Reconstructing Temple D in Agrigento (Italy): Integrated digital methodologies for archaeological research

Temple D in the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is a preeminent example of Greek sacred architecture in Sicily. Built in the 5th century B.C., soon after the victory of the Battle of Himera over the Carthaginians (480 B.C.), it is traditionally attributed to Hera (Lacinia), despite recent scholarly debates regarding its dedication. During 2020 excavations by the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, fragments of Parian marble (Paros-2) – initially unearthed in the 1920s – reemerged and were confirmed as part of the temple's original roof. This study proposes a reconstructive hypothesis of Temple D and its roofing by integrating digitization and parametric modeling to create an informative tool for conservation and enhancement. The multidisciplinary workflow involved: Structured-light 3D scanning and Visual Programming Language (VPL) processing of the roof fragments; the creation of a precise Building Information Model (BIM) of the current state, based on surveys from the Polytechnic University of Madrid; a virtual reconstruction of the temple within a parametric environment. This digital framework allows for interactive modifications and scientific validation by archaeologists, enabling the creation of reliable digital products that can facilitate the conservation of the temple. Based on both archaeological evidence and structural analysis, the study concludes that a wooden load-bearing system supporting an entirely marble roof is the most plausible reconstruction. Ultimately, this methodology offers a replicable model for integrating digital tools to advance the knowledge, preservation, and accessibility of archaeological heritage through potential VR and AR applications.