New technologies in the enhancement of an archaeological site: Virtual Archaeology experiences at the Punic site of Sarcapos

The site of Sarcapos is located in the hamlet of S. Maria di Villaputzu, at the mouth of Flumendosa river, along the south-eastern coast of Sardinia. Since 2019, it has been systematically investigated by a team of University of Bologna. Today, this context is exposed to different environmental risks, resulting from the proximity of the riverbed and potential damage caused by specific climatic events. This situation calls for reasoned solutions for the proper conservation and enhancement of the archaeological remains, as well as for adequate accessibility, considering the distance from the modern urban center. To address these issues, the application of new technologies has played a key role in both conservation strategies and fruition, involving every phase of field research – from topographical mapping to the generation of 3D models through photogrammetric methods. The overcoming, in the virtual environment, of the destructive nature of the excavation action offers opportunities never explored in pre-digital research for data preservation, enabling continuous access and usability of the archaeological heritage over time. The integration of innovative methodologies has enabled a particular focus on the potential of 3D reconstructions and archaeogames. The implementation of multimedia documentation techniques, combined with elements of gaming and virtual reality, opens new perspectives for the enhancement of the Sarcapos site and, more broadly, Cultural Heritage. This approach enables the development of immersive and interactive experiences, offering particularly effective educational tools for new generations and contributing to a broader accessibility of the archaeological heritage