Summer School ARCHAEOMETRY, CONSERVATION, AND DIGITIZATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL TEXTILE
A3TEX Research Center
Summer School
ARCHAEOMETRY, CONSERVATION, AND
DIGITIZATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL TEXTILE
Sapienza University of Rome & TEXTaiLES European Consortium
June 30 – July 5, 2025
Sapienza Campus, P. Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma
Organized by Dep. Scienze dell’Antichità & A3TEX Sapienza Research
Center in cooperation with TEXTaiLES European Consortium
Introduction and Objectives
The A3TEX Archaeology & Archaeometry of Ancient Textile Summer School aims to provide
participants with theoretical and practical training in the methodologies for studying, analyzing,
and preserving archaeological textile artifacts. The program employs an interdisciplinary
approach, bringing together expertise from archaeology, materials science, and advanced
diagnostic techniques. In collaboration with the TEXTaiLES project, the A3TEX Summer
School introduces participants to cutting-edge digital tools and methods for documenting and
communicating textile heritage.
Through a combination of lectures, laboratory exercises, and direct analysis of diverse textile
artifacts, participants will acquire theoretical and practical knowledge in documenting, analysing,
and preserving archaeological textile remains. Emphasis will also be given to conservation
protocols and musealization strategies. The program will also delve into the technical and
scientific aspects of textile research, providing critical insights into analytical procedures based on
material types and conservation status.
To further enrich the training experience, participants will visit the National Etruscan Museum
of Villa Giulia in Rome and the Museum of Roman Ships in Nemi: at Nemi they will attend one-
day seminar and engage on hands-on activities on experimental and digital archaeology.
Program
The A3TEX Summer School program is structured into five thematic modules:
Module 1: Archaeological Study of Ancient Textile Artifacts
Historical-archaeological introduction to textile production: ancient craftsmanship
practices, textile chaîne opératoire, and contexts.
Analytical protocols based on textile research: approaches and methodologies to
address historical and archaeological questions.
Interdisciplinary approaches: strategies for fostering collaboration between experts
from multiple disciplines and research fields to achieve accurate and meaningful
results.
Module 2: Enhancement and Communication of Textile Heritage
Strategies for exhibiting and communicating archaeological textiles in museums.
Digital technologies: 3D modeling, augmented reality, and other innovative solutions
for virtual reconstruction and accessibility.
Camera Properties Definition: Learn to optimize camera settings (focal length,
aperture, shutter speed, and ISO) for capturing high-quality images, ensuring
precision in the 3D digitization process.
Data Collection: Engage in hands-on exercises to capture overlapping images
from multiple angles, creating a comprehensive dataset essential for robust
Structure from Motion processing.
3D Reconstruction: Utilize photogrammetry algorithms to align images,
generate dense point clouds, and reconstruct detailed, textured 3D models
from real-world textile artifacts.
Focus on emblematic case studies related to strategies for musealizing and
communicating textile artifacts to different audience types.
Module 3: Preventive and Interventive Conservation Techniques
Assessing the state of preservation of archaeological textiles.
Techniques for preventive conservation: environmental conditions, support
materials, and packaging techniques.
Development of interventive conservation plans for archaeological textile artifacts.
Module 4: Archaeometric Analysis for research and conservation
Analytical techniques for characterising textile materials:
Optical, digital, and scanning electron microscopy.
FT-IR spectroscopy, Ramans Sers and Raman spectroscopy.
Liquid chromatography for dye analysis.
Extraction techniques for proteomic identification.
Module 5: Enhancing Analytical Skills in Laboratory Practice
Documentation and identification of textiles.
Analysis and characterization of textile fibers and metal threads.
Dye extraction and analysis using mass spectrometry.
Interpretation of spectra obtained from spectroscopy and proteomic analyses for
fiber characterization.
Methodology
The program includes theoretical lectures, seminars, case study analysis, and laboratory activities.
Participants will integrate theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience while engaging with
experts from various disciplines, developing skills applicable to academic, museum, and
conservation fields.
Target Audience
The A3TEX Summer School is designed for master's degree students, PhD candidates, post-
docs, researchers, and professionals in the cultural heritage sector, including archaeologists, art
historians, conservators, museum curators, and specialists in diagnostics, conservation, or
restoration of cultural heritage and materials science interested in advanced methodologies for
studying archaeological textile heritage.
Course Directors
Prof. Marco Galli, dott.ssa Francesca Coletti, Dipartimento di Scienze
dell’Antichità, Sapienza A3TEX Archaeology & Archaeometry of Ancient Textile
Associated Partners
With the TEXTaiLes Consortium HORIZON ECCCH 01_02
1. Directorate of Conservation - Hellenic Ministry of Culture, Athens (GR)
2. Athena Research Center, Athens (GR)
3. Museo delle Navi Romane, Nemi (RM).
4. Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia, Rome.
CALENDAR
June 30 – July 5, 2025 – Lectures and laboratory sessions from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (see the
attached time schedule below).
Saturday, July 5 – Guided tour with a seminar and practical training in experimental archaeology
and digitisation at the Museum of Roman Ships in Nemi (RM).
Tuesday, July 1 h. 18:00-20:00 ca
A visit to the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia is scheduled to examine and discuss
materials related to Etruscan textile culture, including mineralized fabrics and other artifacts,
guided by the Museum’s Director.
CREDITS 5 ECTS COURSE COSTS 800,00 EU
A limited number of single (event. double rooms) will be available (June 29 – July 6,
7 nights = 490, EU) at the Sapienza Guesthouse, located at Via Volturno, 42, with
kitchen access.
Each participant is offered 5 meal/snack lunch bonuses from 30 June to 4 July, as
well as the return trip to Nemi and lunch on July 5.
https://www.uniroma1.it/it/pagina/foresteria-sapienza
https://youtu.be/xPtRB-morEY
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Master’s Degree or an equivalent university qualification + Curriculum Vitae + Motivation
Letter
APPLICATION DEADLINE 29 May
For further information, please don’t hesitate to contact:Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein.
Please refer to the following link for the documentation required for application:
https://www.uniroma1.it/it/offerta-formativa/summer-and-winter-school/2025/summer-
school-archeometria-conservazione
Summer School
ARCHAEOMETRY, CONSERVATION, AND
DIGITIZATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL TEXTILE
Sapienza University of Rome & TEXTaiLES European Consortium
June 30 – July 5, 2025
Sapienza Campus, P. Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma
Organized by Dep. Scienze dell’Antichità & A3TEX Sapienza Research
Center in cooperation with TEXTaiLES European Consortium
Introduction and Objectives
The A3TEX Archaeology & Archaeometry of Ancient Textile Summer School aims to provide
participants with theoretical and practical training in the methodologies for studying, analyzing,
and preserving archaeological textile artifacts. The program employs an interdisciplinary
approach, bringing together expertise from archaeology, materials science, and advanced
diagnostic techniques. In collaboration with the TEXTaiLES project, the A3TEX Summer
School introduces participants to cutting-edge digital tools and methods for documenting and
communicating textile heritage.
Through a combination of lectures, laboratory exercises, and direct analysis of diverse textile
artifacts, participants will acquire theoretical and practical knowledge in documenting, analysing,
and preserving archaeological textile remains. Emphasis will also be given to conservation
protocols and musealization strategies. The program will also delve into the technical and
scientific aspects of textile research, providing critical insights into analytical procedures based on
material types and conservation status.
To further enrich the training experience, participants will visit the National Etruscan Museum
of Villa Giulia in Rome and the Museum of Roman Ships in Nemi: at Nemi they will attend one-
day seminar and engage on hands-on activities on experimental and digital archaeology.
Program
The A3TEX Summer School program is structured into five thematic modules:
Module 1: Archaeological Study of Ancient Textile Artifacts
Historical-archaeological introduction to textile production: ancient craftsmanship
practices, textile chaîne opératoire, and contexts.
Analytical protocols based on textile research: approaches and methodologies to
address historical and archaeological questions.
Interdisciplinary approaches: strategies for fostering collaboration between experts
from multiple disciplines and research fields to achieve accurate and meaningful
results.
Module 2: Enhancement and Communication of Textile Heritage
Strategies for exhibiting and communicating archaeological textiles in museums.
Digital technologies: 3D modeling, augmented reality, and other innovative solutions
for virtual reconstruction and accessibility.
Camera Properties Definition: Learn to optimize camera settings (focal length,
aperture, shutter speed, and ISO) for capturing high-quality images, ensuring
precision in the 3D digitization process.
Data Collection: Engage in hands-on exercises to capture overlapping images
from multiple angles, creating a comprehensive dataset essential for robust
Structure from Motion processing.
3D Reconstruction: Utilize photogrammetry algorithms to align images,
generate dense point clouds, and reconstruct detailed, textured 3D models
from real-world textile artifacts.
Focus on emblematic case studies related to strategies for musealizing and
communicating textile artifacts to different audience types.
Module 3: Preventive and Interventive Conservation Techniques
Assessing the state of preservation of archaeological textiles.
Techniques for preventive conservation: environmental conditions, support
materials, and packaging techniques.
Development of interventive conservation plans for archaeological textile artifacts.
Module 4: Archaeometric Analysis for research and conservation
Analytical techniques for characterising textile materials:
Optical, digital, and scanning electron microscopy.
FT-IR spectroscopy, Ramans Sers and Raman spectroscopy.
Liquid chromatography for dye analysis.
Extraction techniques for proteomic identification.
Module 5: Enhancing Analytical Skills in Laboratory Practice
Documentation and identification of textiles.
Analysis and characterization of textile fibers and metal threads.
Dye extraction and analysis using mass spectrometry.
Interpretation of spectra obtained from spectroscopy and proteomic analyses for
fiber characterization.
Methodology
The program includes theoretical lectures, seminars, case study analysis, and laboratory activities.
Participants will integrate theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience while engaging with
experts from various disciplines, developing skills applicable to academic, museum, and
conservation fields.
Target Audience
The A3TEX Summer School is designed for master's degree students, PhD candidates, post-
docs, researchers, and professionals in the cultural heritage sector, including archaeologists, art
historians, conservators, museum curators, and specialists in diagnostics, conservation, or
restoration of cultural heritage and materials science interested in advanced methodologies for
studying archaeological textile heritage.
Course Directors
Prof. Marco Galli, dott.ssa Francesca Coletti, Dipartimento di Scienze
dell’Antichità, Sapienza A3TEX Archaeology & Archaeometry of Ancient Textile
Associated Partners
With the TEXTaiLes Consortium HORIZON ECCCH 01_02
1. Directorate of Conservation - Hellenic Ministry of Culture, Athens (GR)
2. Athena Research Center, Athens (GR)
3. Museo delle Navi Romane, Nemi (RM).
4. Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia, Rome.
CALENDAR
June 30 – July 5, 2025 – Lectures and laboratory sessions from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (see the
attached time schedule below).
Saturday, July 5 – Guided tour with a seminar and practical training in experimental archaeology
and digitisation at the Museum of Roman Ships in Nemi (RM).
Tuesday, July 1 h. 18:00-20:00 ca
A visit to the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia is scheduled to examine and discuss
materials related to Etruscan textile culture, including mineralized fabrics and other artifacts,
guided by the Museum’s Director.
CREDITS 5 ECTS COURSE COSTS 800,00 EU
A limited number of single (event. double rooms) will be available (June 29 – July 6,
7 nights = 490, EU) at the Sapienza Guesthouse, located at Via Volturno, 42, with
kitchen access.
Each participant is offered 5 meal/snack lunch bonuses from 30 June to 4 July, as
well as the return trip to Nemi and lunch on July 5.
https://www.uniroma1.it/it/pagina/foresteria-sapienza
https://youtu.be/xPtRB-morEY
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Master’s Degree or an equivalent university qualification + Curriculum Vitae + Motivation
Letter
APPLICATION DEADLINE 29 May
For further information, please don’t hesitate to contact:
Please refer to the following link for the documentation required for application:
https://www.uniroma1.it/it/offerta-formativa/summer-and-winter-school/2025/summer-
school-archeometria-conservazione