Digital technologies and the archaeological topography of Castellito (Sicily): the reconstruction of a Roman villa

• Rodolfo Brancato ^[1] ; Claudia Lamanna ^[2] ; Vittorio Mirto ^[2] ; Laura Manganelli ^[3]
  1. [1] University of Naples Federico II

     University of Naples Federico II

     Nápoles, Italia

     
  2. [2] University of Bologna

     University of Bologna

     Bolonia, Italia

     
  3. [3] University of Salento

     University of Salento

     Lecce, Italia

     

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• Localización: Archeologia e calcolatori, ISSN 1120-6861, Nº. 34, 2, 2023 (Ejemplar dedicado a: In ricordo di Lea Frosini Ariani, un editore lungimirante), págs. 185-206
• Idioma: inglés
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  • This paper presents the results of the research undertaken through a series of on-site surveys and studies (2019-2022) of the site of Castellito di Ramacca (Catania, Sicily). The site, located on the top of a low hill (106 msl), was partly excavated in the late 20th century and interpreted as a Roman rural building, possibly with a special function (road station). Its name is also attested in ancient sources (Capitoniana). The site was re-evaluated using various non-destructive prospecting methods (aerial photogrammetry, fieldwalking survey, architectural recording), precise location with RTK GNSS and integration of the legacy data in GIS. This approach confirmed a new addition to the already known villa complex and contextualized it as a focal point of the rural settlement system. Based on the topographical data obtained from the survey campaign, conducted by integrating of different techniques, we propose a reconstruction of the villa’s elevation at its peak in Late Antiquity. This study illustrates the great potential of applying digital technologies for a new understanding of Roman villa remains.