|
Project Objectives
The Herculaneum Project is a collaboration between the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) and the Herculaneum Conservation Project (HCP) —an archaeological conservation project begun in 2001 by the Packard Humanities Institute in collaboration with the Soprintendenza Speciale per i Beni Archeologici di Napoli e Pompei and the British School at Rome. HCP's overall objectives are to support the Soprintendenza's efforts to safeguard and conserve Herculaneum and to advance knowledge, understanding and public appreciation of this ancient site and its artifacts.
The HCP-GCI collaboration will provide scientific support through analytical investigations of specific conservation problems within the context of the HCP initiative at the site. The GCI's contributions include:
- assisting HCP in identifying deterioration phenomena priorities for conservation of the site;
- supporting, with analytical investigation, diagnostic investigation of these phenomena through technical examination and deterioration monitoring;
- supporting the development and assessment of specific conservation interventions, such as grouting and wall paintings stabilization;
- using the latest advances in conservation science technologies for the study of injection grouts, archaeological glass, carbonized wood, and wall paintings;
- providing opportunities for GCI and other scientists to operate noninvasive portable equipment on site and to improve methodologies for measurement and data interpretation.
The knowledge gained from this joint program of site investigation, scientific analyses, and conservation trials will increase understanding of decay present on site and improve future methodological approaches not just at Herculaneum but also in other large open-air archaeological sites with similar problems.
Project Overview
When Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, the Roman seaside towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum as well as the surrounding area, were engulfed by volcanic material. Herculaneum lies under a layer of tuff more than 15 meters (50 feet) thick at the base of Vesuvius.
The remains of the buried city were first discovered in 1709 and explored mainly by tunnels during the 18th and 19th centuries. The site's many richly decorated houses and theater yielded fine marble and bronze sculptures and paintings; in addition, an extensive library of charred papyrus rolls were found at the Villa of the Papyri (the lavish residence that inspired the design of the Getty Villa in Malibu, California).
Three short periods of open-air excavation at the site were conducted in the 19th century. Systematic open-air excavation began in 1927 and continued until 1961. It is estimated that only one third of the ancient town has been uncovered, with the remaining part lying under the modern town of Ercolano. Since 1961 excavations within the archaeological site have proceeded intermittently.
Historical images of the site and of objects excavated over the last two centuries illustrate the alarming rate of deterioration and loss afflicting the site, much of which has occurred in recent times. The GCI, in the context of the HCP, will apply scientific investigations to identify and address specific deterioration problems in order to facilitate the in situ conservation of excavated items.
Among its efforts, the GCI is using instrumentation to detect detachments of plaster on walls and ceilings and applying the investigation methodology developed in the GCI's Organic Materials Wall Paintings project to assist conservators in carrying out diagnostic investigations of wall paintings suffering from ongoing deterioration.
Knowledge gained through the GCI project Injection Grouts for the Conservation of Architectural Surfaces is being applied to help improve grouting methods used at Herculaneum. Support is offered for on-site grouting tests and for a broader laboratory-based evaluation of products available.
New research initiatives are being planned for the Villa of the Papyri.
Last updated: September 2009
|
