Virtual reconstruction of an Etruscan tomb

Batino S., Callieri M., Duranti D., Dellepiane M., Pingi P., Siotto E., Scopigno R.

3D scanning  3D reconstruction  Virtual reality  I.3.6 Methodology and Techniques 

This paper describes the main phases of an ongoing project regarding the 3D virtual reconstruction of an Etruscan hypogeum together with the funerary equipment it contained. The tomb is dating back to late Hellenistic period. It was discovered in 1880 in Sigliano, between lake Trasimeno and lake of Chiusi in Central Italy. This sepulcher is a paradigmatic testimony to enlighten the processes of settlement and land use during ancient times in a district (Valdichiana) with a strong vocation for agriculture and forestry. Furthermore, this reconstruction allows to relocate in their original context some finds now kept at the Archaeological Museum of Perugia, together with some other lost goods, documented by detailed sketches and drawings only. Hence, 3D modeling and 3D scanning have been combined to present the plausible appearance of the tomb when it was discovered. Some of the most interesting objects have been 3D scanned to provide accurate data. Particular care has been devoted to the 3D model of a probably gilded bronze helmet, a Southern Italy production (probabl y from Taranto) dated 4th century BC. A portion of plausible landscape has been modeled taking into account the geomorphology obtained through Google Earth, to locate the grave, and to insert it in a possible context. Moreover, following the indications found in the original sketches, the interior of the tomb and some of the smaller objects have been modeled. All of the generated data have been used to produce a video which will be shown at the Archaeological Museum of Perugia.

Source: CHNT 2012 - Conference on Cultural Heritage and New Technologies, Vienna, 5-7 November 2012

Publisher: Conference on Cultural Heritage and New Technologies (CHNT), Vienna, AUT