Virtual Archaeology. Reconstruction of a Hellenistic Furnace at the Duomo Metro Construction Sites in Naples

In 2012, the HE.SU.TECH laboratory began documenting the archaeological site of the Duomo Station of Line 1 of the Naples Metro. This project aimed to use advanced technologies to record and analyze the archaeological artifacts found at the site such as laser scanner survey techniques and aerial and terrestrial photogrammetry. These made it possible to generate detailed and accurate 3D models and digital orthophotos and faster and more accurate identification of stratigraphic excavation phases and temporal overlaps of archaeological finds. The choice of instrumentation to be used depended on the specific needs of the site and the archaeological significance of the site. In the case of this particular research, the focus was on a Hellenistic kiln found in the excavation, and it was reconstructed based on the assumptions of a team of professionals from different fields. Constant research and collaboration between management agencies and superintendencies led to solutions that met both the needs of the site and those of documentation and preservation of the material found. In addition, the simplified model of the kiln was used to create a virtual experience accessible via both desktop and Oculus, enhancing it and making the object usable on multiple levels.