Selinunte 2700 years ago, 3D reconstructions and drones
Trapani - There are traces of the first morphologic structure of Selinunte and a landscape that probably existed 2700 years ago. After camera shots with a drone and several virtual simulations of the natural landscape, we are now attempting a 3D reconstruction of the paleo - environmental situation at the time of the first settlements. The goal is to show what the early Selinunte looked like. A result that was presented today. A technique based on the fertile union between geo-morphology and archeology that could be systemically applied to other sites in Italy, from now on.
"The work we started with the technicians from Unicam, after a year of research and field trips, is promising: proceeding with our knowledge of the deepest layers of soil over which the Greeks decided to settle will enable us to find the best solutions to safeguard the extraordinary heritage of Selinunte for the near future and beyond" explained the Director of the Selinunte and Cave di Cusa Archeology Park, Enrico Caruso, also Superintendent of Cultural and Environmental Heritage ad interim in Trapani. We know the wonderful religious architecture in Selinunte, its Greek style architecture and its main components, like its mighty fortifications. Many parts of these ancient wonders are now derelict, because the grandest buildings have collapsed following many violent earthquakes in the past centuries. "We do not know whether this destruction was actually due to building defects or natural disasters: we know the 'aesthetics' of these buildings but not their static properties, neither for the buildings nor for the soil on which they were built" continued Caruso. Understanding the reasons behind the collapse of the temples is very important in order to know what can be done today to safeguard the remaining structures and, especially, those that fell. This is also why it is important to know the urban soil, the natural layer on which these imposing architectures where built, with a view to avoiding future impediments to the conservation and enhancement of the site of Selinunte.