EpiSearch. Digitally coalescing Ancient Inscriptions and Epigraphic Manuscripts

This paper introduces a groundbreaking approach to digital epigraphy, with a particular emphasis on the integration and interconnection of epigraphic resources. A method for harmonizing data through the use of metadata injection is illustrated for the comparison and linking of inscriptions from various collections, particularly relevant for inscriptions transmitted in manuscripts, which adds an extra layer of complexity. The challenges associated with working with legacy resources are addressed in connection with existing digital collections, while highlighting the advantages of applying a new larger model encompassing all these data sources. In the context of each tree-shaped collection, a uniform data model for comparing inscriptions is further enriched by injecting metadata derived from ancestor nodes into inscription nodes, thereby facilitating connections across different collections. This happens by transforming hierarchical tree models into a unified graph, which allows for the consolidation of multiple resources into a single hub, thereby enhancing the power of networked data. The potential of linked open data graphs to reveal new insights and connections within epigraphic studies is underscored. The scalability of the model is a key feature, designed to accommodate future growth and refinements. This contributes significantly to the broader field of digital humanities, demonstrating the transformative power of digital technology in enhancing our understanding of historical inscriptions.