Digital Documentation of the Saite Tombs in Saqqara

Abstract

This paper focuses on the digital documentation techniques employed in the recording of a number of Saite-Persian sarcophagus-tombs in the necropolis of Saqqara (Egypt). In this paper, we discus pros and cons of different three-dimensional technologies for the documentation of a vast site as well as the process of ongoing excavation. We then delve into a discussion of the results and benefits of the employed techniques, particularly understanding the complex spatial relationships of archaeological features both aboveground and underground. Furthermore, we explain how we derive precise scaled and ortho-rectified images of all inscribed walls and objects from the recorded 3D-information in order to produce digital facsimiles. The 3D approach gives us the opportunity to create an exact digital copy of the site, and to record all stages of the excavation. The produced 3D models can be used in various virtual environments in order to give researchers and the general public the possibility to visit and to examine the site from a distance. Also, it is important to note that this paper presents a sustainable long-term data-archiving strategy, since saving the digitally-born data for future generations is an integral part of our Saqqara Saite Tombs Project.

Keywords

• Ancient Egypt, 3D-documentaion, Saqqara, Laserscanning, Photogrammetry