The CEIPAC EPNet Session presented at EAA 2018 NAVIGATING IN A SEA OF DATA. TRADE IN THE ANCIENT MEDITERRANEAN 9/9/2018

Organisers: Remesal Rodríguez, José (CEIPAC, Universitat de Barcelona) – Fabiao, Carlos (Universidade de Lisboa) – Martín-Arroyo Sánchez, Daniel Jesús (CEIPAC, Universitat de Barcelona) – Bermúdez Lorenzo, Juan Manuel (CEIPAC, Universitat de Barcelona)

Theme: Mediterranean seascapes

Trade was an essential factor in the construction of inter-community relations around the Mediterranean. Research depends on a limited and evenly sampled series of data that increases gradually as archaeological discoveries continue. The management of all this information involves the creation of databases. These databases must accommodate the complex and fragmented nature of archaeological evidence. They must also be intelligently structured, anticipating the requirements of historical research. Questions can be formulated as long as the databases are correctly tested and accessible. This EAA session proposes a joint discussion of this entire research process, that combines four strands of research: data collection, analysis, interpretation and dissemination.

Fabiao, Carlos (Universidade de Lisboa) – Pérez González, Jordi (Universitat de Barcelona)

The interpretation of data depends on documentary sources, the spatial distribution of data points and the wider socio-political understand-ing. Sources raise questions about the material that has been preserved in the archaeological record. These consist basically of pottery (tableware, flashlights, amphorae, etc.), metals (ingots, coins, etc.) and building materials (marbles, tegulae, laterculi, etc.). The information provided by these objects is increased when they bear inscriptions. Therefore, this session will focus on epigraphic and numismatic studies. Spatial perspectives on supply, transport and distribution areas are also of interest, with attention to ports and trade routes. In this sense, we are especially interested in stamps, tituli picti and graffiti and other inscriptions, but also in concentrations of materials such as wrecks and dumps. Finally, studies on communities and institutions directly related to trade can also provide useful insights, especially, considering lapidary epigraphic databases.

Fabiao, Carlos (Universidade de Lisboa) – Martín-Arroyo Sánchez, Daniel Jesús (CEIPAC, Universitat de Barcelona) – Bermúdez Lorenzo, Juan Manuel (CEIPAC, Universitat de Barcelona)
Dr. José Remesal and other members of the CEIPAC EPNet team and guests. Final session photo.

Abstract Session 490 EAA 2018 Download