On the occasion of the Notte dei Musei, the Museo di Storia della Medicina of the “Sapienza University " in Rome will organize a 1-day seminar entitled Nuove tecnologie applicate ai beni culturali: tutela, conservazione e ricerca (= New technologies applied to cultural heritage: protection, conservation and research ), on Saturday, May 14th, 2011 (9:00am to 6:00pm), in the Sala Odeion of the Museo dell’Arte Classica, Faculty of Letters, la “Sapienza University”, in Rome.
The morning session will be entirely devoted to the first results of one of our major research programs: the DNA analysis and study of the ancient medicines found in the shipwreck so-called “Relitto del Pozzino” (140-12 B.C.), which sunk off the coast of Tuscany. Among the speakers will be IPMT Scientific Director and PI of this research Alain Touwaide and Smithsonian Geneticist Robert Fleischer - who did the DNA analysis of the ancient tablets -, as well as archeologists and scientists of the Soprintendenza per i Beni Archeologici della Toscana (Department of Antiquities of Tuscany). Antonella Romualdi will introduce the history of the discovery of the “Relitto” (located in 1974), framing the ship in the context of trade in the Mediterranean, while Gianna Giachi and Pasquino Pallecchi will talk about the chemical and physical analysis of the contents and of the containers, as well as the wood of the ship. For the first time, all the parts involved in this trans-disciplinary research will be around the same table to discuss the current discoveries and future steps to continue the investigation.
The afternoon will feature several short presentations by young researchers of “La Sapienza”, on the most innovative technologies currently used or being tested in archeology and for the preservation of cultural environment, like medical imaging, geometric morphometrics, micro-analytical techniques (FIB, TEM and LA-ICPMS) applied to gems and rare materials, the potential application of sensor nodes in stratigraphic excavations and the possible applications of sensor FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) in archaeology. CLICK HERE for the full program of the event (in Italian). Please, note that all papers will be in Italian except Rob Fleischer's, which will be in English.
For more information, please contact the Museum at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Alessandro Aruta at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
On Sunday, May 15th, at 5:00pm, the same scientists involved in the analysis of the contents of the “Relitto del Pozzino” will present their results to the public at the Museo Archeologico del Territorio di Populonia, Piombino, Tuscany, where the archeological remains are conserved. A visit of the museum will follow the presentation. HERE is the flyer of the event (in Italian). Contacts for more info and directions: Tel # 39 0565 226445 / Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
