bring again a lot. The analysis of stigmas or surface markings left by the operations of shaping and surface processing on ceramic was chosen as case study, because it is still often led thanks to visual or radiographic observations in 2D. It is a compared approach which is proposed here, by the implementation on the same corpuses of protocols of acquisition and 3D modelling by lasergrammetry, photogrammetry or the RTI (Reflectance Transformation Imaging). The results reveal methods that are more relevant to macrotrace analysis than others.

Delos is with Delphes, one of the most prestigious Greek sanctuaries in the Mediterranean. Used from the eighth century BC until the end of Roman antiquity, it will remain the most important maritime sanctuary in the Mediterranean in antiquity. We present here the work done on the digital model of the sanctuary set up as part of the publication of the Sanctuary. In addition to the synthesis that it has enabled us to achieve, the 3D restitution process has been an opportunity to question our visions of this major heritage and to propose new angles of view and understanding of this sanctuary. The approach illustrates quite explicitly the value of developing an integrated digital approach from collection to restitution and demonstrates the heuristic value of digital restitution. This work leads to a reflection linked to the objectivity of the restitution of these ancient spaces. Here in Delos, for example, the restitution of the columns or bases bearing the statues transforms the vision we might have of the area around the altar of Apollo. They make it possible to perceive the obstruction of the sanctuary around 150 BC which could not be known before making the restitution.