The course, starting from traditional methods and procedures (e.g., stratigraphic excavation, typology) employed in archaeological research, examines, through case studies, the techniques and methods used by digital archaeology to acquire, systematize, investigate, reconstruct, and communicate the contexts and systems of ancient periods, with a particular focus on the Greek and Roman eras. By the end of the lectures, the student will be able to understand the correct procedures to apply for the collection and analysis of different types of documents (stratigraphy, objects, architectures, etc.) necessary for investigating and understanding processes, contexts, and landscapes that characterized various ancient historical epochs. They will have acquired the basic knowledge needed to consciously handle a set of digital (and non-digital) tools required for data collection and processing, aiming to formulate hypotheses to be presented to the scientific community and to create cultural products for the enhancement and public enjoyment of the results of their research.

The course includes lectures accompanied by practical exercises aimed at understanding the correct use of digital (and non-digital) procedures and tools employed in archaeological research. It covers the following topics over six weeks:

Week I (February 20-22)

In the first week, the course introduces its topics and considers the challenges of heuristic methods that archaeology faced during its formation as a scientific discipline. It explores the solutions adopted and used, starting from the meaning of the term "Archaeology" in the ancient world, leading to the introduction, adoption, and formalization of the stratigraphic method in Italy.

Week II (February 27-29)

The second week discusses methods and procedures of stratigraphic excavation, stratigraphic reading of ancient architectures, and landscape archaeology. The three main tools of archaeology (typology, stratigraphy, and topography) are explained, along with the differences between relative and absolute chronology. The process necessary for developing phase and period plans is also addressed.

Week III (March 5-7)

The third week presents the case study of Villa Adriana. Based on this research, the tools necessary for 2D and 3D field surveys are illustrated. Topics include issues related to digital acquisition from the ground and data acquisition through methods such as the use of drones or satellite images. The main methods of geophysical acquisition are also introduced, discussing the nature, application, and utility of the results (e.g., point clouds) for archaeological research.

Week IV (March 12-14)

In the fourth week, the focus is on analysing and demonstrating the use of major computer tools for processing data acquired with previously discussed instruments (e.g., AutoCAD, QGIS). Methods for processing logical structures necessary for creating an Archaeological Territorial Information System based on GIS are presented, addressing issues related to big data and GIS-Intrasite. The latest and advanced information management systems, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), are also discussed.

Week V (March 19-21)

The fifth week summarizes the lessons from previous weeks, showing how the use and processing of data obtained, especially from remote sensing, are the means to acquire tools necessary for the stratigraphic interpretation of contexts. This leads to a scientific analysis and proposal of the synchronous and diachronic history of each archaeological context.

Week VI (March 26-28)

In the final week, topics related to the publication of data and research are considered, with particular attention to different types of licenses, starting from open-access licenses. The aspects related to the enhancement of knowledge, specifically through standard processes of Public Archaeology, immersive archaeology, gamification, and virtual reality, are then illustrated. Concerning the latter, examples are presented using VR headsets to convey the potential and challenges associated with the use of these technologies in public communication.

Knowledge and Understanding: The student must demonstrate, through an oral interview, that they have learned and processed the content and methodological foundations of the discipline. The candidate should be able to recognize and appropriately contextualize the presented contexts and materials within the historical and cultural period of reference.

Applied Knowledge and Understanding: Additionally, the student must demonstrate possession of analytical and conceptual tools for interpreting archaeological data, being able to integrate acquired content into the historical, economic, and social framework of reference.

Judgment Autonomy: The student must show the ability to maturely and independently discuss issues related to the course topics, placing them in broader interdisciplinary contexts.

Communication Skills: By the end of the course, the student should acquire adequate competencies and tools to present information appropriately and consciously, using the technical-scientific language appropriate to the field of study.

Learning Skills: The student should have developed the learning skills necessary to undertake further studies and in-depth investigations with a high degree of autonomy.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

A) Alongside the lectures, there will be seminars conducted by external instructors, doctoral candidates from research institutes (e.g., CNR), or digital laboratories dedicated to cultural heritage (e.g., DigiLab), or professionals from the digital entrepreneurship sector. Names, specific content, and schedules will be communicated during the lectures.

B) Some sessions will focus on learning the methods of using major 3D surveying equipment such as laser scanners and drones. There is also the possibility of experimenting with the use of virtual reality headsets.

C) Finally, in agreement with the participants, it is possible to organize a guided visit to the Villa Adriana site to observe on-site how the products of 3D surveying (e.g., point clouds, vector plans) transition to stratigraphic analysis and the reconstruction of ancient architectures for a better understanding of their evolution over time.

D) Throughout the course and before the assessment session, students can schedule a meeting with the instructor via email (fabio.cavallero@uniurb.it) to address any doubts or difficulties in exam preparation.

Teaching

Lectures will be conducted using PowerPoint presentations, incorporating both theoretical and practical-laboratory approaches involving three-dimensional surveying equipment and software for the drawing and spatial analysis of data.

Attendance

Due to the technical nature of the topics and the practical sessions involving equipment, regular attendance is strongly recommended. 

Course books

Selected sections from the following texts will be covered during the course:

P. Carafa, "Storie dai contesti. Metodologie e procedure della ricerca archeologica," Milan 2021

M. Forte, S. Campana (eds.), "Digital Methods and Remote Sensing in Archaeology. Archaeology in the Age of Sensing," Springer 2016.

G. Lock, "Using Computers in Archaeology Towards Virtual Pasts," London 2003.

N. Dell’Unto, G. Landeschi, "Archaeological 3D GIS," London and New York 2022.

Assessment

The oral exam questions aim to assess whether the candidate has acquired knowledge of the methodology, methods, and various procedures (both traditional and related to digital archaeology) used in archaeological research. The candidate must also demonstrate a critical understanding of the main digital tools and techniques used for collecting different types of documents necessary for reconstructing the past. The correct use of terminologies related to various instruments used in digital data acquisition (e.g., total station, laser scanner), their subsequent analysis (e.g., GIS, BIM), and their final reconstruction (e.g., archaeological maps, phase plans, period plans) is required. The student should also demonstrate an understanding of the process from the use of remote sensing technologies to the correct utilization of the acquired data. Lastly, the ability to accurately represent non-complex cases of horizontal and/or vertical stratigraphy in a stratigraphic diagram (matrix) is expected.

Excellent evaluations will be given for performances demonstrating the student's possession of critical skills, a clear presentation of contexts with established connections, and the appropriate use of specialized vocabulary.

Satisfactory evaluations will be granted for performances indicating a more than basic knowledge of the content, supported by critical and orientation skills using the technical language of the discipline.

Passable evaluations will be assigned for performances demonstrating the student's attainment of minimal knowledge, despite some educational gaps, and the use of somewhat inappropriate language.

Negative evaluations will be given for performances highlighting the student's difficulty in orienting themselves regarding the topics, serious knowledge gaps, and the failure to use technical vocabulary.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Attendance

Nessuno

Course books

-

Assessment

The questions during the oral exam aim to assess whether the candidate has acquired knowledge of the methodology, methods, and various procedures (both traditional and related to digital archaeology) used in archaeological research. The candidate must also demonstrate a critical understanding of the main digital tools and techniques used for collecting different types of documents necessary for reconstructing the past. During the interview, correct use of the various terminologies related to different tools used in digital data acquisition (e.g., total station, laser scanner), their subsequent analysis (e.g., GIS, BIM), and their final reconstruction (e.g., archaeological maps, phase plans, period plans) is required. The ability to correctly represent non-complex cases of horizontal and/or vertical stratigraphy in a stratigraphic diagram (matrix) is also expected. For non-attending students, the results of the projects agreed upon with the instructor at least three months before the chosen exam session (see above) are also evaluated.

Excellent evaluations will be given for performances demonstrating the student's possession of critical skills, a clear presentation of contexts with established connections, and the appropriate use of specialized vocabulary.

Satisfactory evaluations will be granted for performances indicating a more than basic knowledge of the content, supported by critical and orientation skills using the technical language of the discipline.

Passable evaluations will be assigned for performances demonstrating the student's attainment of minimal knowledge, despite some educational gaps, and the use of somewhat inappropriate language.

Negative evaluations will be given for performances highlighting the student's difficulty in orienting themselves regarding the topics, serious knowledge gaps, and the failure to use technical vocabulary.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

During the course and before the evaluation session, students, by appointment via email (fabio.cavallero@uniurb.it), can request a meeting with the professor for any doubts or difficulties in exam preparation.

Students are encouraged to regularly access the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it and check their institutional email.

The professor holds office hours and exams in his office at Palazzo Albani (entrance at via del Balestriere 2 - 0722.303756).