Visualizing antiquity before the digital age: Early and late modern reconstructions of Greek and Roman cityscapes

Piccoli, C.

In recent years, the creation of computer-based archaeological reconstructions has become increasingly widespread. The attempt to visually “reconstruct” relics of ancient architecture, however, is not a novelty of the digital age. Although little research has been done so far in this direction, taking an historical perspective on reconstructions of archaeological evidence over the centuries offers some reflections on the use and legacy of modern 3D visualizations in archaeology. This contribution discusses a selection of archaeological reconstructions (both drawings and 3D physical models) of Roman and Greek cities in the early and late modern period, focussing especially on the motivations, the aims and the methods that guided such endeavours. By doing so, it will shed light on how much the reconstructed past was in fact the result of a re-elaboration of present needs, thoughts and beliefs. Moreover, it will trace the path towards the formation of a scientific method of...Show moreIn recent years, the creation of computer-based archaeological reconstructions has become increasingly widespread. The attempt to visually “reconstruct” relics of ancient architecture, however, is not a novelty of the digital age. Although little research has been done so far in this direction, taking an historical perspective on reconstructions of archaeological evidence over the centuries offers some reflections on the use and legacy of modern 3D visualizations in archaeology. This contribution discusses a selection of archaeological reconstructions (both drawings and 3D physical models) of Roman and Greek cities in the early and late modern period, focussing especially on the motivations, the aims and the methods that guided such endeavours. By doing so, it will shed light on how much the reconstructed past was in fact the result of a re-elaboration of present needs, thoughts and beliefs. Moreover, it will trace the path towards the formation of a scientific method of archaeological inquiry, which includes the elaboration of ways to assess the reliability of the reconstruction.Show less

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Visualizing antiquity before the digital age: Early and late modern reconstructions of Greek and Roman cityscapes