Engineering Proceedings

Editorial

Jump to: Other

21 pages, 4026 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Pompeii: From the Survey of Ballistic Impacts Towards the Reconstructions of Roman Artillery (1st Century BC)

by Adriana Rossi

Eng. Proc. 2025, 96(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025096001 - 3 Jun 2025

Viewed by 450

Abstract

This volume brings together the reflections of those who have been committed to building a dialogue around the results achieved (and currently underway) by the research project “Comparative Analysis and Certified Reconstructions for a correct experimental archeology: Roman Scorpions and Ballistae for the [...] Read more.

This volume brings together the reflections of those who have been committed to building a dialogue around the results achieved (and currently underway) by the research project “Comparative Analysis and Certified Reconstructions for a correct experimental archeology: Roman Scorpions and Ballistae for the Imperial mechanical culture, origin of European identity [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of Discovering Pompeii: From Effects to Causes—From Surveying to the Reconstructions of Ballistae and Scorpiones)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

1 pages, 147 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Statement of Peer Review

by Adriana Rossi

Eng. Proc. 2025, 96(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025096012 - 13 Jun 2025

Viewed by 192

Abstract

In submitting conference proceedings to Engineering Proceedings, the Volume Editors certify to the publisher that all papers published in this volume have undergone peer review administered by the Volume Editors [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of Discovering Pompeii: From Effects to Causes—From Surveying to the Reconstructions of Ballistae and Scorpiones)

Other

Jump to: Editorial

13 pages, 7037 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Ancient Science: From Effects to Ballistics Parameters

by Flavio Russo and Adriana Rossi

Eng. Proc. 2025, 96(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025096002 - 3 Jun 2025

Viewed by 236

Abstract

A well-equipped legionary army prepared to lay siege to Pompeii. Among the weapons deployed along the northern stretch of the city walls were battering rams and mobile siege towers equipped with ballistae and scorpions. The impact marks from Republican-era stone balls and dart [...] Read more.

A well-equipped legionary army prepared to lay siege to Pompeii. Among the weapons deployed along the northern stretch of the city walls were battering rams and mobile siege towers equipped with ballistae and scorpions. The impact marks from Republican-era stone balls and dart tips remain visible today between the Vesuvio and Ercolano Gates. In 2002 and 2016, the authors surveyed significant cavities using both direct and indirect methods. The collected data were then used to calculate the volume of fractured stone material. Given the hardness of the wall ashlars, ballistic parameters were quantified based on Hellenistic treatises. The results make it possible to derive dimensions for reconstructing artillery calibrated to the observed effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of Discovering Pompeii: From Effects to Causes—From Surveying to the Reconstructions of Ballistae and Scorpiones)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 5381 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Primitive Shape Fitting of Stone Projectiles in Siege Weapons: Geometric Analysis of Roman Artillery Ammunition

by Silvia Bertacchi

Eng. Proc. 2025, 96(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025096003 - 3 Jun 2025

Viewed by 257

Abstract

This paper presents the documentation, study activities, and possible applications of 3D digital models for the analysis and reconstruction of some examples of spheroidal stone projectiles—launched during the Sullan siege in 89 BC—now preserved in the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. The research proposes [...] Read more.

This paper presents the documentation, study activities, and possible applications of 3D digital models for the analysis and reconstruction of some examples of spheroidal stone projectiles—launched during the Sullan siege in 89 BC—now preserved in the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. The research proposes a methodology to derive best-fitting shapes that most closely adhere to the partially reconstructed image-based geometries. This allows a comparison with the circular ballistic impact traces still present on the ashlars of the northern city walls, as discovered by archaeologists about a hundred years ago. The results facilitate more precise ballistic calculations for the reconstruction of the elastic torsion weapons and their launching power. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of Discovering Pompeii: From Effects to Causes—From Surveying to the Reconstructions of Ballistae and Scorpiones)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 5918 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

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

by Adriana Rossi and Silvia Bertacchi

Eng. Proc. 2025, 96(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025096004 - 4 Jun 2025

Viewed by 303

Abstract

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 [...] Read more.

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 polybolos. 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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of Discovering Pompeii: From Effects to Causes—From Surveying to the Reconstructions of Ballistae and Scorpiones)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 3833 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

(Im)material Casts from the Sullan Period

by Claudio Formicola, Silvia Bertacchi and Adriana Rossi

Eng. Proc. 2025, 96(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025096005 - 4 Jun 2025

Viewed by 248

Abstract

Thanks to Pompeii’s burial under Vesuvio’s 79 AD eruption deposits, the ballistic imprints on its northern defensive perimeter are uniquely attributable to Sulla’s siege of 89 BC. These impact marks were digitally documented using integrated survey techniques and custom pipelines. The virtual casts [...] Read more.

Thanks to Pompeii’s burial under Vesuvio’s 79 AD eruption deposits, the ballistic imprints on its northern defensive perimeter are uniquely attributable to Sulla’s siege of 89 BC. These impact marks were digitally documented using integrated survey techniques and custom pipelines. The virtual casts generated—dimensionally accurate, high-resolution surface replicas—serve as key inputs for the reverse-modeling of damage craters, supporting terminal ballistics analyses. Two case studies—a stone projectile cavity and fan-shaped dart impressions—were 3D-printed at 1:1 scale. Prototype casting thus emerges as a cultural asset and rapidly updatable component of a dynamic data ecosystem, inclusive of users with disabilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of Discovering Pompeii: From Effects to Causes—From Surveying to the Reconstructions of Ballistae and Scorpiones)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 5225 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Denoising and Voxelization for Finite Element Analysis: A Review

by Sara Gonizzi Barsanti

Eng. Proc. 2025, 96(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025096006 - 6 Jun 2025

Viewed by 253

Abstract

The conservation of cultural heritage is fundamental, and it is difficult to predict how heritage objects will relate with structural damages. For these objects, the most used process for the analyses involves NURBS models that may introduce an excessive level of approximation leading [...] Read more.

The conservation of cultural heritage is fundamental, and it is difficult to predict how heritage objects will relate with structural damages. For these objects, the most used process for the analyses involves NURBS models that may introduce an excessive level of approximation leading to wrong simulation results. This work presents the preliminary review of literature and first tests regarding denoising and voxel algorithms and their application for the creation of volumetric models of a reconstruction of an ancient scorpionide, to identify the bottlenecks of the post-processing method for the creation of volumetric data for the FEA of cultural heritage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of Discovering Pompeii: From Effects to Causes—From Surveying to the Reconstructions of Ballistae and Scorpiones)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2038 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Structural Integrity Assessment of Pompeii’s City Wall Under Roman Artillery Fire: A Finite Element Approach

by Monil Mihirbhai Thakkar, Amir Ardeshiri Lordejani and Mario Guagliano

Eng. Proc. 2025, 96(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025096007 - 6 Jun 2025

Viewed by 195

Abstract

During Sulla’s siege of Pompeii in 89 BC projectiles were launched using Roman artillery, leaving visible craters on the fortified walls. The city was later buried by the eruption in 79 AD, preserving both its architectural layout and the damaged wall surfaces, and [...] Read more.

During Sulla’s siege of Pompeii in 89 BC projectiles were launched using Roman artillery, leaving visible craters on the fortified walls. The city was later buried by the eruption in 79 AD, preserving both its architectural layout and the damaged wall surfaces, and was excavated in the early 20th century. This study focuses on simulating projectile impacts on Grey Tuff to estimate impact velocities and penetration depths, offering insights into the destructive capability of Roman weapons. Material models are developed, followed by finite element analysis. Mesh convergence, velocity calibration, and angular impact studies are performed for both ballista and dart to better understand impact mechanics and crater formation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of Discovering Pompeii: From Effects to Causes—From Surveying to the Reconstructions of Ballistae and Scorpiones)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 2421 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Ancient Projectile Identification Through Inverse Analysis: Case Studies from Pompeii

by Simone Palladino, Renato Zona and Vincenzo Minutolo

Eng. Proc. 2025, 96(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025096008 - 6 Jun 2025

Viewed by 209

Abstract

A straightforward method for determining the causes of impact relics left by ancient projectiles on the city walls of Pompeii is proposed based on principles of plasticity and fracture mechanics. The inverse analysis begins with the measured craters caused by spherical projectiles or [...] Read more.

A straightforward method for determining the causes of impact relics left by ancient projectiles on the city walls of Pompeii is proposed based on principles of plasticity and fracture mechanics. The inverse analysis begins with the measured craters caused by spherical projectiles or darts launched by the Roman army during the siege of 89 B.C. A Mathematica© notebook is presented, enabling the calculation of projectile impact velocity from the known dimensions of the projectiles and the mechanical properties of the wall material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of Discovering Pompeii: From Effects to Causes—From Surveying to the Reconstructions of Ballistae and Scorpiones)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 7287 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Re-Construction of the Small Xanten-Wardt Dart Launcher

by Michele Fratino, Luis Palmero Iglesias and Adriana Rossi

Eng. Proc. 2025, 96(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025096009 - 6 Jun 2025

Viewed by 219

Abstract

Based on the dimensions of the small Xanten catapult, this study reconstructs a full-scale model to validate its manufacturing techniques and evaluate its effectiveness. The process underscores the role of experimental archaeology: the activity facilitates a dynamic sequence of queries, guides the interpretation [...] Read more.

Based on the dimensions of the small Xanten catapult, this study reconstructs a full-scale model to validate its manufacturing techniques and evaluate its effectiveness. The process underscores the role of experimental archaeology: the activity facilitates a dynamic sequence of queries, guides the interpretation of signs—not merely physical ones—refines the perception of the cognitive model, and relies on an interdisciplinary approach and strategy. The reconstruction fosters social engagement and scientific dialogue, supporting the adoption of new strategies for knowledge transmission and cultural valorization. The conclusions of this study contribute to the debate on the causes of damage inflicted by the Roman legions on the perimeter walls of Pompeii. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of Discovering Pompeii: From Effects to Causes—From Surveying to the Reconstructions of Ballistae and Scorpiones)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 1611 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Access to Digital Cultural Heritage: Exploring Future Perspectives Through Open Tools of Research

by Veronica Casadei and Giuseppe Di Modica

Eng. Proc. 2025, 96(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025096010 - 9 Jun 2025

Viewed by 340

Abstract

In line with the research objectives of the SCORPiò-NIDI project, we aim to implement a software platform showcasing the digital models developed during the project. The goal is to develop dynamic and interactive user experiences, expanding access to cultural heritage through digital means, [...] Read more.

In line with the research objectives of the SCORPiò-NIDI project, we aim to implement a software platform showcasing the digital models developed during the project. The goal is to develop dynamic and interactive user experiences, expanding access to cultural heritage through digital means, which become spaces for engaging and educational experiences. Using open-source frameworks, users can explore the complexity of Roman siege machines in an immersive way, interacting directly with the digital models. We will focus on the 3D model of the scorpion created by Dr. Claudio Formicola (University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli), using the 3D modeling software Rhinoceros. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of Discovering Pompeii: From Effects to Causes—From Surveying to the Reconstructions of Ballistae and Scorpiones)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 17880 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Beyond the Museum: Virtual and Physical Replicas of Pompeii’s Siege Marks

by Filippo Fantini and Silvia Bertacchi

Eng. Proc. 2025, 96(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025096011 - 10 Jun 2025

Viewed by 284

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of reality-based 3D digital modeling, acquired for scientific purposes, to enhance the understanding and accessibility of ballistic imprints on Pompeii’s city walls. These impact marks, attributed to the Sullan siege of 89 BC, were caused by projectiles launched [...] Read more.

This study investigates the potential of reality-based 3D digital modeling, acquired for scientific purposes, to enhance the understanding and accessibility of ballistic imprints on Pompeii’s city walls. These impact marks, attributed to the Sullan siege of 89 BC, were caused by projectiles launched by Roman elastic torsion weapons. High-resolution models were acquired through integrated 3D survey techniques to create both virtual and physical replicas. These assets enhance museum accessibility, offering interactive digital content and tactile 3D-printed replicas for visually impaired and mobility-restricted visitors. The findings highlight the role of digital heritage in archaeological research, conservation, and public engagement, bridging the gap between academic study and inclusive cultural dissemination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of Discovering Pompeii: From Effects to Causes—From Surveying to the Reconstructions of Ballistae and Scorpiones)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Eng. Proc., 2025, SCORPiò-NIDI

Discovering Pompeii: From Effects to Causes—From Surveying to the Reconstructions of Ballistae and Scorpiones

Editorial

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI