Exploring Digital Tools in Ancient Studies: A Workshop Recap

By Sofía Carreño

Prof. Dr. Stephan C. Schmid welcomes the colleagues from Oikos and opens the event | Foto: Carmen Marcks-Jacoks

On May 13-14, 2024, the Berlin Graduate School of Ancient Studies (BerGSAS), along with the National Research School in Classical Studies in the Netherlands (OIKOS), hosted a workshop funded by the Einstein Center Chronoi titled “The Impact of Digital Methods and Approaches on Ancient Studies Research.” PhD students gathered to showcase how digital tools are transforming the study of antiquity. From databases and computational linguistics to network analysis and topographical mapping, here’s a rundown of the highlights.

Building Digital Databases for Ancient Meteorology

Angelo Gargiulo from Ghent University presented his project on creating a database of Late Antique weather-related texts. Using Microsoft Access, Angelo aims to catalog references to meteorological phenomena across various texts, making it easier for scholars to find and analyze this information. He stressed the importance of asking the right research questions and being critical when using such databases.

Unlocking Byzantine Book Epigrams with Digital Methods

Kyriaki Giannikou, also from Ghent University, presented her research on Byzantine book epigrams (short poems in manuscript margins). These epigrams combine poetic flair with practical details. Using the Database of Byzantine Book Epigrams (DBBE), Kyriaki is identifying formulaic patterns in these texts. Her work bridges linguistic studies of everyday speech formulas and oral poetry, shedding light on Byzantine literature through digital humanities.

Disentangling Ancient Scientific Principles

Maria Chiara Parisi from the University of Amsterdam tackled the relationship between Euclid’s common notions and Aristotle’s axioms. Using computational tools, she analyzes ancient texts to clarify this connection. Maria’s project shows how combining philosophical analysis with digital methods can deepen our understanding of the history of science.

Galen’s Simple Texts for Beginners

Clarine Rijpstra-van Daal from Utrecht University examined the use of causal connectives in Galen’s texts. Galen advised simplicity in beginner texts, avoiding lengthy explanations. Clarine’s analysis confirms that Galen followed his own advice, using fewer causal connectives in his beginner works. Her study highlights how digital tools can help analyze vast corpora like Galen’s.

Silvia Stopponi during her talk | Foto: Carmen Marcks-Jacobs

Computational Linguistics for Ancient Greek

Silvia Stopponi from the University of Groningen discussed using Natural Language Processing (NLP) for ancient Greek. Despite the challenges, Silvia argues that NLP can lead to significant discoveries. She presented her work on computational semantics and the AGREE benchmark for evaluating language models, emphasizing the need for a careful approach in using digital methods for ancient languages.

Network Analysis of Ancient Historical Data

Douglas Watson from Freie Universität Berlin joined us through Webex and shared his experience using NetworkX and Gephi to study episcopal networks during the 4th-century Trinitarian conflict. His network analysis, based on bishops’ attendance at synods, revealed new insights into ecclesiastical decision-making. Douglas’s presentation showed how digital tools can uncover patterns in historical data.

Decoding Ancient Astronomical Tables with Modern Tools

Thomas Peeters from Freie Universität Berlin explored the use of digital tools to study ancient astronomical tables. By comparing ancient data with modern NASA data using MATLAB, Thomas demonstrated how digital tools can enhance our understanding of ancient astronomical practices.

Creating FAIR Data Sets in Archaeology

Sophie C. Schmidt from Freie Universität Berlin discussed the importance of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data sets. Her project on ceramic data involves developing an ontology and linking it to the Linked Open Data Cloud. Sophie’s work emphasizes the benefits of making research data accessible and interconnected.

Speeding Up Archaeological Pottery Comparisons

Daniele Zampierin from Freie Universität Berlin introduced a method for comparing archaeological pottery using machine learning. His approach, involving Gradient Boosting and Automatic Image Retrieval, speeds up the comparison process and enhances material analysis.

Mapping Indigenous Sanctuaries with QGIS

Mattia Lauretti from Freie Universität Berlin showcased his use of QGIS for mapping nuraghi (megalithic buildings) reused as sanctuaries in Roman Sardinia. By creating 3D models and analyzing geographical data, Mattia aims to understand the spatial relationships between these sanctuaries and Roman settlements.

Finally, the keynote lecture was given by Markus Schnöpf from the Berlin-Brandenburgische Akademie der Wissenschaften. His talk focused on the chances and limitations of the use of AI, emphasizing on the importance of good prompts for tools such as ChatGPT, and attempting to reassure the fears of the audience regarding AI’s ability to facilitate academic plagiarism and its potential for making certain jobs redundant.

In conclusion, the BerGSAS/OIKOS workshop highlighted how digital tools are revolutionizing ancient studies. Each presentation showcased the potential of these technologies to enhance research, uncover new insights, and tackle longstanding questions. As digital methods continue to evolve, they promise to make the field of ancient studies more dynamic and accessible.