DIGITAL MODELS AND 3D VISUALIZATION IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONTEXTS. THE SURVEY OF THE TOMBS OF THE KINGS IN THE CITY OF VERGHINA IN MACEDONIA

Abstract. The research presents the results of the non-invasive survey campaign conducted at the archaeological site of the city of Verghina in Macedonia. Through the consolidated processes of the disciplines of representation, such as digital surveying, point cloud, flat surface processing, 3D modeling and multi-resolution visualization, it is proposed a path of knowledge of the city and the finds that are the subject of the research. Of great interest is the operational process illustrated both on the basis of the problems that emerged and the solutions adopted in the survey phases. As part of the study, the structures present in the city of Verghina and in the natural area known as the Great Mound, where the Royal Tombs are located, were investigated. The hill of land 13 meters high and 110 meters wide preserves the remains of the ancient city buried in the second century BC to escape the pillage of enemy armies. The research has dealt with the three structures present, namely the Tomb of Philip II, the Tomb of Alexander IV (son of Alexander the Great) and the Tomb of Persephors. The investigations conducted aim to document the current state of the places through digital surveys and parametric modelling, proposing, in addition, the visualization of 3D images through multi-resolution systems derived from the bases of the survey previously carried out.