Archeologia funeraria e tecnologie digitali: la tomba del principe di Corinaldo dalla documentazione alla fruizione

The paper presents the preliminary results achieved within the ArcheoNevola Project led by the University of Bologna with the application of 3D survey techniques – laser scanning and photogrammetry – for the documentation of the recently discovered princely tomb in Corinaldo and its rich grave goods dating back to the 7th BC and belonging to the Picenian culture. The digital documentation produced, which can be navigated in a 3D environment, is a useful practical tool for the daily post-excavation work of archaeologists and restorers. Among the favorable outcomes are advantages for the archaeological analysis of depositional and post-depositional processes and for the reconstruction of the context with the light of conservative restoration already underway. The first results discussed here represent also a potential starting point for future experiences of virtual archaeology and digital fruition of the necropolis site in Corinaldo, at Contrada Nevola, as well as for the reproduction of the ancient funerary landscape. In fact, the circumstances of the discovery, within the framework of preventive archaeological investigations, and the non-structural characteristics of the archaeological deposit encourage the adoption of alternative solutions for the enhancement and public enjoyment of the area, such as those offered by the realm of visual computing. The experience of 3D digital mapping of the princely tomb of Corinaldo thus becomes a chance to reflect on the new possibilities offered by digital archaeology and for the specific case, also in the wake of some relevant experiences gained by Italian research in similar contexts.