3D imaging dataset of the human skeletal collection from Lucus Feroniae (Rome, Italy, 1st-3rd century CE)

This article presents a bioarchaeological dataset comprising high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans of human skeletal remains from the Roman site of Lucus Feroniae (central Italy), dated to the Imperial period, specifically from the 1st to the 3rd century CE. The dataset was developed to systematically document and digitally preserve the morphological characteristics of the skeletal assemblage. A total of 45 CT scans, corresponding to 19 individuals, were acquired from osteological collections preserved at the Museum of Anthropology “Giuseppe Sergi” (Sapienza University of Rome). Each scan is associated with a unique alphanumeric identifier (ID_INDIVIDUAL), linking the CT-derived morphological data with the corresponding bioarchaeological information and the georeferenced place of recovery. The CT scans provide volumetric datasets suitable for three-dimensional reconstruction and geometric morphometric analyses. All digital files were processed and archived following standardised protocols for data management, metadata recording, and long-term digital preservation. Beyond its technical and scientific relevance, the dataset was conceived within an ethically reflexive framework that recognises human remains as the material testimony of once-living individuals. The project aims to promote equitable access to knowledge while ensuring respect for the persons represented by the skeletal materials. By adopting non-invasive imaging methods, this initiative minimises physical handling and potential damage to fragile or unique specimens, aligning with current standards for ethically sustainable research in bioarchaeology and virtual anthropology. Open data access in this context is not only a scientific requirement but also an ethical commitment: transparency, reproducibility, and responsible reuse contribute to a more inclusive and accountable discipline. The availability of these digital resources through the open-access platform MorphoSource ensures that the CT scans can be downloaded and reanalysed, fostering collaboration and methodological consistency across institutions. This open repository, including the dataset presented in this paper, was developed within the framework of the CHANGES Project (Cultural Heritage Active Innovation for Next-Gen Sustainable Society), funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). It represents an important step toward integrating ethical awareness into digital heritage practices. It provides an essential digital archive for exploring skeletal variability, health, and living conditions among the inhabitants of Lucus Feroniae, while serving as a model for open, reproducible, and ethically responsible sharing of bioarchaeological 3D data.