On Stage in Antiquity, On Screen in the Digital Age: Two Thousand Years of urban presence and integration of the Theatre in Priene

The Theatre of Priene is a well-preserved example of Greek theatrical architecture, offering an exceptional case study for the integration of historical documentation and digital methodologies. The theatre dates to the late Classical and early Hellenistic period and preserves cavea, orchestra, proedria, and proskenion. It was the subject of extensive documentation during late 19th-century excavations, which provides a solid foundation for interpretative reconstruction. This study presents a comprehensive digital workflow combining photogrammetric survey, parametric modelling, and virtual reality visualisation. UAV and terrestrial photogrammetry allowed producing a metrically reliable 3D model, subsequently refined through data cleaning and validation against historical sources. The model was then transposed into typological elements governed by generative rules, enabling the creation of a metadata-based system. The integration of detailed modelling and material rendering further enhanced the legibility of architectural forms and surface characteristics. Finally, the digital model was implemented within a virtual environment to support immersive exploration and comparative analysis between the current state and reconstructed hypotheses, demonstrating how the convergence of archaeological evidence, digital survey techniques, and advanced visualisation tools can produce a coherent and accessible narrative for both scholarly investigation and public dissemination.