Digital Archaeology and LAB

Over the last few years, modern archaeological research has undergone a large revision of research methods and strategies thanks to an increasingly widespread use of information technology. Digital Archeology represents the awareness of the role of digital in all areas of modern archaeological research: from documentation, to interpretative analysis, from the communication of results to the role and involvement of the public.

The class aims to introduce the student to a conscious and critical use of modern IT tools to support research and knowledge, conservation, use and enhancement of the archaeological heritage. The aim of the class is to provide a complete and updated overview of modern ICT (Information, Communication and Technology) applied to historical-archaeological research. From the analysis of the archaeological record, to the strategies of documentation, archiving, management and sharing of results, the theme of the digitization of archaeological data will be the backbone of the discipline. The solid knowledge of the peculiarities of material culture in its chrono-typological variability and in the polysemy of historical meanings constitutes the starting point from which to apply, in a balanced and effective way, modern information technologies for archeology.

 

Based on the Dublin descriptors the objectives of the course are:

1) Knowledge and understanding. Provide students with the knowledge of the development of archaeological research methodologies through the reconstruction of the analysis process and applications of digital technologies.

 

2) Ability to apply knowledge and understanding. To enable students to acquire and critically employ the most recent technological tools and digital resources for conducting informed research in the field of Classical Archaeology and its analytical methodologies. This objective will be achieved through active student engagement and participation in field-based activities, fostering the practical application of theoretical knowledge and methodological skills.

 

3) Autonomy of judgment. Develop in students a critical approach to texts and materials with the ability to move between the different technologies and application methodologies.

 

4) Communication skills. Provide students with a specialized and appropriate lexicon to enable them to communicate with language properties to the scientific community, especially in relation to the world of computer science.

 

5) Learning skills. Develop autonomy in the ability to identify the most representative scientific texts and understand them adequately.

The class will take place with a mixed system between theory and practice on the field and lectures accompanied by PPT presentations. For selected topics covered during the course, practical exercises may be organized, involving students either individually or in groups. Guided visits to museums and archaeological monuments are also planned. Furthermore, throughout the lecture cycle, students will be encouraged to attend short seminar sessions (either in person or online) delivered by highly qualified scholars and specialists, who will present specific research experiences and case studies related to their areas of expertise.

No prerequisites required.

Attendance is not compulsory.

Classes lessons will be structured on a dual path:

a) From the artefact to the archaeological data. IT technologies to interpret, manage and share the historical-cultural values ​​of the archaeological record;

b) Digital archeology. What is digital archeology. History of the discipline. Potential and limits. Data acquisition, analysis, management, production of multimedia content to support research, protection, enhancement, communication and public engagement of the historical and archaeological heritage.

The topics covered in the lessons will be on:

a) Historical-cultural meanings of the archaeological record and IT treatment;

b) From the archaeological record to the Digital Public Archeology: new media and new methods.

c) Digital archeology for teaching, communication and enhancement of cultural heritage. 2D and 3D digital objects, virtual reconstruction and innovative forms of dissemination, storytelling.

d) communication of specialist research: case studies.

 

External activities and laboratory sessions involving the use of specialized equipment will be conducted by A. Mazzaglia, Subject Expert and Full Professor Qualification Holder (First-Level National Scientific Qualification) in Archaeology. The activities will address the following topics:

• Databases for archeology;

• Topographic survey, laser scanner, ground and drone photogrammetry for the management of spatial data through GIS instrumentation;

• From two-dimensional data to virtual spaces. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphics for historical reconstruction and communication (digital photography, computer graphics, virtual and augmented reality).

C. Dal Maso (a cura di), Racconti da museo. Storytelling d’autore per il museo 4.0, Bari, 2018 (contributi di M. G. Galatea Vaglio, pp. 27-52 ; F. Ripanti, pp. 53-68 ; De Felice, pp. 105-141 ; A. Magnelli, pp. 187-200 ; C. Boracchi, pp. 201-216 ; Garrubbo, pp. 217-242. (129 pp.)

 

D. Malfitana – A. Mazzaglia, Archeologia globale a Catania. Nuove prospettive dall’integrazione di ricerca archeologica e tecnologie ICT. Nuovi dati sull’anfiteatro romano, in O. Belvedere – J. Bergemann, La Sicilia romana: città e territorio tra monumentalizzazione ed economia, crisi e sviluppo, Palermo 2018, pp. 327-348 (pdf delivered by the professor) (21 pp. complessive)

 

AA. VV., Patrimoni di competenze. L’Atlante dicolab per la cultura digitale, Scuola Nazionale del patrimonio e delle attività culturali, Roma 2026 (pdf delivered by the professor)

 

Furthermore, articles (in pdf) and further bibliographical data will be provided by the professor during the classes.

 

Matters of method and applications:

 

F. Gabellone, Archeologia virtuale. Teoria, tecniche e casi di studio, Lecce, 2019 (selezione di 30 pagine indicate dal docente in aula)

 

Digital archeology and public:

 

G. Volpe, Archeologia pubblica. Metodi, tecniche, esperienze, Roma 2020 (240 pp. complessive)

 

Databases, GIS, digital objects, 3d models for archeology survey (Laser scanner, Photogrammetry)

 

A.Mazzaglia, Ricostruzioni digitali e GIS 3D applicati all’archeologia: Il modello 3D della Necropoli di Porta Nocera (Pompei), Catania 2019, pp. 120-130, 138-167) (pdf fornito dal docente).

Please remember that in compliance with art 171 L22.04.1941, n. 633 and its amendments, it is illegal to copy entire books or journals, only 15% of their content can be copied.

For further information on sanctions and regulations concerning photocopying please refer to the regulations on copyright (Linee Guida sulla Gestione dei Diritti d’Autore) provided by AIDRO - Associazione Italiana per i Diritti di Riproduzione delle opere dell’ingegno (the Italian Association on Copyright).

The teachers undertake, within the limits of the financial resources, to ensure as far as possible that a copy of the adopted texts is available in the departmental library or (in the case of hard-to-find texts, articles and essays) to make them available on Studium, in accordance with the applicable copyright laws.