The Digital Database of Late Roman Consular Dates, known as DataCons, emerges as a ground-breaking initiative, revolutionising the study of the late Roman Empire through a meticulously curated, open-access database. This innovative project, born from a four-year doctoral endeavour at King’s College London’s History Department, has flourished with the support of the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and King’s College’s own Faculty of Arts and Humanities. Its development signifies a leap forward in the digital humanities, particularly in the realms of late Roman history, papyrology, and epigraphy.
DataCons stands as a testament to the collaborative effort of a dedicated team, including co-principal investigators Marco Dosi and Peter Heather from King’s College London, Kieran Baker leading the statistical and modelling front, and Alex Cline and Archie Licudi steering database development. This project not only bridges the past with the present but also showcases the dynamic interplay between historical scholarship and digital technology.
The core ambition of DataCons is to compile and make accessible over 1,200 documents ranging from papyri and inscriptions to imperial laws dated by late Roman consuls, covering an initial period from CE 476 to 541. Yet, the vision extends beyond, aiming to encapsulate documentation from Diocletian’s accession in 284 to Heraclius’ death in 641. This expansive collection, which currently exceeds 4,800 documents up to 541, awaits further funding to unveil its full potential to the public. Such an endeavour not only preserves but breathes new life into ancient documents, ensuring they remain accessible and comprehensible for future generations.
DataCons is distinguished by its interdisciplinary insights, offering a rich tapestry of the late Roman world. It delves into the socio-cultural and political fabric of the period, examining the consulship’s role and evolution, and exploring the diverse applications of this dating system across different societal strata and geographic locales. The project’s dataset is a treasure trove for scholars, enabling detailed analyses of geopolitical dynamics, administrative operations, and temporal perceptions during the late Roman period.
Innovatively, DataCons enhances academic engagement through various features, including maps and charts that visualise the geographical and chronological distribution of documents. Its prosopographical section on “Scribes and People” illuminates the demographic landscape of the regions and periods under study. Moreover, DataCons stands as a vital resource for educators in language, papyrology, and epigraphy, making ancient texts accessible and engaging for both teaching and learning.
Collaboration is at the heart of DataCons, as it seeks to integrate with platforms like Trismegistos and Papy.info, enriching its dataset with broader insights on specific texts, periods and social groups. Such partnerships are crucial in extending the project’s reach and impact, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the late Roman world.
One of the project’s unique selling points is its usability and ambition to fill a gap left by other initiatives, offering an authoritative and comprehensive dataset for scholars, students and educators alike. DataCons not only facilitates access to a vast array of consular documents but also anticipates future developments aimed at enhancing user engagement. Planned expansions include an interactive map based on the KCL Geospatial Dissemination Model, opportunities for user contributions to the database and a social media platform to share research derived from the database.
DataCons is not just a database; it’s a dynamic platform that redefines the landscape of historical research and education. It exemplifies the power of digital humanities to connect us with our past in ways previously unimaginable, enabling a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the late Roman world. As DataCons continues to evolve, it promises to be an indispensable resource for historians, educators and students, fostering a vibrant community of scholars dedicated to exploring the complexities of ancient history through the lens of digital innovation.
Expected publication: June 2024.
