The Survey of the Ballistic Imprints for a Renewed Image of Unearthed Pompeii

Abstract

The paper collects prior studies about the cavities in the northern portion of Pompeii’s fortification. The exceptional circumstances that characterize the unearthed city allow to ascribe those cavities to the blows of the artillery employed by the Romans in the first century BC during the siege. The survey of the cavities was carried out via traditional methods and enabled to derive ballistic data to quantify the power of the arms used. In conclusion, the paper suggests that a photogrammetric survey would be opportune. The precise and accurate geometric and radiometric characterization of the cavities will be prodromal to the virtual construction of 3D digital twins (negative–positive) and will support the mechanical analyses. The results will be employed to reconstruct Roman artillery (ballistae and catapults) suitable for a correct/reliable reconstruction of the siege followed by and innovative dissemination of the image of ancient Pompeii.