Digital Preservation of Volterra (TUSCANY) with Mark Dietrick

The Italian Radio Hour

This week on The Italian Radio Hour - What would happen if a landslide suddenly destroyed part of an ancient city and its immense patrimony? Join me in this fascinating conversation is Mark Dietrick Director of Services of Case Technologies. Since 2016, Case Technologies along with Volterra-Detroit Foundation and Autodesk have been working in Volterra, (Tuscany) with experts in 3D reality capture technology, aerial and ground-based photogrammetry to record the city’s archaeological sites and artefacts. Volterra is a historic hilltop town in Tuscany, Italy, renowned for its ancient charm, rich history, and stunning vistas. Here's a closer look at the city: Historical Significance • Etruscan Origins: Volterra dates back to the 8th century BCE and was an important center of the Etruscan civilization. Remnants of this era include the Etruscan walls, gates, and the Acropolis, which houses ancient temple ruins. • Roman Influence: During Roman times, Volterra flourished, evidenced by landmarks like the Roman Theater, built in the 1st century BCE. • Medieval Heritage: In the Middle Ages, the city became a center for art, trade, and religion. The Palazzo dei Priori, built in 1208, is one of Italy's oldest civic buildings and a testament to this period. This collaborative group is made up of architects, surveyors, 3D specialists, engineers, and historians from different organizations and countries. The long-term objective is to create a complete digital document of Volterra’s sites using 3D tools and methodologies, to preserve these assets digitally and improve both archaeological and architectural research. To learn more about this project, visit: https://volterra-detroit.org/category/news/