Vibroacoustic landscape and defensive network: metrology for the characterization of potential communication systems in Medieval Basilicata until the Longobard-Norman transition

Rosa Fiorillo, Marco Casazza, Fabrizio Barone

Abstract

This study investigates the spatial distribution of medieval fortifications in the Province of Potenza (Italy) to assess whether their placement responded to the need of local defense or to a more general strategic need. A spectral attenuation model for bell sounds was implemented in MATLAB to calculate maximum audible distances under realistic environmental conditions. Combined with a GIS-based analysis of intervisibility, acoustic buffers, and proximity to Roman roads, the results show that very few sites are either visible or acoustically reachable from one another. Instead, most fortifications are located within walkable distances from ancient roads, supporting the hypothesis that they were positioned for local territorial control, rather than interconnection. The study demonstrates how metrological tools from acoustics can be effectively adapted for cultural heritage applications, providing reproducible and quantitative support for archaeological interpretation. The approach contributes to a growing body of vibroacoustic landscape studies, exploring how sound may have shaped the organization of power in medieval southern Italy.

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IMEKO-Metroarchaeo-2025-077.pdf

DOI

10.21014/tc26-2025.077

IMEKO TC

TC26 - Metrology for Cultural Heritage

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