- Docente: Nicola Santopuoli
- Credits: 6
- SSD: ICAR/19
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Archaeology and Cultures of the Ancient World (cod. 6702)
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from Feb 11, 2026 to Mar 18, 2026
Learning outcomes
The course aims to provide the essential theoretical and practical skills for the direct analysis of the elements and construction systems of ancient monuments, with a view to developing a restoration and enhancement project. In particular, it will deepen the knowledge necessary to: undertake a systematic study that, starting from the material sources represented by the buildings themselves, then makes use of all other documentary sources; carry out a survey aimed at the restoration project, both at the scale of the entire structure and at the detailed scale; correctly develop, both methodologically and operationally, the interpretation and diagnosis of the main deterioration and structural issues of an ancient architectural structure, both at a general and detailed level, using integrated and advanced analysis methods; define in its complexity the restoration and, subsequently, the enhancement project, always seeking constructive and interdisciplinary dialogue with other experts and the various professionals involved in the archaeological site.
Course contents
The contents of the course of Constructive Characters of Ancient Monuments and Problems of Restoration will cover the following topics:
- Recalls on the theoretical and methodological principles of conservation with hints on the historical events of restoration. The culture of restoration and the different methodological orientations.
- Direct reading of ancient monuments and survey for restoration.
- Historical building materials, construction techniques and structural system.
- The historic building site: analysis of construction characteristics, the evolution of ancient building techniques, the use of building materials and building site aspects.
- Design of scientific investigations: prediagnosis, diagnostic design, assays and sampling.
- The assessment of the state of conservation and the survey of degradation. Drafting of thematic tables (regulations and lexicons).
- Hints on the archaeological and restoration site: regulatory aspects, provisional works, safety project, restoration project, work management and direction.
The integration of the course in Construction Characters of Ancient Monuments and Restoration Problems with the courses in Archeologia dei siti Vesuvian 29641 - 28798 - Archaeology and History of Ancient Roman Art by Prof. A. Coralini will allow, those who wish to do so, to tackle a single topic within the two courses.
Readings/Bibliography
A. Augenti, Archeologia dell'Italia medievale Roma-Bari 2016 (Laterza).
A. Augenti, Prima lezione di archeologia medievale, Roma-Bari 2020 (Laterza).
M. Bianchini, Le tecniche edilizie nel mondo antico, Roma 2010, (Editrice Dedalo) [https://www.libreriauniversitaria.it/libri-editore_Editrice+Dedalo+Roma-editrice_dedalo_roma.htm]
L. V. Borrelli, Restauro archeologico: Storia e materiali, Roma 2003 (Viella editori).
G. Carbonara, Avvicinamento al restauro, Napoli, 1997( Liguori).
G. Carbonara (a cura di), Trattato di restauro architettonico, 4 voll., Torino 1996 (Utet).
G. Coppola, L’edilizia nel Medioevo, Roma 2015 (Carocci).
C.F. Giuliani, L'edilizia nell’antichità, NIS, Roma 1990; nuova edizione, Roma 2006 (Carocci).
J. Jokilheto, A History of Architectural Conservation, Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford, 1999
M. Medri, Manuale di rilievo archeologico, Roma-Bari 2003 (Laterza).
U. Menicali, I materiali nell'edilizia storica. Tecnologia e impiego dei materiali tradizionali, Roma 1992 (NIS)
Norma UNI 11182, 2006: Beni culturali, Materiali lapidei naturali ed artificiali. Descrizione della forma di alterazione - Termini e definizioni.
Teaching methods
The course is divided into theoretical and practical lessons, during which the various topics will also be addressed through illustrative cases, exercises and guided visits to construction sites where the previously introduced methodologies will be experienced live.
Assessment methods
The examination consists of a test of the knowledge acquired during the course through the ability to succinctly and critically present the topics covered in the lectures and bibliography. The final examination will start with an individual interview on the course topics and then move on to the illustration of the application topic.
Teaching tools
The course consists of lectures and guided site visits and will make use of video projections. At the end of the course, presentations and handouts will be made available on the teaching webpage.
Students who require specific services and adaptations to teaching activities due to a disability or specific learning disorders (SLD), must first contact the appropriate office: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students.
Office hours
See the website of Nicola Santopuoli