New technological approaches employed in the cultural heritage researches: Example of Phaselis inscriptions

This study includes the re-evaluation of the Phaselis inscriptions by examining the innovations and positive contributions offered to epigraphy by the method of Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) which has been employed within the cultural heritage researches in the recent years, in the light of the aforementioned inscriptions. RTI (Reflectance Transformation Imaging) is a digital photography method which provides an object with a mathematical model of its surface by synthesising a number of photographical data enlightened from various perspectives and shot from a certain distance. The RTI images consist of a number of photographical records shot by a camera fastened on a tripod. In each shot, the light applied on the material from various perspectives, creates reflection, shadow, incision and relief on it. Reflection rates obtained from these datasets are digitalized and synthesized, and a mathemathical surface model of the object is created. Thus it is possible to apply light on the inscription bearer from any perspective and to carry out thorough analysis process on the material culture remains by applying algorithmic imaging filtres offered by the RTI software. Within the context of this study, some investigations and examinations are carried out on the epigraphical materials found in the Ancient City of Phaselis, specifically those with their surface destroyed, and those which are difficult to read, undecipherable or even deciphered defectively. The positive contribution offered to epigraphy by the method of RTI which allows analysis and documentation 'without destruction' within the cultural heritage researches, is examined and the principles of this method are represented. Besides, the advantages and limitations of the aforementioned method within the analysis of the inscirptions and therefore its applicability on the epigraphical studies is experienced.