RTI as a New Documentation and Analysis Method in Epigraphical Studies

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Today’s advanced technology has accelerated the use of digital imaging methods and brought new approaches to cultural heritage research. The new documentation and analysis methods have been adapted to various disciplines; which has made quick and detailed research possible. This study examines the innovations in documentation and analysis of the inscriptions in epigraphy through the RTI (Reflectance Transformation Imaging) method which has recently begun to be employed in cultural heritage in recent years. RTI is a computational photographic method that records the micro-topography of the surface of an object by using reflectance properties synthesised from the image data that obtained through illuminating the object’s surface from different angles. The method has contributed in particular to documenting and for accuracy in commenting upon partially destroyed surfaces of archaeological artifacts; and in enabling the characterisation of the letters of the damaged surface of an inscription bearer, through increasing the definition of the visual evidence. The study presents the technical background and the working principles of the RTI method which enables multi-directional analysis and a documentation process in a ‘non-destructive’ way, through a consideration of the examples of RTI studies conducted in epigraphical research at Phaselis.

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RTI , Cultural Heritage , Digital Epigraphy , Phaselis , Documentation , Analysis

Mediterranean Journal Of Humanities

16

Mediterranean Journal Of Humanities