Roman Forum Research Articles

Imaging Based Techniques Combined with Color Measurements for the Enhancement of Medieval Wall Paintings in the Framework of EHEM Project.

(1) Background: This paper illustrates an innovative methodological approach chosen to study and map the colors of the medieval wall painting of Santa Maria Antiqua in the Roman Forum, one of the pilot sites of the EHEM project (Enhancement of Heritage Experiences: The Middle Ages). Digital Layered Models of Architecture and Mural Paintings over Time). (2) Methods: Two methods were employed to gather information about colors and mapping. Specifically, colorimetry was utilized for spot measurements, and hypercolorimetric multispectral imaging (HMI) was employed to map the same colors sampled through colorimetry. (3) Results: Chromatic data for all colors in the wall paintings were obtained in the CIELAB color space. Additionally, chromatic similarity maps were generated using the innovative HMI system, a multispectral imaging technique capable of obtaining color data information through advanced calibration software named SpectraPick® (Version 1.1). This comprehensive approach facilitates a thorough understanding of color characteristics and distribution. (4) Conclusions: The color measurements and mapping represent significant advancements in the interpretation of medieval wall paintings, which are often fragmentary and stratigraphically complex. This research sheds new light on the colors used and enhances our understanding of the original appearance of the iconographic patterns. Furthermore, it enables the reconstruction of colors that closely resemble the originals.

ETHEL ANN BURTON-BROWN WITH BONI IN THE FORUM, 1898–1904

This essay has two objectives. First, it acknowledges and situates the contribution of Ethel Ann Burton-Brown (1868–1927) to the history of the archaeology of the Roman Forum as it was excavated between 1898 and 1905 under the direction of Giacomo Boni (1859–1925). Her English-language handbook on the discoveries, now overlooked in literature on Boni, showcased her education at Girton College, her experience with traditional cultures such as those of northern India, and her understanding of established and newly-emerging methods of classical archaeology. Unlike Esther van Deman and Eugénie Sellers Strong, who embraced careers in archaeology just years after Burton-Brown's publication, she did not pursue working in the discipline because of her personal situation. Secondly, it investigates the manner in which Burton-Brown received Boni's presentation of the excavations. Trained as an architect and experienced in architectural restoration, Boni brought innovative scientific methods to the task of uncovering Rome's archaic past. He did so while deliberately distancing himself from those scholars before him who applied traditional academic approaches, i.e., those reliant on classical literature, to archaeological practice. In large part, Burton-Brown's handbook echoes the descriptions and analyses of Boni's finds in the Roman Forum. However, a closer reading of her text reveals that her personal experiences shaped some of her explanations of the archaeological past in ways that differed from Boni's. In addition, their respective nationalities, British versus Italian, shade how they each value Rome's early history.

Women in the Regia and the Republican Imagination

Abstract: This paper explores the relationship between gender and space through a consideration of women's ritual performances in the Regia, an ancient and sacred building at the edge of the Roman Forum. In this space, the regina sacrorum , the flaminica Dialis , the saliae virgines , and the Vestal Virgins performed a range of public rituals on behalf the Roman people. The paper examines how the material setting of the Regia and traditions associating it with the regal period shaped the experiences of the priestesses as they carried out their ritual obligations. It also considers how their ritual performances contributed to the perception that the Regia and many of the city's most important rituals were rooted in the regal period.

Control through Construction: Managing Opposition in the Roman Forum

Control through Construction: Managing Opposition in the Roman Forum

From Temples to Theaters: Unveiling the Layers of Life in Classical Greece and Rome through Architectural Typologies

This research comprehensively explores the architectural legacies of Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, delving into the innovative concepts of order in Greek architecture and the classical orders of Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. The Parthenon, an iconic Greek temple, serves as an exemplar of these orders, highlighting aesthetic and structural ideals. Beyond temples, Greek architecture embraces diverse typologies like marketplaces, theaters, palaestrae, bouleuterions, and auditoriums. Shifting focus to Roman civilization renowned for grandeur and gladiatorial spectacles, the paper examines architectural contributions and monumental structures, exemplified by the Pantheon's innovative material usage and dome construction. The exploration extends to various Roman typologies, including theaters, amphitheaters, thermae, and aqueducts, revealing the multifaceted nature of Roman urban planning. Chronologically tracing Greek architectural evolution, the paper examines the Parthenon's construction and refinements. Greek typologies such as theaters, agora, stoae, palaestra, and bouleuterion are scrutinized for cultural significance and civic importance. Transitioning to Roman architectural developments, the paper highlights contributions, innovations, and monumental structures defining Roman civilization. Roman thermae and aqueducts emerge as engineering marvels, underscoring sophistication in public spaces. Surviving structures in the Roman Forum symbolize Roman achievements. This exploration aims to unravel intricate connections between the built environment and socio-cultural, political, and economic dynamics in both ancient societies. The legacy of Greek and Roman architecture, seen in temples, public spaces, and cultural hubs, leaves an indelible mark on history, offering insights into collective identities and aspirations of classical antiquity. Key Words: Architectural Legacies, Classical Orders, Greek Typologies, Roman Urban Planning, Socio-cultural Dynamics

Roman wall paintings from the Roman Forum district of Carthago Nova: Characterisation of mortars and pigments

This paper aims to study the construction technique and characterisation of original mortars and wall paintings at the Roman Forum district of Carthago Nova (Spain). A multi-analytical approach was conducted on original fragments using Optical Microscopy (OM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), colour tests (CIE L*a*b*) and contact angle measurements. Besides, the chemical composition was studied by X-fluorescence (XRF), Thermogravimetry (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Infrared spectroscopy using attenuated total reflectance (ATR-FTIR). The mortars showed a multi-layered pattern consisting of three distinguishable layers that were decorated with low-thickness coatings. The top layer composition was eminently calcitic, while the central and bottom layers were probably elaborated with pozzolanic materials. It is worth noting that unusual minerals as cerussite (PbCO3) were identified in some layers, and probably associated to subsequent activities carried out in the site after Roman times. The top coating was made of hematite (Fe2O3) for red decoration, whereas graphite (C) and hydroxyapatite (Ca5(PO4)3(OH)) were identified in black coatings, which suggests the use of animal bones in the production of black pigments. In addition, the outer surface of some fragments was most likely coated with organic substances to enhance colour and durability. Finally, SEM examination and EDX analyses also confirmed some of the above findings and the existence of NaCl surface crusts due to natural weathering.

Ancient spring waters still emerging and accessible in the Roman Forum area: Chemical–physical and microbiological characterization

Abstract The presence of abundant surface and underground waters and, consequently, fertile and flat soils favored the birth and expansion of Rome. Before the construction of the first aqueduct, the “springs” were probably the only source of drinking water in Rome. At the same time, today, many of them are only scarce outcrops that, anyway, constitute an important heritage for their hydrogeological, archaeological, and monumental significance. In the present study, a multiparametric analytical approach is reported to highlight possible differences among the still emerging and accessible sources in the area of the Roman Forum and to exclude infiltrations from the water and/or sewage network. Temperature, conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and redox potential were measured in situ, while the salt and bicarbonate content, the fixed residue, some UV-Vis indices, and the volatile organic compounds were determined in the laboratory. The microbiological water quality was evaluated by assaying Escherichia coli, intestinal Enterococci, and Salmonella, with the total bacterial count at 22 and 37°C. As expected, all samples are non-potable. Nevertheless, the comparison of data on standpipes close to the springs allowed us to exclude important infiltrations from the water network and the microbiological analysis of those from the sewer network.

Restauro in Accademia di San Luca: riflessioni intorno a una proposta di Gaspare Salvi per il concorso scolastico 1840.

An unpublished document in the archives of the Accademia di San Luca bears witness to the proposal of a 'restoration' test addressed to students of theoretical architecture, on the occasion of the annual school competition in 1840. The reasons for the idea, consisting in the elaboration of a project for the restoration of the Temple of Mars Ultor in the Roman forum, are here traced back to the collapse of part of the Monastery of the Annunziata ai Pantani, which had developed over the centuries close to the remains of the temple, which had occurred the previous year. The competition outline, drawn up by architect Gaspare Salvi, certifies that at the time the building was to be demolished with a view to 'in style' completion of the temple, which was not carried out. Although promptly rejected, in its nature of an isolated case, Salvi's proposal contributed to the reflection on the idea of archaeological restoration in the academic training of young architects and to a greater definition of the thinking regarding the possibility of intervention on ancient monuments in the first half of the 19th century in Rome.

More than words: a study on the visibility of hand gestures in public spaces

Hand gestures play an important role in human communication. Although the study of their repertoires and roles for past communities is a popular field of research, there has been no attempt so far to study their visibility during public events. The aim of this study was to determine the maximum number of people who could see hand gestures well enough to understand their meaning. Using gestures taken from ancient Roman rhetorical treatises, which we divided into three classes related to the detail of the gestures (fingers, hand, arm, or arms), we conducted a series of experiments to determine the maximum distance from which each class of gestures could be seen. We used the results, including regression analysis, to conduct visibility analyses for two case studies: one on the rostra on the Late Republican Forum Romanum in Rome; and the other on Pyramid No 3 in the centre of Late-Classical Mayan Tikal. We used the calculation of the areas where gestures were visible to estimate crowd sizes by drawing on crowd behaviour observation during contemporary public gatherings. They show not only how many people could have potentially seen the gestures, but also what percentage of the theoretically available space could have been occupied by people who had the potential to see them. According to the findings, only a little under half (44.8%) of the maximum possible audience were able to detect all types of gestures (various levels of detail) at the LR Roman Forum, while at Pyramid No 3 in Tikal, just a mere 16.7% were able to do so. We believe that the results presented and the methodology used can be applied to analyse any public space, regardless of place and time, thus providing a valuable tool to comprehend past public assemblies.

WEB PLATFORMS FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT: THE PARCO ARCHEOLOGICO DEL COLOSSEO CASE STUDY

Abstract. This paper describes the digitization test of Fonte Giuturna (Giuturna spring) in the Roman Forum area, from survey to data management through the in-use monitoring system, the WebApp SyPEAH of the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo. The location of Giuturna Spring, characterized by the presence of heterogeneous archaeological remains from different ages, was surveyed in May 2022 as part of a research project that aimed to superintend the entire Cultural Heritage digitization pipeline to provide the Archaeological Park Administration the digitization guidelines as a tool to standardize future surveys and data deliveries.Inspired by the desire to build a system of protection and conservation at the service of sustainable exploitation, SyPEAH is a web platform based on open-source modules designed to manage archaeological records with a WebGIS approach. It supports the use of several 3D data formats, including point clouds. The paper focuses on the web platform, describing the web app’s main features, especially in terms of point cloud data management. Moreover, possible future development of the platform intended to implement usability for single archaeological objects is described.

Butrint National Park 'Integrated Management Plan' - Combining Natural Park with Cultural Heritage

Inhabited since prehistoric times, Butrint (ancient Buthrotum), has been the site of a Greek colony, a Roman city and a bishopric. Following a period of prosperity under Byzantine administration, then a brief occupation by the Venetians, the city was abandoned in the late Middle Ages after marshes formed in the area. The present archaeological site has remains representing each period in the city's development. Today, Butrint is an Archaeological Park under the patronage of both UNESCO and Natural Park. The ancient city of Butrint is the best example of combining cultural heritage with the elements of the Natural Park. Owing to the changes in climate that have occurred in the last two decades, the archaeological site of Butrint, especially the area of the ancient theatre and Roman forum, are covered by water at times. The implementation of intervention projects for monuments has been inefficient however due to prolonged procedures and the jurisdiction overlap between specialised institutions. Because of this, a new reasonable approach on conservation interventions and archaeological excavations will be taken on some of the monuments at the Archaeological Park of Butrint . These interventions will be regulated by an Integrated Management Plan implemented in 2021, and will include the management of cultural and natural assets. The Management Plan conditions will determine, control and ensure a sustainable and long-term administration of the monuments and the site.

On the Use of White Marbles in Roman Forum Sempronii (Fossombrone, Marche, Italy): An Overview of the Archaeometric Data on Architectural Elements

This paper presents the results of the characterisation, identification, provenance determination, and quantification of the white, greco scritto-like and polychrome marbles used for architectural purposes at Forum Sempronii, a Roman town in the Marche region of Italy. Samples of five fragments of white marble and one fragment of a greco scritto-like marble have been studied using mineralogical and petrographic observations and stable isotope ratio analysis (SIRA) of carbon and oxygen. Polychrome marbles were macroscopically identified by comparison with reference samples and available image databases. Analytical results of the white and greco scritto-like marbles identified the material as coming from the quarries of Carrara (Luni, Italy) and Proconnesos (Marmara, Saraylar, Turkey) for white marble, and of Ephesos-Hasançavuslar for greco scritto-like marble. Further, at least eleven imported polychrome stone varieties were distinguished. The study clearly illustrates that Forum Sempronii had access to the main marble trade networks of the Roman Mediterranean. The early attestation of Proconnesian marble at the town’s augusteum (i.e., Augustan date) is unique for central Adriatic Italy.

While his paternal family was from the Volscian town of Velletri, approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi) south-east of Rome, Augustus was born in Rome on 23 September 63 BC.[12][13] He was born at Ox Head, a small property on the Palatine Hill, very close to the Roman Forum. He was given the name Gaius Octavius, and in his childhood he

While his paternal family was from the Volscian town of Velletri, approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi) south-east of Rome, Augustus was born in Rome on 23 September 63 BC.[12][13] He was born at Ox Head, a small property on the Palatine Hill, very close to the Roman Forum. He was given the name Gaius Octavius, and in his childhood he

Visualizing digital architectural data for heritage education

This paper presents an online tool for heritage education that visualizes large-scale digital architectural data of the Roman Forum in Rome, Italy. Leveraging Potree and WebGL, the tool enables the web-based visualization of registered point cloud data as the base framework for the context and the reconstructed geometries with mesh models wrapped with images of standing monuments as the focus. The tool enables users to overview the entire heritage site and examine the fine monument details. The 3D reconstructed mesh and surface models are built to allow users to explore and study the site as it exists today in relation to its reconstructed views. The site is tagged with historical information and imagery for further referencing. The paper concludes with a report on visualization results and an ad-hoc evaluation provided by domain experts.

Continuity and innovation in glazed tableware consumption in North Africa from the Fatimid to Zirid periods

Excavations in the former Roman port of Utica (North Tunisia) by the University of Oxford and the INP (Tunisie) have revealed an area of medieval Islamic houses in the area of the Roman forum. Stratified sequences of pottery have established four main phases of occupation which would appear to span the mid-10th to mid-11th century. The range of glazed wares and other classes of pottery is summarised per phase and a detailed study of the glaze technologies of 23 samples through time can now be compared with the study of 14 vessels previously published from Bir Ftouha, near Carthage. The Utica assemblage demonstrates that there were major changes in the consumption of glazed wares from the late Fatimid period to Zirid independent rule, not only in relation to forms and types of decoration but also in terms of glazing techniques. Up to six different glazing techniques have been identified, including transparent and opaque glazes and overglaze and underglaze decoration. Moreover, the presence of several glaze imports has been detected, showing that glazed pottery other than those produced in the central region of Ifriqiya was being consumed in North Tunisia. This work also provides relevant information with regard to the production and consumption of glazed wares in medieval Tunisia during the 10th and 11th centuries.

Propylaea of the Roman Forum in Tergeste: Origins and Meanings of the Architectural Form

Propylaea of the Roman Forum in Tergeste: Origins and Meanings of the Architectural Form

Digital heritage consolidation and innovation, three case studies between documentation and divulgation aims

In recent years, the need to digitize and create digital twins of the ar-chitectural and artistic heritage has been confirmed and accelerated. In this con-text, the DIDA-LXR (Laboratory for eXtended Reality) of the DIDALABS sys-tem, has carried out a series of research on the use of Virtual and Augmented Reality solutions to create and support activities in digital surveying, workshops for architects, and the establishment of a common knowledge basin regarding the existing architectural heritage. In this paper, several experiences are presented, and their workflows and results are shared. The selection focuses on the virtual reconstruction of the Gothic apses in the Cathedral of Fabriano; the reconstruc-tion of the frescoes in Santa Maria dei Bianchi in Gubbio and the virtual recon-struction of the Horrea Agrippiana at the Roman Forum in Rome. Despite these four case studies being different, they all aim at creating a series of products that document the state and possible aspects of the past of significant elements of the architectural heritage. In their own way, they fix the state of knowledge and con-dition of these complex artefacts, preserving their memory and creating a valua-ble basis for any further interventions. Simultaneously, the use of today's digital tools in structures geared towards both sharing in working groups and dissemi-nation activities makes this content available for a wide variety of processing. The technologies for the visualisation of digital works are to be considered ex-cellent tools for the use and enhancement of Cultural Heritage.

Niewygodne dziedzictwo?

Uncomfortable Heritage? The Meaning of Pagan Antiquity in the Space of Christian Rome The decline of paganism in Late Antiquity contributed to the transformation of culture of the roman society. With the victory of Christianity, which became firstly a dominant and later the only accepted religion, the objects of the classical culture became a problematic heritage. The aim of the paper is to present the Christians’ shifting attitude towards the material remains of the pagan culture and the way in which they influenced and shaped the identity of the Christian community. These processes are analyzed on the example of Rome in the period from the 4th to the 6th century. Special attention is paid to the area of the Roman Forum, which was characterized by exceptional accumulation and density of the monuments which constituted the pagan heritage. Since it was the central and representative space, the symbolical character of the forum was very important for the leaders of the local community and its transformations reflect very well the changing attitude of the Christians towards the pagan heritage.

Saussure al Kaiserlich Deutsches Archeologiches Institut di Roma (1906)

The article is about Ferdinand de Saussure’s participation to a meeting of the KDAI (Kaiserlich Deutsches Archeologisches Institut) on 12th January 1906 and his interest in the archaic inscription on the cippus from the Lapis Niger in the Roman Forum. Thanks to a list of signatures of the participants to the meeting, it was possible to retrieve information about who Ferdinand de Saussure’s possible contacts in Rome were. The article also discusses Luigi Ceci, who first read and interpreted the inscription on the cippus, and reflects on his role in creating a school of linguistics in Rome, inspired by Saussure’s teaching.

Novedades sobre la construcción del foro de Libisosa: noticia preliminar de las últimas intervenciones arqueológicas

The following paper offers a small preview of the results of the archaeological studies carried out in the 2019 and 2020 campaigns in the Northern sector of the Roman forum of Libisosa (Lezuza, Albacete, Spain), a coordinated effort aiming at its consolidation