ANCIENT MINING LANDSCAPES AND HABITATIVE SCENERIES IN THE URBAN AREA OF CENTOCELLE: GEOMATIC APPLICATIONS FOR THEIR IDENTIFICATION, MEASUREMENT, DOCUMENTATION AND MONITORING

Abstract

This study, focused on the Archaeological Park of Centocelle, was carried out to test the functionality of different geomatic products for the identification and monitoring of complex archaeological evidences in urban areas. The method proposes a better knowledge of the archaeological context as a tool to favour a better protection, allowing the establishment of limits to urban enlargement in areas of respect. The test area is chosen because of the combined presence of hypogeal evidences related to Roman and pre-Roman exploitation of local litotypes and for the dense presence of archaeological vestiges at its surface, related to the inhabitation function of the zone in a period contemporaneous to the beginning of the quarrying activities. The methods used are the digital photogrammetry, 3D modelling, remote sensing interpretation and digital cartography. The protocol is then customized for the peculiarities of the area under study, considering both the underground structures and the ones at the surface. Archaeological features are identified by processing optical and SAR dataset to enhance the contrast of archaeological features from the background. Historical and recent DSM have been then compared to evaluate the evolutions of local topography. Concerning the study of the subterranean quarrying system in the area, a 3D model of one gallery was produced, with the aim to understand the type of ancient exploitation. A DTM of the toolmarks was then produced to understand the technological skills used for the exploitation of the local tuff and used as an indirect proof for chronological interpretation. A final trial of PSInSAR was addressed to test the method for monitoring the hypogeal levels. Several field prospections were executed, in order to first set the method properly and then validate the results.