Archaeological anastylosis of two Macedonian tombs in a 3D virtual environment

Abstract

Highlights: Use of contemporary digital methods for the 3D geometric documentation of complex burial structures. Interdisciplinary approach to implement digital techniques for 3D modelling, including 3D terrestrial laser scanning and image-based modelling. Implementation of virtual anastylosis by archaeologists using the 3D models and suitable software. Abstract:Archaeological restoration of monuments is a practice requiring extreme caution and thorough study. Proceeding to restoration or to reconstruction actions without detailed consultation and thought is normally avoided by archaeologists and conservation experts. Nowadays, anastylosis executed on the real object is generally prohibited. Contemporary technologies have provided archaeologists and other conservation experts with the tools to embark on virtual restorations or anastyloses, thus testing various alternatives without physical intervention on the monument itself. In this way, the values of the monuments are respected according to international conventions. In this paper, two examples of virtual archaeological anastyloses of two important Macedonian tombs in northern Greece are presented. The anastyloses were performed on three-dimensional (3D) models which have been produced using modern digital 3D documentation techniques, such as image-based modelling and terrestrial laser scanning. The reader is introduced to the history and importance -as well as the peculiarities-of the Macedonian tombs. In addition, the two tombs are described in detail mainly from an archaeological point of view. The procedure of field data acquisition and processing to produce the 3D models is described. Simple and standard methods were employed in acquiring the raw data. Processing was carried out using commercial software. The resulting 3D models and other documentation products have been assessed for their accuracy and completeness. The decisions for the virtual anastylosis are explained in detail and the procedure is also described. The restored monuments are presented and evaluated by the conservation experts. Thus, it is shown how important virtual anastylosis of monuments is to archaeology researchers, as it enables them to conduct in-depth studies, without actually tampering with the monuments themselves. Digital 3D models are contributing to many disciplines, especially in archaeology; they enable a wider audience to easily access both archaeological and geometric information, also offering the user a high degree of interaction possibilities. Resumen:La restauración arqueológica de monumentos es una práctica que requiere extrema precaución y un estudio exhaustivo. Los arqueólogos y expertos en conservación evitan normalmente proceder a la restauración y a las acciones de reconstrucción sin reflexión y una consulta detallada. Actualmente, la ejecución de anastilosis sobre el objeto real está generalmente prohibida. Las tecnologías contemporáneas han proporcionado las herramientas a los arqueólogos y otros expertos en conservación para embarcarse en restauraciones v...

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