The Treasure of Carambolo, consisting of 21 gold pieces discovered in Seville, remains an enigma for archaeology. The debate over its origin, whether it belongs to the Phoenician culture or the legendary Tartessos, has not been settled. Now, Digital Archaeology offers new tools to analyze these objects without touching them, through scanning and three-dimensional modeling technologies.
Photogrammetry and laser scanning for goldsmith analysis 🔬
The application of high-resolution photogrammetry allows capturing every detail of the pieces, from microscopic soldering to repoussé patterns. A laser scanner can generate point clouds with micrometric precision, revealing tool marks or wear that the human eye cannot perceive. These 3D models allow researchers to simulate the manufacturing process, compare techniques with other Phoenician pieces from the Mediterranean, and contrast the purity of the gold through indirect spectral analysis. The virtual recreation of the necklace and pendants helps determine whether the assembly methods are indigenous or imported.
Reconstructing the lost context 🏛️
Beyond material analysis, 3D technology allows reconstructing the original landscape where the treasure was found. By integrating georeferenced data and digital terrain models, archaeologists can simulate how the pieces were illuminated in a Tartessian sanctuary or a Phoenician temple. This digital approach does not resolve the debate on its own, but it offers an objective database for the scientific community to evaluate whether the engraved symbols respond to Semitic iconography or a still unknown local tradition.
Could the digital recreation of the Treasure of Carambolo reveal hidden details in its reliefs that tip the scales toward a Phoenician or Tartessian origin?
(PS: If you dig at a site and find a USB drive, don't plug it in: it could be Roman malware.)