Digital photogrammetry as tool for mensiochronological analysis: The case of st. Maria Veterana archaeological site (Triggiano, Italy)

This paper presents an experimental multidisciplinary approach consisting of archaeological, lithological and mensiochronological analysis, directly performed on orthophotos of masonries obtained from a 3D model of the St. Maria Veterana site in Triggiano (Bari, Italy). The aims of this research were, on the one hand to date the several rooms of this very articulate archaeological complex (11th-19th century) and on the other hand to improve the photogrammetric workflow and instrumental conditions. Representative areas of numerous rooms were selected, and lithology and masonry textures analysis were carried out. After, orthophotos corresponding to the selected areas were extrapolated from the 3D model and digital measurement of block sizes was achieved and dimension dataset was statistically elaborated. The comparison of experimental results with historical sources allowed to propose a chronological hypothesis on dating of the rooms of the site and to contribute to the building modus operandi knowledge in Apulia.