FAIR Turn in Epigraphy: Low Barrier Pathways to Quantitative and Reproducible Research in Latin Epigraphy

TY - GEN

T1 - FAIR Turn in Epigraphy

T2 - 2024 Computational Humanities Research Conference, CHR 2024

AU - Heřmánková, Petra

AU - Ballsun-Stanton, Brian

AU - Laurence, Ray

N1 - Conference code: 5

PY - 2024/11/20

Y1 - 2024/11/20

N2 - The application of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles can revolutionise the epigraphic discipline by facilitating quantitative and reproducible research. Despite the richness of Latin inscriptions, the lack of low-barrier tools for accessing and analysing these datasets has hindered largescale studies and the uptake of FAIR and Open Science principles in ancient studies. The LatEpig v2.0 tool addresses this gap by enabling researchers to programmatically access the Epigraphic Database Clauss-Slaby, and generate reproducible research following state-of-the-art standards. The main aim of LatEpig is to democratise data access and enhance research potential without requiring advanced technical skills. A case study on ‘viator’ inscriptions exemplifies the tool’s utility, illustrating spatial and temporal trends in inscriptions addressing messengers and travellers across the Roman Empire. LatEpig exemplifies that the development of similar tools is crucial for advancing FAIR and Open Science practices in the Humanities, ensuring that substantial investments in digital resources are fully realised.

AB - The application of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles can revolutionise the epigraphic discipline by facilitating quantitative and reproducible research. Despite the richness of Latin inscriptions, the lack of low-barrier tools for accessing and analysing these datasets has hindered largescale studies and the uptake of FAIR and Open Science principles in ancient studies. The LatEpig v2.0 tool addresses this gap by enabling researchers to programmatically access the Epigraphic Database Clauss-Slaby, and generate reproducible research following state-of-the-art standards. The main aim of LatEpig is to democratise data access and enhance research potential without requiring advanced technical skills. A case study on ‘viator’ inscriptions exemplifies the tool’s utility, illustrating spatial and temporal trends in inscriptions addressing messengers and travellers across the Roman Empire. LatEpig exemplifies that the development of similar tools is crucial for advancing FAIR and Open Science practices in the Humanities, ensuring that substantial investments in digital resources are fully realised.

KW - Roman Empire

KW - Latin inscriptions

KW - quantitative epigraphy

KW - research software development

KW - ancient history

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85210831943&partnerID=8YFLogxK

M3 - Conference article

SN - 1613-0073

VL - 3834

SP - 649

EP - 661

JO - CEUR Workshop Proceedings

JF - CEUR Workshop Proceedings

Y2 - 4 December 2024 through 6 December 2024

ER -