Preface

Abstract The integration of traditional humanities—specifically archaeology and art history—with advanced quantitative methodologies (data analysis, spatial modeling, network analysis, and machine learning) represents a pivotal shift in cultural heritage studies. This text introduces the outcomes of the international symposium Exploring the Legacy of the Past in Venice (Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, December 5–6, 2024, PNRR Spoke 8), framing the city of Venice as both a primary case study and an ideal laboratory for scientific experimentation. By fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration among archaeologists, art historians, and physicists, applying quantitative tools to complex heritage datasets overcomes traditional limitations, enabling scholars to reconstruct historical connections and reframe cultural heritage interpretation.