Bringing New Possibilities to Studies of the Past
Canon Medical’s Aquilion Lightning SP solution is proving key in an international collaboration that combines advanced technology and archaeology to unearth new knowledge about human history. Researchers from the Anthropology Unit of the Gabriele D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara (Italy), the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Monash University (Melbourne, Australia) and the Bioarchaeology Laboratory of the University of Indianapolis (USA) are using the Aquilion Lightning SP scanner and its advanced software to image skulls from victims of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, in Italy, which buried the cities of Pompeii, Aplontis, and Herculaneum, in ash in 79 AD.
In the research project “Exploring the Secrets of Herculaneum: A Journey into Ancient Faces,” 12 skulls of victims of the historical eruption from the town of Herculaneum, close to Pompeii, have been analyzed by experts in archaeology, anthropology and radiology. The main goal of the investigation is to reconstruct the ethnic composition of the population of Herculaneum more than two millennia ago.
Herculaneum, often overshadowed by its better-known neighbor, Pompeii, was a thriving Roman town that served as both a commercial and leisure hub.
Herculaneum attracted wealthy citizens and international travelers due to its luxurious villas and proximity to the sea, while Pompeii was more industrial and populous. Historical records suggest that its inhabitants were a mix of Roman aristocrats, traders, and craftsmen, with strong connections to other Mediterranean regions, such as Egypt, Greece, and the Middle East. Historians have long been fascinated by the multicultural composition of Herculaneum’s population.
The researchers have been able to obtain exceptionally detailed images of the skulls using the Aquilion Lightning SP.
“The 0.5 mm detector of the Aquilion Lightning SP provides high-resolution imaging, which is crucial for analyzing the fine structures of the skulls,” said Arianna Di Felice, a PhD student in archaeo-anthropology at the University of Chieti-Pescara. “The system’s advanced isotropic resolution allows us to perform precise 3D reconstructions of the 2,000-year-old remains.”
In the research project “Exploring the Secrets of Herculaneum: A Journey into Ancient Faces,” 12 skulls of victims of the historical eruption from the town of Herculaneum, close to Pompeii, have been analyzed by experts in archaeology, anthropology and radiology. The main goal of the investigation is to reconstruct the ethnic composition of the population of Herculaneum more than two millennia ago.
Herculaneum, often overshadowed by its better-known neighbor, Pompeii, was a thriving Roman town that served as both a commercial and leisure hub.
Herculaneum attracted wealthy citizens and international travelers due to its luxurious villas and proximity to the sea, while Pompeii was more industrial and populous. Historical records suggest that its inhabitants were a mix of Roman aristocrats, traders, and craftsmen, with strong connections to other Mediterranean regions, such as Egypt, Greece, and the Middle East. Historians have long been fascinated by the multicultural composition of Herculaneum’s population.
The researchers have been able to obtain exceptionally detailed images of the skulls using the Aquilion Lightning SP.
“The 0.5 mm detector of the Aquilion Lightning SP provides high-resolution imaging, which is crucial for analyzing the fine structures of the skulls,” said Arianna Di Felice, a PhD student in archaeo-anthropology at the University of Chieti-Pescara. “The system’s advanced isotropic resolution allows us to perform precise 3D reconstructions of the 2,000-year-old remains.”
High-Speed Image Reconstruction
Additionally, its high-speed image reconstruction significantly reduces processing time. Fragile remains pose unique challenges for examination, such as degradation issues, making fast examinations crucial for archaeological and forensic research.
The Aquilion Lightning SP also incorporates advanced applications for post-processing, essential for anthropometric analysis and facial reconstruction. “What makes the study of Herculaneum’s population particularly fascinating is the opportunity to explore how the blend of cultures may have influenced not only the daily lives of its citizens but also their physical characteristics, lifestyles, and health,” said Prof. Ruggero D’Anastasio, Professor of Anthropology at the University of Chieti-Pescara.
The Aquilion Lightning SP also incorporates advanced applications for post-processing, essential for anthropometric analysis and facial reconstruction. “What makes the study of Herculaneum’s population particularly fascinating is the opportunity to explore how the blend of cultures may have influenced not only the daily lives of its citizens but also their physical characteristics, lifestyles, and health,” said Prof. Ruggero D’Anastasio, Professor of Anthropology at the University of Chieti-Pescara.
3D visualization of a skull using Vitrea Musculoskeletal software.
“Through this study, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the diversity present in the city at that time. These skulls represent individuals who likely experienced a rich cultural exchange, which is mirrored in their physical traits and the occupational markers we aim to uncover.”
New Insights
With the CT scans obtained from the research project, which started in 2022, the research team aims to uncover critical information regarding the ethnicity of the individuals who lived at Herculaneum, as well as explore any occupational indicators and pathologies linked to their lifestyle and social status.
This will not only shed light on the lives of the people from Herculaneum but also help expand understanding of the broader social dynamics of the ancient Mediterranean.
This will not only shed light on the lives of the people from Herculaneum but also help expand understanding of the broader social dynamics of the ancient Mediterranean.
One of the main challenges of the work is the preservation of skeletal remains, which may be fragile and prone to damage during handling.
In addition, the diverse ethnic backgrounds of the individuals present unique considerations for accurately reconstructing their facial features, requiring careful analysis and interpretation of the CT scan data.
“One of the major challenges in this project was obtaining accurate 3D renderings of bone remains that are over 2,000 years old,” said Prof. Ruggero D’Anastasio.
In addition, the diverse ethnic backgrounds of the individuals present unique considerations for accurately reconstructing their facial features, requiring careful analysis and interpretation of the CT scan data.
“One of the major challenges in this project was obtaining accurate 3D renderings of bone remains that are over 2,000 years old,” said Prof. Ruggero D’Anastasio.
“Canon’s CT technology provided a solution through its combination of high isotropic resolution and advanced post-processing algorithms,” said Carla Spatocco, Director of the Radiological Unit at Spatocco Clinic. “The isotropic resolution ensures that every voxel is captured with equal precision, enabling us to reconstruct highly detailed 3D models without distortion or data loss. Additionally, the software’s ability to enhance contrast and eliminate noise was instrumental in distinguishing the fine anatomical details of the skulls, even in areas where the bone had degraded significantly.”
“This breakthrough has made it possible to conduct detailed analyses, such as identifying microscopic pathologies and subtle structural variations, that would have been unthinkable using traditional methods,” said Arianna Di Felice.
“This breakthrough has made it possible to conduct detailed analyses, such as identifying microscopic pathologies and subtle structural variations, that would have been unthinkable using traditional methods,” said Arianna Di Felice.
From left: Federica Cordella (Radiographer, Spatocco Clinic), Raffaella Sirigu (Head of Radiographers, Spatocco Clinic), Arianna De Felice (PhD Student in Archaeological Anthropology, University Gabriele D'Annunzio Chieti-Pescara), Paola Amoroso (MD Radiologist, Spatocco Clinic), Francesca Di Sante (Nurse, Spatocco Clinic), Paola Gallucci (Radiographer, Spatocco Clinic).
Handled with Care
What special conditions apply in imaging fragile archaeological remains?
Canon Medical System’s Aquilion Lightning SP provides a number of benefits in this unusual work area:
Minimal handling time: Fragile remains are highly susceptible to damage during prolonged handling. Fast image acquisition reduces the need for extended physical manipulation, preserving the integrity of specimens.
Reduced environmental impact: Ancient bones are sensitive to environmental factors such as humidity, temperature fluctuations, and light exposure. Faster processing ensures the remains spend minimal time outside controlled storage conditions.
Avoid data loss: Fast reconstruction reduces motion artifacts caused by natural shifts in the positioning of remains during scanning, ensuring precise and consistent imaging results.
Maximal workflow efficiency: High-speed processing allows researchers to analyze more samples within the available time, improving overall productivity.
Improved collaborative research: Real-time collaboration among multidisciplinary teams, such as radiologists and archaeologists, facilitates immediate data interpretation and decision-making.
Enhanced digital preservation: Fast image reconstruction accelerates the process of creating digital archives of the remains, enabling immediate and secure long-term preservation in digital formats for future studies.
“The realistic image quality of Global Illumination helps us interpret subtle anatomical structures.”
Carla Spatocco, Director of the Radiological Unit at Spatocco Clinic
Global Illumination
"Il Flautista" (the "Flutist"), skull discovered during excavations in Herculaneum
The project also utilizes Canon Medical’s Global Illumination technology, which significantly enhances the reading of anatomical characteristics by providing photorealistic 3D renderings. The technology simulates complex lighting and shading, allowing for an unprecedented level of detail in visualizing spatial relationships and lesions within ancient skulls.
“The realistic image quality of Global Illumination helps us interpret subtle anatomical structures,” said Carla Spatocco.
“Photorealistic 3D reconstructions could serve as valuable educational tools, allowing students and the public to connect with the past in a tangible and meaningful way.”
“The realistic image quality of Global Illumination helps us interpret subtle anatomical structures,” said Carla Spatocco.
“Photorealistic 3D reconstructions could serve as valuable educational tools, allowing students and the public to connect with the past in a tangible and meaningful way.”
"Il Flautista" (the "Flutist"), skull discovered during excavations in Herculaneum
A Blast from the Past!
What can be discovered from the ancient remains using medical imaging?
Using Canon Medical Systems Aquilion Lightning SP, the researchers can find out more about the subjects regarding their:
Physical traits: Cranial shapes, dental patterns, and bone structures may reflect the genetic diversity brought by trade and migration from regions like Greece, Egypt, and the Middle East.
Health and occupation: Skeletal markers and pathologies offer insights into occupational roles, nutritional habits, and disease patterns influenced by the multicultural environment.
Cultural practices: Burial customs, artistic styles, and dietary evidence provide a glimpse into how diverse traditions were integrated into daily life and social dynamics.
Canon’s CT technology is helping refine our research methods, not just for historical analysis but also in forensic cases of personal identification.”
Arianna Di Felice, PhD student in archaeo-anthropology at the University of Chieti-Pescara
Contributions to Anthropology
By applying forensic methodologies to the study of skeletonized and mummified remains, the project enables the team to delve deeper into the variability of anthropological characteristics.
“Canon’s CT technology is helping refine our research methods, not just for historical analysis but also in forensic cases of personal identification,” said Arianna Di Felice. “We foresee its continued use in future archaeological and anthropological projects, offering new possibilities for studying the past.”
“By capturing the intricate details of the skulls, including bone structure and any potential pathologies digitally, the CT scans will enable researchers to reconstruct the faces of these individuals in 3D,” she continued. “This process will provide insights into their physical appearance, health conditions, and possibly even their lifestyles, offering a glimpse into their daily lives.”
“CT scan technology is not yet widely adopted in the study of human remains, but we believe it should become a routine practice,” said Prof. Ruggero D’Anastasio. “CT scans are invaluable both for investigative purposes and for ethical considerations, such as digital cataloging of remains, which may need to be restituted or reburied in the future.” //
“Canon’s CT technology is helping refine our research methods, not just for historical analysis but also in forensic cases of personal identification,” said Arianna Di Felice. “We foresee its continued use in future archaeological and anthropological projects, offering new possibilities for studying the past.”
“By capturing the intricate details of the skulls, including bone structure and any potential pathologies digitally, the CT scans will enable researchers to reconstruct the faces of these individuals in 3D,” she continued. “This process will provide insights into their physical appearance, health conditions, and possibly even their lifestyles, offering a glimpse into their daily lives.”
“CT scan technology is not yet widely adopted in the study of human remains, but we believe it should become a routine practice,” said Prof. Ruggero D’Anastasio. “CT scans are invaluable both for investigative purposes and for ethical considerations, such as digital cataloging of remains, which may need to be restituted or reburied in the future.” //
What has already been discovered about the people of Herculaneum?
Numerous archaeological excavations are still underway in Herculaneum. Anthropological studies on human remains already found there continue. In particular, the dietary habits, different biological origins, and social differences of the population that lived there are being investigated.
Further studies are also underway on the taphonomic processes (biological decay/preservation) affecting the skeletons after death.
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