Carnuntum in 3D: Archaeological research in the digital era

Archaeological research in Carnuntum has a long and distinguished history – but it is by no means complete. On the contrary: thanks to the use of innovative technologies and close cooperation between different fields of activity, new perspectives on ancient life, infrastructure, and the military organization of the former Roman metropolis are constantly emerging.

A number of projects are currently underway in Carnuntum: For example, a Roman bridgehead fort in Stopfenreuther Au was documented using state-of-the-art methods – the first of its kind on Austrian soil. The Heidentor, Carnuntum's landmark and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021, was also documented in three dimensions as part of Europeana's EU campaign “Twin it!”.

Project Employee Harald Wraunek of the University for Continuing Education Krems taking photogrammetric images of the finds - © Land NÖ

These current research projects not only significantly expand our understanding of Roman history, but also contribute to preserving this knowledge in an innovative and sustainable way and making it accessible to future generations. Research is not only carried out in the excavation trench: finds that have already been excavated are also continuously examined and made accessible to the public.

A particularly innovative project in the field of Carnuntum research is the “Capturing Archaeological Reality” (CARe) project, funded by the BMKÖS Call “Kulturerbe Digital” (Digital Cultural Heritage) (running until 2026). Since 2024, archaeological objects from the Lower Austrian State Collections have been digitized by teh employees Harald Wraunek, Katarina Tökölyova and Martin Baer as part of the project—both in the form of 2D images and high-resolution 3D models. The aim is to establish a sustainable digital infrastructure that promotes both scientific study of the objects and their public accessibility.

Creating a 3D-model: Camera positions in image-based modeling - © Land NÖ

The central tool is photogrammetry: cameras are used to capture objects from different perspectives, which are then assembled into detailed digital models.

These enable finds to be examined without physical contact and at the same time open up new ways of communication – for example, through interactive access for a broad audience. New 3D models are continuously being published on Sketchfab, which are also accessible via the eMuseum.

3D-Models of the findings from Carnuntum on Sketchfab 

Another important aspect is international networking: the digitized objects are linked to other collections and databases in order to strengthen interdisciplinary research and place the finds in a global context. All information on the digitized finds is stored in a central database and linked to image material and 3D data.

A total of 800 objects are being digitized in the project – half from the collections of Roman archaeology and half from prehistoric and historical archaeology. A wide variety of finds are already available digitally – from brooches and pendants to keys and appliqués to statuettes and tools.

This integrative approach creates connections between eras and groups of finds and exemplifies the diversity of the state collections. The CARe project thus represents a significant step in the digitization of cultural heritage and serves as a model for future digitization projects worldwide.

Project member Katarina Tökölyova from the province of Lower Austria entering find information into the online database - © Land NÖ

The finds digitized as part of CARe come from the Lower Austrian Provincial Collections, which comprise one of the largest collections of Roman artifacts in Austria. With over two million objects—from excavations, donations, the collections of the “Verein Carnuntum” (Carnuntum Association), and private collections from the 19th and early 20th centuries—it represents a central institution of Austrian provincial Roman archaeology with its archaeological finds from Carnuntum.

Since 2005, the objects have been stored in the Kulturfabrik Hainburg on an area of 4,700 m², scientifically catalogued and increasingly digitised – among other things through systematic 3D laser scans. Many of these finds are currently on display in the exhibition “Weltstadt am Donaulimes” (Cosmopolitan City on the Danube Limes) at the Museum Carnuntinum.

Small finds repository at the Kulturfabrik Hainburg - © Land NÖ

One particularly interesting object that has already been digitized as part of the CARe project is a loaded dice made of bone, which comes from the garrison of the governor of Carnuntum. It shows the number “six” twice, while the “one” is missing—a clear indication of manipulation. This die is a fascinating testimony to Roman gaming culture: gambling was widespread throughout the empire.

Objects such as this die are particularly well suited for 3D visualizations, as their shape and any signs of use can be digitally reproduced very clearly.

3D model of the loaded dice on Sketchfab and in the Landessammlungen Online image database

The current research projects in Carnuntum not only offer new insights into ancient life, but also demonstrate how modern archaeology is advancing through interdisciplinary collaboration and technological innovations. The digitization of collections and interactive communication create new perspectives for research, education, and the public—thus securing Carnuntum's cultural heritage for future generations.