Panel: Dealing with the Whole Object: the Archaeological Dimension of Epigraphy

International audienceDue to the double nature of inscriptions as both archeological objects and texts, the study of epigraphy must be rooted in the material context of inscriptions. How can digital tools and methods enhance epigraphical scholarship so as to produce editions and studies that treat inscriptions as whole objects, both textual and material? How can we train the next generation of epigraphists to put these orientations into practice? The project “Visible Words: Research and Training in Digital Contextual Epigraphy”, recently funded by the Partner University Fund, addresses these questions from different angles. Our panel will focus on the main aims and goals of this project, as well as on pressing issues in digital epigraphy of more general concern.Three short presentations from the panel chairs will address:-­ the issue of metadata categories, definitions and taxonomies-­ steps toward a Linked Open Data implementation of a core epigraphic taxonomy, an ultimate goal being to make an adaptable template available to the wider digital community-­ the technical framework, image mapping capabilities and future plans for the Perseids Platform as they apply to epigraphy.Each presentation will be followed by a brief question period, and the session will include ample time for a roundtable discussion. In particular, we are eager to identify other practitioners of « digital archaeological epigraphy » and to map out possible collaborations. Secondly, we are interested in defining common needs and resources of the EAGLE consortium. One crucial topic is the question of bibliography. How are we to handle bibliographical information across the various projects and platforms participating in EAGLE? Can we and should we establish a shared bibliographical repository