International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, Volume XL-5/W2, 2013
XXIV International CIPA Symposium, 2 — 6 September 2013, Strasbourg, France
In the second phase, photos of the valley were taken from
various high points located on the hills surrounding the valley
with a calibrated lens using Coolpix 5000 Nikon. These photos
were utilized to process a photogrammetric project with
Photomodeler (Fig. 10). This last project enabled the location of
specific structures in the landscape in a precise way. These
features were related to the construction site (the quarry, the
stone transportation paths, the retaining walls) or to the main
archaeological remains (the rock-cut tombs, the village
residences, the springs and the paths, etc.).
For the generation of the Digital Elevation Model (DEM)
between Niha and Hosn-Niha, the contour lines of the 1/20,000
maps were utilized in order to prepare a mesh. This was made
possible with the help of draftsmen who had to 1- digitize the
contour lines using AutoCAD, 2- put each contour line at its
specific altitude, and 3- generate the mesh using 3DS Max. At
that time, no Google Earth imagery was available online. A
local Lebanese mapping firm (GIS Transport) provided satellite
imagery (IKONOS imagery) with the authorization to utilize it.
This imagery was then projected on the DEM in order to
generate the Terrain model (Fig. 11). Fine tuning was possible
thanks to the identification of some features on the ground
compared with those present in the 1/20,000 map.
Only then was it possible to visualize the whole landscape with
3DS Max in order to understand the various relations linking
the archaeological remains in the site.
3.3 The integration of architectural and landscape surveys
All the above method applied for the generation of the
landscape model is relevant to an architect approach. The goal
of this approach is the integration of the architectural 3D
models with all virtual reconstructions in the landscape model.
For Hosn-Niha, the whole sanctuary was integrated in the
landscape model (Fig. 11). For Niha, the two temples were also
integrated in the model. 3DS Max was utilized for the
integration process. Basic elements of the landscape were also
identified in the whole model in order to put them in relation
with both the sanctuaries.
4. SOME IMPORTANT RESULTS OF THE APPLIED
METHOD
Major findings were obtained as a result of the applied method.
First, reasons for the site construction and organisation were
clarified. Second, reasons of the implantation of the sanctuaries
in relation with the villages were also put in light. Finally, the
relationship that links the ancient road, the stream going down
to the Beqaa valley, the villages, and the sanctuaries were also
addressed thanks to the usage of the 3D model of the whole
sites. Another aspect utilized in this model was its ability to
process a dynamic model for the various phases of the
sanctuary transformation throughout History.
4.1 The relations between the various archaeological
structures
One of the major results of the applied method was the
understanding of the relations that link the various
archaeological structures in the topography. The major feature
that acts as the heart of the sanctuary is the former focal point to
which all the sacred buildings are visually oriented.
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Figure 11. The Terrain model with the integration of
the Hosn-Niha sanctuary. © J. Yasmine; 2005.
In both sanctuaries, the area facing the oldest temple is the
location of the first altar / sacred zone to which the people used
to face when undertaking their rites. The various successive
temples are all visually oriented toward this sacred area.
Another very interesting result is the relations that link the
quarries with the site of construction of the sanctuaries. In the
case of Hosn-Niha sanctuary, the geologic stratification of the
area to the north of the temples ensures the presence of natural
smooth slopes used as a path for the supply of stones from the
quarry to the construction site. At the same time, part of the
quarry was used to supply, in-situ, stones used for the retaining
walls. In the case of Niha, the quarry is located at a distance of
1km to the North of the sanctuary, at an altitude of 1210m. The
slope leading to the site construction follows the old Roman
road and has a slope of 10%. It can therefore be easily utilized
for the supply of stones.
For the urban setting of Hosn-Niha, one can easily understand
the implementation of the village under the sanctuaries, these
last being always located on hills close to the sky, the normal
house of gods. The rock-cut tombs are also located in the rocky
zones at the periphery of the village. The various springs are
located along the Roman route at the centre of the village, and
can therefore be easily accessible by the inhabitants. In Niha,
the modern village superimposes the antique one. Here also, the
sanctuary is located on the higher point of the village. It is
surrounded by many springs that spurt the water around the
various temples. Many archaeological channels drain the spring
water towards the temple altars.
4.2 Understanding the location choice for construction
The settlement of both site inhabitants in the village and the
choice of the precise location of the sanctuaries was one of the
major questions raised during the search. It was clear even prior
to the 3D modelling, that the very heart of the sanctuary grew
around a sacred area in which the very first image of the god
was adored. The early altar stood in the same area.
This area was understandably chosen for the presence of springs
in the natural landscape, for water is sacred to the local
inhabitants of a desert environment. The sanctuary also needed
to be constructed on a high point overlooking the surrounding
landscape. For this reason, the builders chose a location that
fulfils these requirements. One must not forget the need of
stones for the construction process. The presence of a quarry in
the very close environment was therefore of utmost importance.
