Visualising archaic tombs and their postdepositional histories: the 3D modelling of the tombs from Cisterna Grande, Crustumerium (Rome, Italy)

In: Posluschny, A. ; Lambers, K. ; Herzog, I. (Hrsgg.): Layers of Perception. Proceedings of the 35th International Conference on Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA), Berlin, 2.-6. April 2007. Koll. Vor- u. Frühgesch. 10. Bonn 2008, pp. 127-133

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Abstract

The Remembering the Dead project has been carrying out excavations in the Archaic cemetery of Cisterna Grande, Crustumerium (Rome, Italy) since 2004. The main aim of this project is to study virtual representations of a pre-Roman community. Methodologically, the project uses standard single context recording and most planning is done with a total station. All hand-drawn plans are transformed into a digital format. This integrated data is then used to build 3D models. The local volcanic geology and the continuing agricultural use of the area have resulted in the partial or total collapse of many of the tombs. The potential of virtual models to present these tombs and their postdepositional histories is discussed together with the pros and cons of using AutoCad, ArcGIS, 3D Studio Max, Bryce and Unreal Editor. Some examples of the ongoing modelling are presented.