On Stage in Antiquity, On Screen in the Digital Age: Two Thousand Years of urban presence and integration of the Theatre in Priene

Abstract

The Theatre of Priene is a well-preserved example of Greek theatrical architecture, offering an exceptional
case study for the integration of historical documentation and digital methodologies. The theatre dates to the
late Classical and early Hellenistic period and preserves cavea, orchestra, proedria, and proskenion. It was the
subject of extensive documentation during late 19th-century excavations, which provides a solid foundation
for interpretative reconstruction. This study presents a comprehensive digital workflow combining photogrammetric
survey, parametric modelling, and virtual reality visualisation. UAV and terrestrial photogrammetry
allowed producing a metrically reliable 3D model, subsequently refined through data cleaning and validation
against historical sources. The model was then transposed into typological elements governed by generative
rules, enabling the creation of a metadata-based system. The integration of detailed modelling and material
rendering further enhanced the legibility of architectural forms and surface characteristics. Finally, the digital
model was implemented within a virtual environment to support immersive exploration and comparative
analysis between the current state and reconstructed hypotheses, demonstrating how the convergence of archaeological
evidence, digital survey techniques, and advanced visualisation tools can produce a coherent and
accessible narrative for both scholarly investigation and public dissemination.