The virtual reconstruction of temple B in Selinunte excavation site

This paper proposes a study on the virtual reconstruction of temple B in Selinunte. It is the smallest of Selinunte’s temples yet, despite its size, it has been the subject of great interest and debate by scholars since its discovery in 1823. The studies carried out throughout the XIX century and the first half of the XX century provided different renderings, especially as to the organization of the elevation. The goal of this work is the virtual anastylosis of temple B, through the study of all available historical sources, the survey of fragments preserved today at the “A.Salinas” Regional Archaeology Museum in Palermo, and the survey of the finds at Selinunte’s site. The virtual reconstruction of a partly destroyed artefact is a complex operation requiring the collaboration of many human and cultural resources, as well as the use of various technologies. The work was focused on three main aspects: high accuracy in data acquisition, communication and exchange of information among the various professionals experts taking part in the project, production of ‘open’ papers, to discuss problems in data interpretation and in possible reconstruction hypotheses. This paper intends to give a contribution to favour the knowledge and exchange of information through the use of all available resources. It also intends to represent a case study for understanding all the problems relevant to the reconstruction process of a partly destroyed artefact. The work intends to be in line with the main international guidelines about the highly detailed virtual reconstruction of cultural heritage.