The Nymphaeum of the Tritons at Hieropolis of Phrygia (Turkey) from excavations to 3D-virtual reconstruction: an example of integrated methods in the study of ancient architecture

The Nymphaeum of the Tritons at Hierapolis of Phrygia is a monumental fountain of the Roman period with an imposing marble façade. Within the activities of the Italian Archaeological Mission the Nymphaeum is currently being studied by a team from the University of Messina with the goal of understanding its original layout and its history. The starting point of the study is the wealth of data provided by stratigraphic excavation of the building, particularly by the extensive archaeological deposits formed by the blocks of the façade collapsed into the pool of the fountain following an earthquake in the 7th century AD. The need to process a large amount of data required the creation of a computer database linked to a GIS platform. This permitted the integrated management of various types of information regarding individual architectural elements, their stratigraphic position, their function and position in the facade, and the way in which archaeological deposits were formed. The results so far achieved regard two main aspects: the development of a digital reconstruction of the Nymphaeum and a hypothesis for the dynamics of the building’s collapse and the nature and intensity of the earthquake that caused it. Fundamental support has been provided at the various stages of work by the creation of a 3D digital model of the building, which was conceived as an investigative tool throughout all the phases of the work in progress. Thanks to their versatility and reversibility 3D modelling techniques represented a tool for monitoring and testing the reconstruction hypotheses as they were formulated, enabling us to effectively view how reliable the proposed reconstructions were, and any errors. Particular emphasis is thus given to the importance of using 3D reconstruction models as an integral and necessary part of the various stages in the process of analysing and documenting an ancient building.