VIRTUAL HERITAGE FOR THE DISSEMINATION OF THE BARATTI IN 3D PROJECT

Abstract. The paper describes the final step of the Baratti in 3D project, aimed at the dissemination of the important archaeological heritage of the Etruscan city of Populonia (Tuscany, Italy). The chain of “data metrical surveying – 2D and 3D representation – communication” has been applied on the “Princes's tombs” of the monumental necropolis of San Cerbone and its finds to provide a detailed description of their context, workmanship, morphological characteristics and materials to realize the virtual recreation. The preservation of the finds from the excavations in two different museums far from the archaeological area (the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Firenze and the Museo Archeologico del Territorio di Populonia, in Piombino) makes the understanding of the original context very difficult for visitors. Thus the “Baratti in 3D Project” has been conceived in order to document the tombs, their finds and produce the “virtual match” showing in its entirety the environmental and architectural provenance and material ritual context and in order to display in innovative visual approach this archaeological heritage. To complement the interactive platform, as a physical fallout of this project has been realized “A museum in every sense”, a permanent exhibition in the Museo Archeologico del Territorio di Populonia.