Introduction: An Overview of How Virtual Reconstructions and Sound Simulation Can Improve Our Knowledge on Ancient Musical Instruments and Sound Heritage

Computational methods for processing the 3D models allow for a more accurate analysis of surfaces, volumes, internal structures, and density of materials of ancient instruments. Being non-invasive, these methods enable the study of the instruments' measurements and morphology, overcoming the limitations posed by their fragility. Although reconstructions cannot tell us unequivocally how ancient musicians played these instruments and how audiences perceived their sounds - given that we cannot replicate the experience of ancient listeners - they offer the chance to not only break through the time barrier by reviving sound emissions, but also to explore the types of sound experiences that ancient peoples were exposed to, taking in consideration that they would be operating within different cultural, social and musical contexts.