Tracing Metal Dart Impacts Through 3D Reverse Modeling on the Northern Walls of Pompeii

This study examines the first systematic documentation of a series of small impact marks on the northern walls of Pompeii, interpreted as the result of Roman metal dart projectiles launched during the Sullan siege in 89 BC. Using high-resolution, reality-based 3D models, comparative analysis, and re...

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Main Authors: Adriana Rossi, Silvia Bertacchi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Engineering Proceedings
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4591/96/1/4
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author Adriana Rossi
Silvia Bertacchi
author_facet Adriana Rossi
Silvia Bertacchi
author_sort Adriana Rossi
collection DOAJ
description This study examines the first systematic documentation of a series of small impact marks on the northern walls of Pompeii, interpreted as the result of Roman metal dart projectiles launched during the Sullan siege in 89 BC. Using high-resolution, reality-based 3D models, comparative analysis, and reverse modeling techniques, the research explores the hypothesis that a distinctive fan-shaped configuration of quadrangular indentations may have been produced by a repeating catapult, known as the <i>polybolos</i>. The integration of close-range photogrammetry, laser scanning, and digital reconstruction tools demonstrates how virtual casts and comparative modeling can contribute to archaeological interpretations of ancient projectile weaponry.
format Article
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institution Kabale University
issn 2673-4591
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spelling doaj-art-914bf5b9570d4e85869db15db516037a2025-08-20T03:27:24ZengMDPI AGEngineering Proceedings2673-45912025-06-01961410.3390/engproc2025096004Tracing Metal Dart Impacts Through 3D Reverse Modeling on the Northern Walls of PompeiiAdriana Rossi0Silvia Bertacchi1Department of Engineering, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81031 Aversa, ItalyDepartment of Engineering, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81031 Aversa, ItalyThis study examines the first systematic documentation of a series of small impact marks on the northern walls of Pompeii, interpreted as the result of Roman metal dart projectiles launched during the Sullan siege in 89 BC. Using high-resolution, reality-based 3D models, comparative analysis, and reverse modeling techniques, the research explores the hypothesis that a distinctive fan-shaped configuration of quadrangular indentations may have been produced by a repeating catapult, known as the <i>polybolos</i>. The integration of close-range photogrammetry, laser scanning, and digital reconstruction tools demonstrates how virtual casts and comparative modeling can contribute to archaeological interpretations of ancient projectile weaponry.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4591/96/1/43D documentationballistic impactsdart launcherdigital archaeology<i>polybolos</i>Pompeii
spellingShingle Adriana Rossi
Silvia Bertacchi
Tracing Metal Dart Impacts Through 3D Reverse Modeling on the Northern Walls of Pompeii
Engineering Proceedings
3D documentation
ballistic impacts
dart launcher
digital archaeology
<i>polybolos</i>
Pompeii
title Tracing Metal Dart Impacts Through 3D Reverse Modeling on the Northern Walls of Pompeii
title_full Tracing Metal Dart Impacts Through 3D Reverse Modeling on the Northern Walls of Pompeii
title_fullStr Tracing Metal Dart Impacts Through 3D Reverse Modeling on the Northern Walls of Pompeii
title_full_unstemmed Tracing Metal Dart Impacts Through 3D Reverse Modeling on the Northern Walls of Pompeii
title_short Tracing Metal Dart Impacts Through 3D Reverse Modeling on the Northern Walls of Pompeii
title_sort tracing metal dart impacts through 3d reverse modeling on the northern walls of pompeii
topic 3D documentation
ballistic impacts
dart launcher
digital archaeology
<i>polybolos</i>
Pompeii
url https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4591/96/1/4
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