Dall’alto e dal passato: fotografie aeree e cartografia storica per la ricostruzione del paesaggio nell’Ager Rusellanus

The city of Rusellae and its surrounding landscape have undergone varying degrees of transformation over the centuries. These changes are most pronounced in the coastal areas, while the inland region, where the ancient settlement once stood, has seen more limited alterations. This study examines the evolving relationship between the city and its territory throughan integrated approach that combines historical and contemporary aerial photographs with a critical analysis of cartographic materials spanning from the 15th to the 19th century. The goal is to provide a diachronic reconstruction of the landscape, emphasizing both continuities and disruptions in terracing systems, road networks, and toponymy. A key aspect of this research involves the use of RT3D, an open-source software developed by the LabGeo at the SAGAS Department of the University of Florence. This tool allows for the archiving, standardization, and integration of geo-spatial data from diverse sources, including core samples, surveys, excavations, and archival research. The result is a three-dimensional visualization of stratigraphy that enhances the interpretation of archaeological contexts, offering new insights for historicaland archaeological investigations. The integrated analysis enabled the identification and reinterpretationof ancient road networks, terracing systems, and potential settlement areas no longer detectable at the surface, thereby enhancing the reconstruction of the urban layout and territorial organization of Rusellae through its Etruscan and Roman phases.