A Collaborative Knowledge Graph for the Analysis of Ancient Documents: Wikidata (A.C. Maniero Azzolini)
Author
Affiliation
School of Advanced Study | University of London
Supervisor
- Gabriel Bodard (First supervisor)
- Kaspar Beelen (Second supervisor)
Description
This project aims to make epigraphic data interoperable, standardized, searchable, and shareable, and to improve it through collaboration, with Wikidata serving as a key resource. Wikidata is the largest open knowledge base, enabling both humans and machines to read and edit data, supporting various research and digital projects. It enables structured data export and visualization—such as genealogical trees, statistics, and social networks—and highly customized queries, benefiting historical studies. While many epigraphic databases are efficient, the field remains fragmented and overlaps with disciplines like history, social network analysis, genealogy, prosopography, palaeography, linguistics, geography, and geology. Most databases focus on limited inscriptions or aspects, highlighting the need for a comprehensive, accessible, and highly queryable database. Wikidata benefits from contributions by experts across fields. Its core strength is discussion—via TALK pages and linked contributors—which makes it vital for knowledge creation.
Note: As a PhD by Practice, this project will deliver practical outcomes, including developing solutions to data challenges, designing, implementing, and testing data import processes, and hosting workshops, tutorials, and activities to foster community engagement with data. Data will be available on GitHub.
Status
in itinere