CUCUTENI UNEARTHED: A 3DJOURNEY THROUGH TIME
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14795/jaha.12.2.2025.1164Keywords:
Cucuteni culture, 3D models, UAV, photogrammetry, public archaeology.Abstract
The current study presents the development of a comprehensive 3D model of the Cucuteni-Cetățuia archaeological site (NE Romania), the eponymous settlement of the Chalcolithic Cucuteni culture. The project integrates multidisciplinary methodologies, including drone- and high-resolution camera-based photogrammetry, as well as terrestrial 3D scanning, and Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis. The core objective of this initiative was the creation of an interactive online platform that enables both specialists and the general public to explore the archaeological site in an immersive and accessible manner. The platform incorporates Virtual Reality (VR) functionalities and interactive visualization tools that facilitate the remote examination of excavation trenches, previously unearthed structures, and newly detected subsurface features. By bridging the gap between scientific research and public engagement, the project fosters a participatory approach to heritage preservation and interpretation. The integration of digital modeling with online dissemination represents a significant advancement in archaeological methodology, offering researchers an innovative tool for spatial analysis and hypothesis testing. Simultaneously, it enhances public access to cultural heritage, particularly for sites that present logistical challenges due to geographic constraints or preservation concerns. This initiative underscores the potential of digital technologies in democratizing archaeology, making historical landscapes and their narratives available to a wider audience while promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. Through this case study, the research highlights the broader implications of such digital frameworks for the documentation, conservation, and presentation of archaeological sites worldwide.
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