Branko Kirigin

Visualising Space and Movement: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Palace of Diocletian, Split

The Palace of Diocletian, now the old town of Split, is one of the most important structures for the study of late Roman palaces, imperial ceremonial and urban change in late antiquity. At the heart of this palatial complex is the Mausoleum of Diocletian/Split Cathedral; a transformation which neatly encapsulates the transition from imperial residence to late antique and medieval town. Emerging from work undertaken by the Central Dalmatian Archaeological Project in 2009, this chapter will demonstrate how 3D spatial models can be integrated with subsurface exploration technologies in order to better understand the relationships between standing and subsurface remains at Split through the production of a 3D model. It will then use the integrated results from the 3D laser scanning of the Mausoleum and its surroundings and GPR in the Peristyle of the Palace to make suggestions about the nature of that space and how it might have changed over time.

An overview of prehistoric and early historic settlement, topography, and maritime connections on Lastovo Island, Croatia

The Augusta Insula Project focuses on the Croatian island of Lastovo. These investigations are part of ongoing archaeological and interdisciplinary research in the southern Dalmatian archipelago conducted under the aegis of the Korčula Archaeology Research Group (KARG). Field studies focus on the application of heritage management practices pertinent to the island’s archaeological and historical resources. The first season’s research (2001) consisted of preliminary bibliographic studies and field survey, while the second field season (2003) comprised limited subsurface archaeological testing at the localities of Kaštel and Lučica. The third season (2007) focused on more intensive field survey, testing at the Sozanj site, informant interviews, and data collection. A GIS database has been developed to examine the inter-relationships of the sites, and their connections to the regional prehistoric and protohistoric coastal marine setting. The project is similar in scope to the Adriatic Island Project. Eventually, a joint database will enable the study of a large group of islands. Such a common data collection approach would be unique to Mediterranean archaeological research.