Archaeology

MATTIA IPPOLITI

In line with the educational objectives of the degree programme in which it is included, the course aims to provide, within the field of the Digital Archaeology, knowledge and understanding that complement and/or reinforce those acquired during basic training, and to enable students to address original issues raised by a research context, formulating judgements, communicating the knowledge and processes that led to their acquisition, and studying the topics independently. The course provides a historical and critical overview of digital archaeology, analysing and critiquing the relationship between traditional methodologies (excavation, surveying, cartography) and technologies. It enables students to understand the methodological foundations of the discipline and their evolution in relation to the cultural context and the different classes of data to which the research is dedicated.

No prerequisites required

The course in Digital Archaeology aims to explore a wide range of topics that bring together traditional archaeological techniques and technological innovations. Students will have the opportunity to deepen their analysis of objects, examining how digital technologies can enhance the cataloguing, study, and conservation of historical artefacts. In addition, the course will focus on excavations and architecture, analysing how digital methodologies can optimise the documentation and interpretation of archaeological sites. Students will become familiar with tools such as 3D surveying and photogrammetry, which offer new perspectives on the reconstruction of spaces.

Another fundamental aspect will be the study of urban and rural landscapes, where digital archaeology enables the mapping and analysis of interactions between human and natural environments. Students will learn to use GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to visualise and interpret spatial data. The course will also address the importance of archives and statistical analyses within archaeology. The ability to manage and analyse large volumes of data will be crucial for extracting meaning from complex datasets.

Another relevant topic concerns open data, which promote the sharing of archaeological information with the wider community. Students will explore the potential of open data in research and in the communication of results. Finally, the course will examine the role of artificial intelligence in digital archaeology, discussing how emerging technologies can support data analysis and contribute to new discoveries.

Through a multidisciplinary approach, the course aims to provide students with the skills necessary to address the challenges of digital archaeology and to communicate their findings effectively.

P. Moscati, Informatica archeologica e archeologia digitale. Le risposte della rete, Archeologia e Calcolatori 30, 2019, pp. 21-38.

E. Calandra, V. Boi, Tra riproduzione e condivisione dei beni culturali: il ruolo dell’Istituto Centrale per l’Archeologia, Archeologia e Calcolatori 29, 2018, pp. 63-72.

F. Remondino, S. Campana (acura di), 3D Recording and Modelling in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage. Theory and best practices, 2014.

P. Moscati, Digital Archaeology: From Interdisciplinarity to the ‘Fusion’ of Core Competences Towards the Consolidation of New Research Areas, magazén Vol. 2 – Num. 2 – December 2021, pp. 253-274.

G. Ghiglia, Materialità, incantamento e bias. Verso un uso consapevole dell’IA in archeologia, Archeologia e Calcolatori Supplemento 13, 2025, 51-64 doi 10.19282/ACS.13.2025.05.

Lectures in the classroom with PowerPoint presentations and discussions.

Optional

Interview.

Students evaluation will be based on the following parameters: knowledge, active involvement in classes, reasoning, learning.

Students will be asked to discuss topics that allow them to address several aspects of the course content.
For example:
“Discuss the development of digital archaeology, analyzing the relationship between traditional archaeological methodologies (excavation, surveying, cartography) and digital technologies. In what ways has the introduction of new tools transformed the documentation, analysis, and interpretation of archaeological data?”
“Illustrate the role of digital data in contemporary archaeological research, focusing on the use of GIS, 3D survey and photogrammetry, the management of archives and statistical analyses, and the prospects offered by open data and artificial intelligence.”