Virtual 3D Reconstruction Hypothesis of the Mural Decorations in the Sala de los Amores, Castulo Archeological Site (Linares, Jaén, Spain)

Abstract

The advancement of digital techniques and reduced costs have greatly facilitated their integration into cultural heritage preservation. These technologies are especially valuable in archaeology, where detailed documentation is crucial. However, minimal intervention in restorations often limits public understanding of archaeological spaces, making digital tools essential for enhancing engagement. An example is the study and the virtual hypothesis of the mural decorations in the Sala del Mosaico de los Amores, located in the Castulo Archaeological Site (Linares, Jaén, Spain), dated to the late first and early second centuries AD. The hall originally featured an elaborate wall decoration, now largely lost due to the collapse of its walls, leaving only a few fragments in situ. Using SfM photogrammetry, the hall and the original paintings and cornices—restored in a laboratory—were documented and virtually reassembled. This process employed precise color calibration and dimensional scaling to ensure the faithful recreation of the original appearance. In addition to the anastylosis of the surviving fragments, a virtual reconstruction hypothesis was developed, offering the public an immersive visualization of how the space would have looked in its original state.