This article presents the latest results as well as an overview of the continuous evolution of the survey methods applied to the extreme desert environment of the Kharga Oasis, in Egypt’s Western Desert. The detailed survey of the architectural and agricultural remains of the Late Roman site of Umm al-Dabadib represent the chance to experiment the application of 3D survey techniques to complex objects. The aim of this research is twofold: pushing the available techniques to their limits in order to obtain innovative results, and eventually obtaining a precise and measurable 3D model of a complex and challenging built-up area.

For extraction and characterization of archeological structures from LIDar data, most studies focus on manual spotting (vectorization) or automatic image processing (IP), while few studies have examined semi-automated methods based on machine learning (ML). In the context of the Solidar project, after trying to use classical image processing techniques, we propose to reflect on elements to be integrated in ML approaches for a better and a more flexible extraction and characterization of archeological structures discovered in the LiDAR datasets. Indeed, the LiDAR data reveal many varied remains over large geographic areas. Manual digitizing of these remains is a time-consuming activity and does not guarantee an exhaustive recognition of features. This article proposes to present: (1) the archaeological context of this work, (2) the searched objects in this study, (3) the first tests and (4) how the data will be processed in the near future.

The use of lasers in the conservation of artefacts plays an important role since its posibilities of safe, efficient and efective cleaning on complex surfaces and wide range of materials. This paper presents the results of the laser cleaning effects on ceramic medieval artefacts originated from archaeological sites from region of Tyre and Sidon, Lebanon and naturally tarnished brass plate (unknown origin). Nd:YAG and Er:Glass lasers were used to clean unwanted layers from artefact surface. Before these investigations, some preliminary analyses were conducted on the comparable contemporary samples. Effects on the laser irradiated zones were investigated by optical and SEM microscopy and EDX analysis. LIBS and XRF were used for the morphological and chemical analysis of laser radiation impact on the examined materials. Also surface 's profile roughness and surface hardness were measured. Some parameters for successfully and safely cleaning of brass surface without degrading the surrounding material were determined.

The Cluny Priory of Castelletto Cervo (Biella, Piedmont) was deeply investigated from 2006 to 2014, in a multidisciplinary project. This contribution deals with the methodological approach followed for the archaeometric study of mortars, and the results in term of material knowledge and reading of the building phases in a time interval of about a millennium. Petrographic observations combined with microchemical data showed that the local raw materials were exploited during a very long time span: the aggregates are polygenic sands, with a high percentage of volcanic rock grains, coming from the hydric basins of the Cervo River, and its tributary Ostola; the binders are mainly Mg-bearing limes lime, with a strong hydraulic component due to the reaction between the binder and the volcanic grains of the aggregates. A good match between mortars composition and building phases was determined only for some of the earliest phases of the monastery.

The excavations in Lavau brought in light a large monumental necropolis with a burial mound in its center overlying the inviolate chieftain 's grave from the end of the 1st Iron Age or beginning of the 2nd one. In the funerary chamber a rich furniture accompanies the dead: a bronze cauldron containing serving and drinking vessels in ceramic, silver, and bronze, two bronze plates, and a cist. As the inner surface of the cauldron presents visible deposits, a series of samples was taken off from different parts of the cauldron and the local oenochoe. Using a doublestep methodology of extraction and structural analysis by GC-MS, main biomarkers have been identified. The high sensitive and selective method and its efficiency for dissolving particularly insoluble markers from fruits, all owed the identification of coniferous pitch and fermented dark grape juice (red juice). For the first time, the interdisciplinary research of archaeologists and chemists highlight the content of rich vessel used for the funerary banquet.