3D Models and Interactive Communication for Archaeology: The Nymphaeum Ponari in Cassino

Abstract

This study is part of a broader research project on Roman Casinum archaeological heritage and includes tangible and intangible heritage. In the mid-twentieth century, a nymphaeum dating from the second half of the first century B.C. was found not far from the core of Casinum, an archaeological site, located in the modern town of Cassino in South Latium, Italy. The nymphaeum Ponari is part of a Roman villa still completely buried underground. The excavations had been carried out so far have gradually unearthed a well-preserved environment consisting of a rectangular hall with niches topped by a barrel vault. The metric data acquired in a recent digital survey made it possible to develop a virtual model reconstruction of the nymphaeum and to design an interactive communication system, on-site and off-site, linked to the nearby museum complex present at the archaeological site. The present article is focused on the documentation, interpretation, valorization and communication of archaeological heritage of the Roman Casinum city site.