Periodic Reporting for period 1 - AntCom (From antiquity to community: rethinking classical heritage through citizen humanities)
Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2024-12-31
AntCom aims to train a new generation of highly skilled cultural heritage researchers to harness the potential of the digital transition and address the professional and societal challenges it entails. The focus is on "classical" heritage from Europe’s Graeco-Roman past, with training transferable to other cultural heritage domains. This choice is motivated by the transnational and identity-shaping nature of classical heritage across Europe, raising urgent issues relevant to education and identity.
AntCom's research is divided into three work packages addressing three different typologies of heritage: manuscript, linguistic and narrative.
The project has three aims:
Digitize and analyze obliterated manuscript heritage using advanced imaging techniques.
Document the transformation of classical heritage in oral, ritual, and monumental traditions.
Digitally archive collected data and engage communities in rethinking their past.
AntCom is characterized by the integration of humanities, STEM and citizen engagement. This approach ensures that the research is grounded in both latest scientific advancements AND the lived experiences and traditions of the communities.
By combining the analytical power of STEM with the contextual insights of the humanities, the project not only enhances the understanding of cultural heritage but also empowers communities to actively participate in preserving their heritage. This interdisciplinary approach translates into a innovative training program, aiming to create new professional figures of heritage practitioners.
AntCom's research is divided into three work packages addressing three different typologies of heritage: manuscript, linguistic and narrative.
The project has three aims:
Digitize and analyze obliterated manuscript heritage using advanced imaging techniques.
Document the transformation of classical heritage in oral, ritual, and monumental traditions.
Digitally archive collected data and engage communities in rethinking their past.
AntCom is characterized by the integration of humanities, STEM and citizen engagement. This approach ensures that the research is grounded in both latest scientific advancements AND the lived experiences and traditions of the communities.
By combining the analytical power of STEM with the contextual insights of the humanities, the project not only enhances the understanding of cultural heritage but also empowers communities to actively participate in preserving their heritage. This interdisciplinary approach translates into a innovative training program, aiming to create new professional figures of heritage practitioners.
AntCom has made significant progress in its technical and scientific endeavors, focusing on the digitization, analysis, and dissemination of ancient Graeco-Roman heritage.
Manuscript Heritage
Digitization and Analysis: Advanced imaging techniques, including hyperspectral and multispectral imaging, were employed to digitize manuscript fragments and palimpsests from the SDU Special Collections and the Biblioteca Capitolare in Verona. This included the development of machine learning algorithms for data compression and text extraction.
Codicological Analysis: Detailed analysis of the digitized manuscripts was conducted, revealing new insights into the structure, collation, and conservation status of the codices. Notable discoveries include previously unknown fragments and the identification of texts within the palimpsests.
Linguistic Heritage
Fieldwork and Data Collection: Extensive fieldwork was carried out in Griko-speaking communities in Salento. This involved recording oral traditions, studying narrative poems, and mapping out migrant communities. The research highlighted the resilience of linguistic minorities and the transformation of classical heritage in oral traditions.
Comparative Studies: The collected data was compared with existing literature, leading to new contextualizations and the identification of previously overlooked sources. Major focuses were the study of Latin hymns translated into Griko and the analysis of fairy tales and legends.
Narrative Heritage
Archival Research: Investigations into non-institutional engagements with classical antiquity were conducted in Denmark and Spain, by mapping different forms of engagement both historical and current - from the Danish book market in the 19th century to Spanish children book in the 21st
Cultural Landscape Studies: Research on the Tower of Hercules in A Coruña and the cults of female martyrs in Galicia emphasized the importance of landscape in shaping cultural narratives. The project documented the evolving narratives around these sites and their significance in local identities.
Manuscript Heritage
Digitization and Analysis: Advanced imaging techniques, including hyperspectral and multispectral imaging, were employed to digitize manuscript fragments and palimpsests from the SDU Special Collections and the Biblioteca Capitolare in Verona. This included the development of machine learning algorithms for data compression and text extraction.
Codicological Analysis: Detailed analysis of the digitized manuscripts was conducted, revealing new insights into the structure, collation, and conservation status of the codices. Notable discoveries include previously unknown fragments and the identification of texts within the palimpsests.
Linguistic Heritage
Fieldwork and Data Collection: Extensive fieldwork was carried out in Griko-speaking communities in Salento. This involved recording oral traditions, studying narrative poems, and mapping out migrant communities. The research highlighted the resilience of linguistic minorities and the transformation of classical heritage in oral traditions.
Comparative Studies: The collected data was compared with existing literature, leading to new contextualizations and the identification of previously overlooked sources. Major focuses were the study of Latin hymns translated into Griko and the analysis of fairy tales and legends.
Narrative Heritage
Archival Research: Investigations into non-institutional engagements with classical antiquity were conducted in Denmark and Spain, by mapping different forms of engagement both historical and current - from the Danish book market in the 19th century to Spanish children book in the 21st
Cultural Landscape Studies: Research on the Tower of Hercules in A Coruña and the cults of female martyrs in Galicia emphasized the importance of landscape in shaping cultural narratives. The project documented the evolving narratives around these sites and their significance in local identities.
Scientific Impact:
Access to New Material: The project has significantly expanded the research landscape by making previously inaccessible manuscript fragments available for study. This includes the digitization of fragments from the SDU Special Collections and the Biblioteca Capitolare in Verona.
Innovative Imaging Techniques: The use of hyperspectral and multispectral imaging has allowed for the recovery of hidden texts, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods and preserving fragile parchments.
New Insights into Cultural Debates: The project has uncovered new sources highlighting the conversations around classical heritage in 19th-century Scandinavia, potentially redefining our understanding of cultural debates across Europe.
Economic Impact:
Conservation Actions: The project has addressed the poor conservation state of certain manuscripts, implementing plans for their preservation and ensuring their long-term accessibility.
Development of Imaging Techniques: Researchers has advanced the development of imaging techniques, which have potential applications beyond the humanities, including in the fields of conservation and heritage management.
Story-telling for conservation institutions: AntCom has contributed to the development of sustainable practices of storytelling, such as the AntCom Summer School on Heritage and Documentary Cinema, which provided training in ethnographic fieldwork and non-fictional filmmaking.
Societal Impact:
Community Engagement: AntCom has engaged local communities in the research process, fostering a deeper connection to cultural heritage and promoting its preservation. This includes Citizen Humanities initiatives and collaborations with local stakeholders.
Educational Impact: The project has redesigned educational programs, integrating the experience and findings of AntCom into courses on cultural heritage. This has provided students with practical skills and knowledge in the field.
Institutional Investment: The project has attracted attention from infrastructure groups and funding bodies, highlighting the potential applications of its research and encouraging further investment in the humanities.
Access to New Material: The project has significantly expanded the research landscape by making previously inaccessible manuscript fragments available for study. This includes the digitization of fragments from the SDU Special Collections and the Biblioteca Capitolare in Verona.
Innovative Imaging Techniques: The use of hyperspectral and multispectral imaging has allowed for the recovery of hidden texts, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods and preserving fragile parchments.
New Insights into Cultural Debates: The project has uncovered new sources highlighting the conversations around classical heritage in 19th-century Scandinavia, potentially redefining our understanding of cultural debates across Europe.
Economic Impact:
Conservation Actions: The project has addressed the poor conservation state of certain manuscripts, implementing plans for their preservation and ensuring their long-term accessibility.
Development of Imaging Techniques: Researchers has advanced the development of imaging techniques, which have potential applications beyond the humanities, including in the fields of conservation and heritage management.
Story-telling for conservation institutions: AntCom has contributed to the development of sustainable practices of storytelling, such as the AntCom Summer School on Heritage and Documentary Cinema, which provided training in ethnographic fieldwork and non-fictional filmmaking.
Societal Impact:
Community Engagement: AntCom has engaged local communities in the research process, fostering a deeper connection to cultural heritage and promoting its preservation. This includes Citizen Humanities initiatives and collaborations with local stakeholders.
Educational Impact: The project has redesigned educational programs, integrating the experience and findings of AntCom into courses on cultural heritage. This has provided students with practical skills and knowledge in the field.
Institutional Investment: The project has attracted attention from infrastructure groups and funding bodies, highlighting the potential applications of its research and encouraging further investment in the humanities.