Metodologie integrate per lo studio e la ricostruzione della quadriga bronzea di Ercolano nel Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli

The bronze quadriga of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, recovered in fragments at different times in the history of the Herculaneum excavations, represent a case study of interdisciplinary interest. Its reconstruction has never been attempted so far due to the many factors of uncertainty that weigh on the knowledge of it. A new study, reconstruction and enhancement project was launched in 2020-2021 by the CNR-ISMed in cooperation with the National Archaeological Museum of Naples with the aim of producing new scientific knowledge and restoring the beauty and uniqueness of the recomposed original monument to public use. The interpretative problems related to the quadriga are numerous, complex and concerning archaeology and its methods. They are about the study of sources and excavations records to in-depth knowledge of Roman statuary, casting techniques and the iconographic and stylistic characteristics of Roman bronzes. In this scenario, the application of methodologies and technologies capable of communicating with traditional type investigations represents an innovative integrated method resource which, through the digital verification of hypotheses, enables to reach at the elaboration – leaded on solid scientific bases – of a proposal for the virtual reconstruction of the investigated monument. This provides not only to make scientific research expenditures more sustainable, but also to direct restoration works by optimizing time and resources.