PROJECT IDEAS

Innovative techniques and methodologies for the valorisation of the Mediterranean’s archaeological heritage

The basic scientific idea is to create an innovative methodology for the valorisation of the Mediterranean’s archaeological heritage. The project starts with the analysis of phenomena that radically changed places and their “historical memories” due to their extraordinariness and their temporal concentration, namely some of the great natural catastrophes that took place in the Mediterranean area. Many different disciplines can work on sites affected by these events, and their overall integration can bring an extraordinary amount of added value in terms of knowledge that could not be acquired if each single study were to be looked at individually. The earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that have succeeded each other over the centuries represent a distinctive feature of the Mediterranean identity.

The definition of a Mediterranean identity is a complex process, which requires the integration of an ensemble of disciplines that range from genetics to geology, from linguistics to history, archaeology, and economics and of state and administrative policies for the preservation of cultural heritages. The research intends to launch an innovative product that integrates different disciplines and valorises their common values.

The project idea goes beyond single events and its archaeological and monumental profile, which are nevertheless identified and subject to specific analyses. The ultimate goal of the research is to show how new forms of cultural heritage valorisation can be implemented, starting from a synthesis of population genetics, the physical and stratographic nature of the territory, the historical and archaeological representation of natural phenomena, the collection of published and unpublished documents and the protection of the cultural heritage. In such an innovative approach, valorisation efforts are a synthesis of a complex integrated project that is not limited to archaeological aspects.

Methodologies and technologies used in the “memory-identity-valorisation” connection are based on: the integrated use of advanced technologies, in order to create a series of maps and databases that can be managed with GIS; DNA analysis performed on local populations; and the analysis of valorisation policies implemented by the administrative systems that succeeded each other over time in the study areas.