Maxentius 3D Project
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Abstract
Aim of the project is to propose a full 3D model of the Circus of Maxentius in Rome encompassing all the aspects of the environment, as well as the architectural system.
The Circus is part o a complex built by Maxentius at the beginning of the IV century AD. The maxentian complex is situated on the via Appia between the second and the third mile; nowadays this area is part of the Parco Regionale dell’Appina Antica, where is not possible to remove the vegetation in order to preserve the ecosystem. For this reason a large part of the Circus is covered by the vegetation, making the reconnaissance of the entire structure impossible for researchers.
Starting point was the study of archaeological data, afterward the team carried on a survey on field to integrate the published data with new information useful to create a metrically correct reconstruction of the monument.
To model both the landscape and the architectural structures it was used Blender, an opens source software, otherwise to model the statues it was used the 3D software ZBrusj. Each element was modeled using scientific references or, in absence of them, following likelihood criteria.
The result is a metrically and scientifically correct 3D model of the Circus of Maxentius useful to study the monument from a new point of view. Integrating archaeological data and 3D graphic is possible to verify the hypothesis on the reconstruction of the monument. To propose an in-depth study complete 3D model is needed to understand the relation among the architectonic elements and the environment.
A 3D model is also useful to communicate the monument to the public, in order to strength the relationship between heritage and citizens.
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References
Giuseppe Ioppolo. 1999. La struttura architettonica. In La villa di Massenzio sulla Via Appia. Il circo. Istituto Nazionale di Studi Romani, Roma, 103-195.
Licia Luschi. 1999. Gli scavi di Nibby e la decorazione dell’euripus. In La villa di Massenzio sulla Via Appia. Il circo. Istituto Nazionale di Studi Romani, Roma, 197-217.
Giuseppina Pisani Sartorio. 1999. Inquadramento storico. In La villa di Massenzio sulla Via Appia. Il circo. Istituto Nazionale di Studi Romani, Roma, 89-100.