In addition to the current use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in archaeology, oriented to rebuild the historical evolution of an archaeological area by using aerial photogrammetry and relief of archaeological objects, is possible to consider the fruition through augmented reality. By using jointly UAVs and augmented reality, it is possible to explore sites which are not often directly accessible from the user and from different perspectives, by providing various types of contextual information (3d models, textual information, etc.) and directly on site. This work deals with a feasibility study for the development of a location-based AR Android application supporting the fruition of a given archaeological site from an aerial perspective, by exploiting UAVs and augmented reality. The main contribution of the work was the integration between the Wikitude SDK augmented reality framework and the DJI Mobile SDK and led to the development of DJIARcheoDrone, a first prototype of the application.

This paper presents the results achieved for the reconstructive study of the Greek-Roman theatre of Taormina, aimed at the realization of a Computer Graphic (CG) film presented at the G7 summit (26-27 May 2017). The reconstruction is now exposed to visitors within one of the two basilicas at the entrance of the theater. The work was commissioned by the Archaeological Superintendence - Park of Naxos- Taormina and proposes the ancient structure in its original aspect in two distinct phases. The first phase dating back to the first quarter of the II century A.D.. When, following a first imposed renovation, the complex expanded the receptive capacity of audience with the construction of an external ambulatory and the re-construction of the entire scaenae frons. The second part dating back to III century A.D. instead, it involves changes to the stage building and the orchestra with its transformation into the arena that change the use of the building. In particular the theatre representations were substituted with gladiatorial games. Our reconstruction uses fast 3D surveys based on drone photogrammetry and close range photogrammetry, together with the potential offered by the 3D modelling environment for interpretation and study. This approach has led to some unpublished solutions. The main goal of this work, is to understand the architectural and details of the monument, in an overall vision of the original context that allows the visitors to value its element of originality.

The pier of San Cataldo (Le), located along the Adriatic coast about 10 Km from the ancient city of Lupiae, is the best preserved port structure of the Roman Age in Apulia. An initial survey, conducted between 2004 and 2007 by the Laboratory of Topography and Photogrammetry of University of Salento, allowed a direct analysis of the remains and the elaboration of a detailed survey of the visible portion on the mainland. Since 2013, the structure has been the subject of an excavation campaign: a further portion of the pier about 20 m longer was discovered at the end on the mainland, and, the underwater remains were revealed for a linear length of about 70 m. The use of aerial photography was very helpful for archieving the expected result of the exhaustive and complete research: the creation of a photogrammetric survey and the realization of a 3D Image-Based model for a through understanding of the monument

Archaeometrical investigation on the ceramic assemblage from Karkamis Höyük, ancient Karkemish started in 2016, mainly focusing on Iron Age materials. Preliminary cross-correlated analytical investigations highlighted crystal structure and chemical composition of samples, selected to represent all technological ceramic classes. This work reports on the first step of a broader program of analyses on both sherds and raw clay, with the aim to connect the site and its ceramic production with the geological deposits in the surrounding region.

This paper focuses on the microscopic and mineralogical characterization of the materials of a precious medieval fresco painting, a byzantine "DormitioVirginis" in Sicily, discovered during a restoration work in a monastery located in the South of Italy. An exhaustive description of the original constituents has been obtained, enriching the knowledge on historical materials and techniques. Several techniques are used, such us optical and electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction, especially when the damage processes are the main concern. The experimental investigation, carried out on pigments and on binder, has allowed a better understanding of the original materials as well as of the remote techniques used to realize the artwork and of their state of conservation. The paintings are realized either by a fresco and lime coat and the analyses reveal the use of a simple color palette, based on natural earth, typical of the Byzantine pictorial tradition.