The conservation and preservation of cultural heritage need by now non-destructive analytical methods for the characterisation of materials, detection of degradations and authenticity assessment. The interaction properties of neutrons with matter make neutron-based techniques suitable for nondestructive studies of ancient artefacts since they cannot be replaced. A quantitative bulk characterisation of the chemical composition of ancient mosaic tesserae, dating from 2^nd to the 11^th century AD and coming from different geographical areas (Greece, Italy, and Syria) has been conducted through Neutron Resonance Capture Analysis (NRCA) combined with Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA). The NAA analysis returns the bulk composition in terms of major, minor and trace elements, while NRCA reveals the presence of particular elements, like antimony, in agreement with NAA results.

The article describes an example of using an iterative algorithm to reconstruction 3D models from two-dimensional (2D) microtomographic (μCT) computer images of archaeological artifacts. The object of the tomographic reconstruction was a 40,000- year-old Paleolithic hunting weapon found in the Ljubljanica River near Sinja Gorica (Slovenia). Between 2013 and 2017, the point was conserved using a traditional waterlogged wood processing technique with melamine resin. Using computer volumetric analysis of five surface 3D models, taken before, during and after the conservation, it was found out that volumetric changes and deviations of the point have occurred. The point bent visibly. Surface changes on 3D models did not answer the question: in what condition is the point after the conservation procedure nor the causes of the established deviation. Therefore, we developed an iterative algorithm (IR) with which we rendered a volumetric 3D model from 2D microtomographic images. With the volumetric 3D model, we were able to supplement the information of the surface 3D model and volumetrically and graphically confirm the actual and critical state of the internal structure of the artifact. Reconstruction of 3D models from 2D microtomographic images and results obtained from volumetric 3D model highlighted the importance of computed tomography as a non-invasive imaging technique in archaeological treatment, and especially in the planning and implementation of procedures for conservation, restoration and storage of valuable objects of archaeological cultural heritage.

In the project, carried out by the Geomatics group of the DICAM Department from the University of Bologna, it is discussed the integration of different sensors as an application to the field of Cultural Heritage. The fresco painting examined dates back to the beginning of the XVII century, it is found in the San Martino theatre hall, in the city centre of Bologna. Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS), Photogrammetry and Thermal Analysis were employed as support for the analysis of the damaged fresco, and their integration, upon calibration, allowed to obtain a detailed representation and mapping of the fresco and its decay. In addition, it is now carried out a further research considering the role of Intensity of the TLS data, which could provide additional information about the conservation state of the painting's surface.

Microscopic and chemical characterization of some metal slags from iron processing were carried out at the Laboratories of the Department of Physics and Earth Sciences (University of Ferrara). Samples were collected in the archaeological excavation of Porta Paola and Via Bologna in the city of Ferrara in August 2003, following the exceptional discovery of a boat for goods transport which involved the surrounding stratigraphic study. The analysis of these findings allowed to understand their chemical and mineralogical origin.

Multi-analytical chemical approaches are nowadays considered an important source of complementary information in archaeological functional studies. Here we report the results of an investigation carried out by means of liquid chromatography-mass-spectrometry (LC-MS), pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (py-GC-MS) and Raman micro-spectroscopy (μRaman) applied onto residues sampled from ceramic vessels, found in the ancient cities of Assiut (Egypt, Middle Kingdom). These items, characterized by the typical conical shape of Kohl containers, represented an extraordinary opportunity to study, at the same time, well preserved archaeological records and the related contents. Thanks to the combined analysis, it was possible to hypothesize the original recipes adopted to prepare the ancient cosmetic. The profile of the fatty ingredients resulted congruent with the information collected by the archaeologist from the excavation site, regarding the culture and the ancient Egyptian practice of eye-painting. The analysis of the sedimentary material confirmed the provenance of the archaeological record