Open Data in Ancient and Byzantine Studies

This volume presents case studies in classical and Byzantine research that exemplify practices, structures and standards in open data which transform and subvert historical scholarship. It leverages new data publication methods and embeds them as part of its argument, exploring the potential of non-linear discourse, multimedia content and data visualisation. Individual chapters illustrate how open scholarship enables a shift from authority-based interpretative frameworks to transparent, collaborative approaches, and combining datasets allows for analysis and comparisons at unprecedented scales, empowers researchers and elicits creative and original responses to old and new research questions.

Collaborative practices and data models lead historians to reflect rigorously and openly on assumptions, definitions and biases, encouraging more diverse approaches to interpretation of ancient sources. The different perspectives, methodologies, disciplines and research questions showcased in this book highlight the role of open data and code in the pursuit of historical research questions and the creation of new knowledge. It demonstrates that methods like linked open data, open licensing, documentation of standards and the publication of code influence the development of open data, tools and workflows, and are in turn nourished by a rich, sustainable classical open data ecosystem.