Lost Emperors and Found Data: OpenAtlas in Byzantine Research

OpenAtlas is an open-source database application designed for managing and analyzing historical and prosopographical data as well as archaeological information. The software facilitates prosopographical research by linking biographical information across different sources and time periods. Furthermore, the integration of GIS functionalities allows researchers to map historical locations and analyze spatial relationships within the Byzantine world. A key advantage of OpenAtlas is also its adaptability to diverse research projects. Built on CIDOC CRM, a widely accepted ontology for cultural heritage, OpenAtlas provides a structured and flexible environment for researchers working with complex historical datasets. Datasets and study results can be presented on a presentation page, which is based on the information stored in the database, according to the latest state of research. This is accessible to interested scientists as well as the general public. Easy access to the data is provided by an interface known as API (Application Programming Interface). The poster will present the application of OpenAtlas in Byzantine Studies, demonstrating its utility in organizing and visualizing interconnected historical entities such as people, places, events, and artifacts. By offering a relational database structure, OpenAtlas enables scholars to conduct network analyses, trace historical connections, and integrate various types of source material, including textual and archaeological evidence.