Papers by Regine R . Hunziker-Rodewald
HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), 2020
Les numéros correspondant à la pagination de la version imprimée sont placés entre crochets dans ... more Les numéros correspondant à la pagination de la version imprimée sont placés entre crochets dans le texte et composés en gras. <477> In spring 2015, an experimental archaeology workshop took place, organized by the author of this article in collaboration with the Archaeology Departments of the Universities of Strasbourg (France) and Freiburg (Germany) as well as with the Visual Arts Department of the University of Strasbourg, and directed by two professional potters and a specialist in prehistoric ceramic technology. The project included the construction of an updraft pottery kiln after the plans of a kiln excavated in Mari by archaeologists of the University of Strasbourg. 1 The main goal was to understand the intricacies of raw material preparation, to analyze various forming technologies in ancient ceramic figurine manufacture, to explore methods of mold production from a master figurine, and to understand the complexities of kiln firing. 2 RTI images 3 and good photographs of female figurines from Mesopotamia * For Erhard Blum on the occasion of his 70th birthday, with gratitude. ** Régine Hunziker-Rodewald, "And God … Created Woman": Imagined in Terms of a Molding Process. In Eigensinn und Entstehung der Hebräischen Bibel. Erhard Blum zum siebzigsten Geburtstag, ed.
IASA Seminar for Arabian Studies, Paris, 27th-29th June, 2024
This poster presents the results of the excavations of an urban district in ancient Dadan, in the... more This poster presents the results of the excavations of an urban district in ancient Dadan, in the al-ʿUlā valley (north-west Arabia), conducted by the team of the Dadan Archaeological Project (CNRS/RCU/ AFALULA) between 2020 and 2023. The excavation data were processed jointly with the ECOSeed archaeobotanical project. This multidisciplinary approach provides critical new insights into the development of one of the major ancient northwest Arabian oases. The excavations revealed the earliest safely dated domestic architectural remains in the oasis. The results also enable a reassessment of the earlier archaeological evidence, suggesting a first peak in the urban development of the oasis during the Bronze Age. This excavation then revealed a virtually continuous urban occupation through the Iron Age until the early 1st millennium AD, in particular with periods of reorganization of the district between the 8th and 5th centuries BC, and again between the 4th and 2nd centuries BC. Many evolutions in the material culture and lifestyle of the population can also be observed over more than 2,500 years of occupation, such as changes in the diet, agricultural practices, pottery production, and macro-lithic technology. (abstract: Fabien Lesguer)
Journal on Computing and Cultural Heritage, JOCCH-24-0160, 2024
(July 2024: manuscript peer reviewed)
PLoS ONE, 2024
Epigraphy increasingly turns to modern artificial intelligence (AI) technologies such as machine ... more Epigraphy increasingly turns to modern artificial intelligence (AI) technologies such as machine learning (ML) for extracting insights from ancient inscriptions. However, scarce labeled data for training ML algorithms severely limits current techniques, especially for ancient scripts like Old Aramaic. Our research pioneers an innovative methodology for generating synthetic training data tailored to Old Aramaic letters. Our pipeline synthesizes photo-realistic Aramaic letter datasets, incorporating textural features, lighting, damage, and augmentations to mimic real-world inscription diversity. Despite minimal real examples, we engineer a dataset of 250,000 training and 25,000 validation images covering the 22 letter classes in the Aramaic alphabet. This comprehensive corpus provides a robust volume of data for training a residual neural network (ResNet) to classify highly
degraded Aramaic letters. The ResNet model demonstrates 95 accuracy in classifying real images from the 8th century BCE Hadad statue inscription (KAI 214). Additional experiments validate performance on varying materials and styles, proving effective generalization. Our results validate the model’s capabilities in handling diverse real-world scenarios, proving the viability of our synthetic data approach and avoiding the dependence on scarce training data that has constrained epigraphic analysis. Our innovative framework elevates interpretation accuracy on damaged inscriptions, thus enhancing knowledge extraction from these historical resources.
S. Valentini, G. Guarducci, and N. Laneri (eds.), Archaeology of Symbols: ICAS I. Proceedings of the First International Congress on the Archaeology of Symbols (MaReA vol 3), Oxford: Oxbow, 2024
This third volume in the Material Religion in Antiquity series stems from the First International... more This third volume in the Material Religion in Antiquity series stems from the First International Congress on the Archaeology of Symbols (ICAS I) that took place in Florence in May 2022. The archaeological process of reconstructing and understanding our past has undergone several reassessments in the last century, producing an equal number of new perspectives and approaches. The recent materiality turn emphasises the necessity to ground those achievements in order to build fresh avenues of interpretation and reach new boundaries in the study of the human kind and its ecology. Symbols must not be conceived only as allegory but also, and perhaps mainly, as reason (raison d'être) and meaning (culture). They may be considered key elements leading to interpretation, not only in their physical manifestation but by being infused with the gestures, beliefs and intentions of their creators, created in a specifi c context and with a specifi c chaîne opératoire. In this volume a variety of case studies is offered, representing disparate ancient cultures in the Mediterranean and central Europe and the Near East. The thread that connects them revolves around the prominence of symbols and allegorical aspects in archaeology, whether they are considered as expressions of iconographic evidence, material culture or ritual ceremonies, seen from a multicultural perspective. This (and subsequent ICAS) volumes, therefore, aims to embrace all the different aspects pertaining to symbols in archaeology in a specific 'place', allowing the reader to deepen their knowledge of such a fascinating and multifaceted topic, by looking at it from a multicultural perspective.
Journal of Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology & Heritage Studies, 2019
Les numéros correspondant à la pagination de la version imprimée sont placés entre crochets dans ... more Les numéros correspondant à la pagination de la version imprimée sont placés entre crochets dans le texte et composés en gras. <190> I Buṣayra in southern Jordan (R. Hunziker-Rodewald) During the years 1971-1974 and 1980, Crystal-M. Bennett conducted excavations at a fortified hill settlement south of Wadi al-Hasa in southern Transjordan, situated between Wadi Arabah and the Syrian Desert, 4 km west of the so-called King's Highway (Bienkowski 2002: 37-38). Bennett was not the first one to identify that site north of the present-day town of Al-Buṣeirah with biblical Boṣrah, in Hebrew "the inaccessible one". 1 In the Isaiah tradition, in both the Hebrew and Greek versions, ה רָ צְ בָּ / Βοσορ is placed on a par with the land of Edom 2 which might underline the regional importance of the site. Whether Boṣrah was, at least temporarily, Edom's capital, however, cannot be decided yet. 3 Apart from that question, one of the main reasons for Bennett's choice of site for her excavations was its proximity to the Wadi Faynan mining district (Bienkowski 1990: 101) 4 which, at this geographical point only, is connected to the Edomite Highlands by a break in the cliffs. 5
Study in progress 2024-2025.
©Dadan Archaeological Project (CNRS/AFALULA/RCU), publication phase
The weathering and physical damage of inscriptions over centuries and millennia lead, at least pa... more The weathering and physical damage of inscriptions over centuries and millennia lead, at least partially, to the irretrievable loss of records that can provide valuable insights into ancient societies. Avoiding such potential losses of knowledge represents an urgent desideratum of the epigraphic-historical analysis of material culture. Here, we present DeepHadad, a neural network trained with synthetically generated data that demonstrates the value of using artificial intelligence in modern epigraphy to preserve the historical written heritage.
Livestream coming soon: https://www.fu-berlin.de/sites/offenerhoersaal/vorderasien/livestream/index.html
HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), 2020
Digital Humanities Congress, 4th - 5th September, University of Sheffield, The Edge, 2024
The [HadadDigital] initiative represents an innovative synthesis of digital humanities, epigraphy... more The [HadadDigital] initiative represents an innovative synthesis of digital humanities, epigraphy, history, and archaeology, with a focus on a novel digital re-edition of the 34-line Panamuwa I inscription (KAI 214) found on the 8th-century BCE Hadad statue from Samal/Zincirli. This project stands out for its integration of artificial intelligence and 3D modeling, addressing challenges such as surface erosion and deliberate damage that have obscured crucial details of the inscription since its initial decipherment in the 19th century. Our methodology signifies a paradigm shift from conventional epigraphic analysis, which often relies on contextual guesses, to a more data-centric approach. This allows for a more accurate reconstruction of eroded letters, offering new perspectives on ancient Northwest Semitic languages and cultures.
In collaboration with the Vorderasiatisches Museum Berlin, we have developed a 3D model of this artifact, serving as the raw data for machine learning algorithms that enable digital restoration and reading of the inscription. These algorithms are trained to recognize and enhance the contours of eroded letters, thereby improving the accuracy of transcription and translation of this distinct 8th-century BCE Samal/Zincirli script. The resulting digital edition deepens textual understanding and pioneers a new paradigm for studying and valorizing cultural heritage artifacts.
Furthermore, the [HadadDigital] project aims to extend its impact by integrating the proposed methodology with a broader corpus of relief inscriptions. A central goal is to create a searchable vector database to catalog Aramaic scripts, facilitating machine-learning analysis of morphological changes over time. This database will enable scholars to conduct detailed comparative studies, tracing the evolution and variance of glyph morphology as an indicator of sociolinguistic shifts and historical interactions within the Northwest Semitic linguistic sphere.
Our research findings aim to significantly enrich the digital humanities landscape by demonstrating the applicability of AI, 3D visualization, and vectorization for extracting new insights in the field. The implications of this work are wide-ranging, from the development of new digital resources and analytical tools to fostering interdisciplinary collaborations that bridge technology and humanities scholarship.
Annual Meeting Rome, 28-31 August, EAA Workshop: Archaeological Sciences, Humanities and the Digital era: Bridging the Gaps, 2024
This paper introduces an innovative visualization framework to enhance the readability of ancient... more This paper introduces an innovative visualization framework to enhance the readability of ancient inscriptions and facilitate automatic analysis. We apply our methodology to the 8th century BCE Panamuwa inscription from the Hadad statue (KAI 214), which poses interpretive challenges due to surface erosion and subtle edge details. We generate a high-fidelity 3D model of the inscription to enable in-depth geometric analysis and provide a substrate for image enhancement. Image processing algorithms accentuate obscured glyph features such as soft edges. We further augment the visual data with
depth maps and other representations to underpin our deep learning architecture for recovering eroded inscription elements. Our framework entails successive phases of epigraphical enhancement enabled by digital techniques: 1) Creating an accurate 3D model,
2) Applying image processing for feature enhancement,
3) Generating synthetic representations to expand available inscription data, and
4) Leveraging neural networks to reconstruct missing details.
This research aims to enhance visualization and uncover lost knowledge for researchers, revealing new insights. It establishes computational epigraphy at the nexus of archaeology, computer vision, and digital humanities - setting
a new standard for exploiting 3D/2D models, image enhancement, depth mapping, and deep learning to analyze archaeological artifacts.
Keywords
3D modeling, Epigraphy, Archaeological artifacts, Image processing, Neural networks, Depth mapping
EAA Annual Meeting Rome, 28-31 August 2024, Session: The Material Record: Current Trends and Future Directions , 2024
In the 9th and 8th centuries BCE, the Jordan Valley witnessed the production of a specific group ... more In the 9th and 8th centuries BCE, the Jordan Valley witnessed the production of a specific group of female clay figurines, embodying the confluence of socio-political and craft economies. Drawing from archaeological findings across sites such as Amman, Tall as-Saʿidiyyah, and Tel Rehov, our paper focuses on how these figurines reflect societal evolution and intricate settlement dynamics. Through a detailed analysis of their morphology, applied crafting techniques, and archaeological context, we uncover their
embeddedness in the socio-economic and political tapestries of the era. We argue that their design and dissemination represent deliberate actions by the ancient craft economy to underscore and perpetuate prevalent social and gendered norms. The figurines under review serve as vital intermediaries among economic actors, shaping the political and ideological aspirations concerning collapse and survival. Our research
underscores the importance of the figurines, positioning them as critical links between the material and immaterial aspects of socio-economic interactions
Keywords:
craftmanship, figurines, style, agency, gender, political ideology
Unheard Voices: Cultural Anthropological Approaches to Physical Suffering in the Hebrew Bible and the ANE, AOAT, 2024
Within the Hebrew Bible, the Promised Land is portrayed as a gift from God, functioning as the ag... more Within the Hebrew Bible, the Promised Land is portrayed as a gift from God, functioning as the agent of the land for His people, which prompts inquiries into the fate of its previous inhabitants. The crucial verb in this context is YRŠ hi., encompassing actions such as "assigning inheritance," "dispossessing," "driving out," or "exterminating." The interpretation of YRŠ, linked to divinely sanctioned violence, depends on the applied ideology and syntactic analysis, as evident in both ancient and contemporary translations. Acknowledging the direct correlation between the meaning and use of a lemma is widely embraced. That's why understanding the syntax at the sentence level is crucial. However, for instance, in Judges 11:24, meticulous consideration of the argumentation developed in 11:19-23 is significant, particularly in verse 21. Neglecting text syntax and cohesion poses the peril of potentially concealing realities that, at the very least, require discussion.
EABS Annual Meeting Sofia (Bulgaria), July 15-18, Research Unit: Northwest Semitic Epigraphy Related to the Biblical World, 2024
One of the main challenging issues concerning VA 02882 / KAI 214, an inscribed monumental statue ... more One of the main challenging issues concerning VA 02882 / KAI 214, an inscribed monumental statue from the 8th century BCE, revolves around the deity represented and the regal figure speaking. The central inquiry involves understanding the impact of the specific combination of verbal and visual messages intended for the heir to the throne. The heir's interaction with the statue entails a complex engagement with a network of factors, both human and non-human, influenced by royal kinship ties. Agency is ritually manifested and performed through various elements, such as size, proportion, materiality, positioning, divine symbolism, facial expression, eye contact, gesture, and the power of graphical glyphs. The direct speech, "I am …," suggests an audibly performed proclamation within the public space of the funerary context. This act is recurrently associated with sacrificial practices, banquets, and recitations, strategically designed to enhance memorization by intertwining it with divine physical evidence. Additionally, these utterances serve to deter internal uprisings within the dynasty through a forceful call to crush dissent with a bloodthirsty resolve.
EABS Sofia 2024 Meeting, July 15-18, 2024
The Research Unit for "Northwest Semitic Epigraphy Related to the Biblical World" is soliciting p... more The Research Unit for "Northwest Semitic Epigraphy Related to the Biblical World" is soliciting paper proposals for the 2024 EABS Annual Meeting in Sofia, Bulgaria. This unit investigates the significance of Semitic inscriptions, encompassing Phoenician/Punic, Aramaic, Moabite, Ammonite, and Hebrew, alongside bilingual inscriptions including Akkadian, Greek, etc. Its focus lies in unraveling their role in comprehending the cultures and historical narratives of the Levantine regions during the 2nd and 1st millennium BCE.
Possible paper topics include, but are not limited to:
• New epigraphic discoveries from the Levant
• Material culture related to epigraphic evidence
• Advancements in recording methodology and deciphering technology (photographic techniques, digital epigraphy, AI, etc.)
• The societal environment conveyed through inscriptions
• Archaeological settings shedding light on or validating occurrences, figures, or customs referenced in epigraphic materials
• International relations (political dynamics, sovereignty, warfare, etc.) in conjunction with epigraphic records
• Economic structures and commercial networks inferred from epigraphic discoveries
• The role of epigraphy in the interpretation of ancient Near Eastern texts.
Paper proposals (300 words at most) are accepted until the 20th of January 2024 (23:59 CET). The summary should demonstrate novelty, ingenuity, and relevance to the field. The allotted time for each presentation is 20 to 30 minutes, with a provision for a question-and-answer period. The conference's language is English. Anticipating the submission of proposals that push the boundaries of scholarly discourse at the confluence of epigraphy, identity and cultural studies. A compilation of the finest submissions is in the works.
Please note that you must be a current EABS member with membership paid and up to date in order to submit an abstract.
www.eabs.net
Unheard Voices: Cultural Anthropological Approaches to Physical Suffering in the Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Material Culture, 2024
When it comes to the non-focal characters of a story, the Hebrew Bible, as well as Ancient Near E... more When it comes to the non-focal characters of a story, the Hebrew Bible, as well as Ancient Near Eastern texts, tend to veer the imagination away from hard anthropological issues, such as physical pain and its emotional expression. Pain in biblical languages, loaded with theological implications and promoting the hero characters of the group in focus, has recently been investigated through linguistic and historical anthropological approaches (Bauks & Olyan 2021). Non-protagonists’ embodied experience of suffering and pain, however, is misrepresented. Neither ancient authors nor modern interpreters attribute agency to wounded warriors, mutilated foes, expelled ethnic groups, or indeed women, children, men, and animals bodily affected by disease, accident, natural disaster, or rites of torture. In the planned volume, we propose restituting the multivocality of physical suffering preserved in the Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near Eastern texts, e.g., the imaginary sighs, groans, and cries of those situated at the margins of the plot. Our study shall contribute to an integrative, critical reading of biblical texts by engaging in varied anthropological methods and by drawing on various sources in order to capture a greater diversity of voices (Pedersen & Cliggett 2021) so as to avoid bias, blind spots, and ideological narrowness.
Keywords: cultural anthropology, emotion studies, embodied experience, multivocality, balance of power
Bauks, M. and S.M. Olyan (eds.). 2021. Pain in Biblical Texts and Other Materials of the Ancient Mediterranean. FAT 2, 130. Tübingen: Mohr/Siebeck.
Pedersen, L. and L. Cliggett (eds.). 2021. The SAGE Handbook of Cultural Anthropology. London: SAGE Publications Ltd.
Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research, 2021
A ce jour, on dénombre environ 470 figures féminines en terre cuite de l'âge du fer connues dans ... more A ce jour, on dénombre environ 470 figures féminines en terre cuite de l'âge du fer connues dans les musées et des fouilles en Jordanie. Cet article présente un fragment de figurine récemment découvert à Jneneh dans le Wadi az-Zarqa au nord de la Jordanie centrale. Certaines de ses caractéristiques font référence à un type de figurine du Levant méridional et septentrional du début et du milieu de l'âge du fer, jusqu'alors inconnu.
Iron Age Terracotta Figurines from the Levant in Context, éd. E. D. Darby and I. J. de Hulster, Leiden, Brill (Culture and History of the Ancient Near East, 2021
Within the corpus of the Iron Age female terracotta figurines originating from Transjordan, sever... more Within the corpus of the Iron Age female terracotta figurines originating from Transjordan, several mold-links are attested. These doublets and triplets among the figurines’ types and subtypes which, in general, show a relatively large variance raise questions about molding techniques and mold use as well as issues as to typology and its development, local preferences, regional diffusion, leading forms, and variants. In the following, the characteristics of some preserved molds and the geographical and typological “setting” of some mold-links will be evaluated. The present article concludes with a short glimpse on a new interpretation of Genesis 2:21-23 in terms of an allusion to the reproduction of mold made figurines.
Les récits de la destruction de Jérusalem (70 ap. J.-C.) : lectures, représentations et enjeux, entre Antiquité et Moyen Âge, édité par F. Chapot, Judaïsme ancien et origines du christianisme JAOC 19, Turnhout : Brepols , 2020
In the first stanza (vv. 1-6) of Lm 1, the reader is taken to a world of images that translate th... more In the first stanza (vv. 1-6) of Lm 1, the reader is taken to a world of images that translate the suffering of a city presented as a former First Lady and Princess who experienced the greatest decay. The literary analysis of the syntax of this stanza brings out an internal dynamic that touches in v. 6 the lowest point of an atrocious reality and of which v. 7-22 will offer a rhythmic re-enactment only. In this contribution, we analyze the components of the "texture" of Lm 1:1-6 in order to reveal the dynamics of communication generated in this text, and this in the context of the historical landmarks that appear explicitly and/or implicitly in it.
http://www.brepols.net/Pages/ShowProduct.aspx?prod_id=IS-9782503588308-1
https://www.lhistoire.fr/livres/destruction-du-temple
Fin des idoles, actualité des images, Actes du colloque européen à l’Université de Strasbourg, 6-7 mai 2022, éd. J. Cottin, C. Damour et R. Dekoninck, Annua Nuntia Lovaniensia, Leuven, Peeters , 2024
The perception of artifacts as idols is closely linked to their supposed impact on human beings i... more The perception of artifacts as idols is closely linked to their supposed impact on human beings in a particular historical and environmental context. It is intrinsically linked to a specific attitude towards these objects, as well as to an oriented definition that attributes an active role to them. Religious theories of idolatry, aimed at banning idols, are based on this vision of the interrelation between form, material, place, and time within specific socio-political groups, reflecting the ideological convictions and intentions of their designated leaders. Our focus is on how to perceive the agency attributed to Iron Age IIB (8th-7th c. BCE) female figurines from the southern Levant and, later, to artifacts targeted in the Hebrew Bible (6th-4th c. BCE) as 'idols', likely to pose a dangerous threat to "orthodox" Yahwist faith. Today, figurines are often interpreted on the basis of biblical polemics and terminology, which is hardly possible.
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Papers by Regine R . Hunziker-Rodewald
degraded Aramaic letters. The ResNet model demonstrates 95 accuracy in classifying real images from the 8th century BCE Hadad statue inscription (KAI 214). Additional experiments validate performance on varying materials and styles, proving effective generalization. Our results validate the model’s capabilities in handling diverse real-world scenarios, proving the viability of our synthetic data approach and avoiding the dependence on scarce training data that has constrained epigraphic analysis. Our innovative framework elevates interpretation accuracy on damaged inscriptions, thus enhancing knowledge extraction from these historical resources.
Livestream coming soon: https://www.fu-berlin.de/sites/offenerhoersaal/vorderasien/livestream/index.html
In collaboration with the Vorderasiatisches Museum Berlin, we have developed a 3D model of this artifact, serving as the raw data for machine learning algorithms that enable digital restoration and reading of the inscription. These algorithms are trained to recognize and enhance the contours of eroded letters, thereby improving the accuracy of transcription and translation of this distinct 8th-century BCE Samal/Zincirli script. The resulting digital edition deepens textual understanding and pioneers a new paradigm for studying and valorizing cultural heritage artifacts.
Furthermore, the [HadadDigital] project aims to extend its impact by integrating the proposed methodology with a broader corpus of relief inscriptions. A central goal is to create a searchable vector database to catalog Aramaic scripts, facilitating machine-learning analysis of morphological changes over time. This database will enable scholars to conduct detailed comparative studies, tracing the evolution and variance of glyph morphology as an indicator of sociolinguistic shifts and historical interactions within the Northwest Semitic linguistic sphere.
Our research findings aim to significantly enrich the digital humanities landscape by demonstrating the applicability of AI, 3D visualization, and vectorization for extracting new insights in the field. The implications of this work are wide-ranging, from the development of new digital resources and analytical tools to fostering interdisciplinary collaborations that bridge technology and humanities scholarship.
depth maps and other representations to underpin our deep learning architecture for recovering eroded inscription elements. Our framework entails successive phases of epigraphical enhancement enabled by digital techniques: 1) Creating an accurate 3D model,
2) Applying image processing for feature enhancement,
3) Generating synthetic representations to expand available inscription data, and
4) Leveraging neural networks to reconstruct missing details.
This research aims to enhance visualization and uncover lost knowledge for researchers, revealing new insights. It establishes computational epigraphy at the nexus of archaeology, computer vision, and digital humanities - setting
a new standard for exploiting 3D/2D models, image enhancement, depth mapping, and deep learning to analyze archaeological artifacts.
Keywords
3D modeling, Epigraphy, Archaeological artifacts, Image processing, Neural networks, Depth mapping
embeddedness in the socio-economic and political tapestries of the era. We argue that their design and dissemination represent deliberate actions by the ancient craft economy to underscore and perpetuate prevalent social and gendered norms. The figurines under review serve as vital intermediaries among economic actors, shaping the political and ideological aspirations concerning collapse and survival. Our research
underscores the importance of the figurines, positioning them as critical links between the material and immaterial aspects of socio-economic interactions
Keywords:
craftmanship, figurines, style, agency, gender, political ideology
Possible paper topics include, but are not limited to:
• New epigraphic discoveries from the Levant
• Material culture related to epigraphic evidence
• Advancements in recording methodology and deciphering technology (photographic techniques, digital epigraphy, AI, etc.)
• The societal environment conveyed through inscriptions
• Archaeological settings shedding light on or validating occurrences, figures, or customs referenced in epigraphic materials
• International relations (political dynamics, sovereignty, warfare, etc.) in conjunction with epigraphic records
• Economic structures and commercial networks inferred from epigraphic discoveries
• The role of epigraphy in the interpretation of ancient Near Eastern texts.
Paper proposals (300 words at most) are accepted until the 20th of January 2024 (23:59 CET). The summary should demonstrate novelty, ingenuity, and relevance to the field. The allotted time for each presentation is 20 to 30 minutes, with a provision for a question-and-answer period. The conference's language is English. Anticipating the submission of proposals that push the boundaries of scholarly discourse at the confluence of epigraphy, identity and cultural studies. A compilation of the finest submissions is in the works.
Please note that you must be a current EABS member with membership paid and up to date in order to submit an abstract.
www.eabs.net
Keywords: cultural anthropology, emotion studies, embodied experience, multivocality, balance of power
Bauks, M. and S.M. Olyan (eds.). 2021. Pain in Biblical Texts and Other Materials of the Ancient Mediterranean. FAT 2, 130. Tübingen: Mohr/Siebeck.
Pedersen, L. and L. Cliggett (eds.). 2021. The SAGE Handbook of Cultural Anthropology. London: SAGE Publications Ltd.
http://www.brepols.net/Pages/ShowProduct.aspx?prod_id=IS-9782503588308-1
https://www.lhistoire.fr/livres/destruction-du-temple
degraded Aramaic letters. The ResNet model demonstrates 95 accuracy in classifying real images from the 8th century BCE Hadad statue inscription (KAI 214). Additional experiments validate performance on varying materials and styles, proving effective generalization. Our results validate the model’s capabilities in handling diverse real-world scenarios, proving the viability of our synthetic data approach and avoiding the dependence on scarce training data that has constrained epigraphic analysis. Our innovative framework elevates interpretation accuracy on damaged inscriptions, thus enhancing knowledge extraction from these historical resources.
Livestream coming soon: https://www.fu-berlin.de/sites/offenerhoersaal/vorderasien/livestream/index.html
In collaboration with the Vorderasiatisches Museum Berlin, we have developed a 3D model of this artifact, serving as the raw data for machine learning algorithms that enable digital restoration and reading of the inscription. These algorithms are trained to recognize and enhance the contours of eroded letters, thereby improving the accuracy of transcription and translation of this distinct 8th-century BCE Samal/Zincirli script. The resulting digital edition deepens textual understanding and pioneers a new paradigm for studying and valorizing cultural heritage artifacts.
Furthermore, the [HadadDigital] project aims to extend its impact by integrating the proposed methodology with a broader corpus of relief inscriptions. A central goal is to create a searchable vector database to catalog Aramaic scripts, facilitating machine-learning analysis of morphological changes over time. This database will enable scholars to conduct detailed comparative studies, tracing the evolution and variance of glyph morphology as an indicator of sociolinguistic shifts and historical interactions within the Northwest Semitic linguistic sphere.
Our research findings aim to significantly enrich the digital humanities landscape by demonstrating the applicability of AI, 3D visualization, and vectorization for extracting new insights in the field. The implications of this work are wide-ranging, from the development of new digital resources and analytical tools to fostering interdisciplinary collaborations that bridge technology and humanities scholarship.
depth maps and other representations to underpin our deep learning architecture for recovering eroded inscription elements. Our framework entails successive phases of epigraphical enhancement enabled by digital techniques: 1) Creating an accurate 3D model,
2) Applying image processing for feature enhancement,
3) Generating synthetic representations to expand available inscription data, and
4) Leveraging neural networks to reconstruct missing details.
This research aims to enhance visualization and uncover lost knowledge for researchers, revealing new insights. It establishes computational epigraphy at the nexus of archaeology, computer vision, and digital humanities - setting
a new standard for exploiting 3D/2D models, image enhancement, depth mapping, and deep learning to analyze archaeological artifacts.
Keywords
3D modeling, Epigraphy, Archaeological artifacts, Image processing, Neural networks, Depth mapping
embeddedness in the socio-economic and political tapestries of the era. We argue that their design and dissemination represent deliberate actions by the ancient craft economy to underscore and perpetuate prevalent social and gendered norms. The figurines under review serve as vital intermediaries among economic actors, shaping the political and ideological aspirations concerning collapse and survival. Our research
underscores the importance of the figurines, positioning them as critical links between the material and immaterial aspects of socio-economic interactions
Keywords:
craftmanship, figurines, style, agency, gender, political ideology
Possible paper topics include, but are not limited to:
• New epigraphic discoveries from the Levant
• Material culture related to epigraphic evidence
• Advancements in recording methodology and deciphering technology (photographic techniques, digital epigraphy, AI, etc.)
• The societal environment conveyed through inscriptions
• Archaeological settings shedding light on or validating occurrences, figures, or customs referenced in epigraphic materials
• International relations (political dynamics, sovereignty, warfare, etc.) in conjunction with epigraphic records
• Economic structures and commercial networks inferred from epigraphic discoveries
• The role of epigraphy in the interpretation of ancient Near Eastern texts.
Paper proposals (300 words at most) are accepted until the 20th of January 2024 (23:59 CET). The summary should demonstrate novelty, ingenuity, and relevance to the field. The allotted time for each presentation is 20 to 30 minutes, with a provision for a question-and-answer period. The conference's language is English. Anticipating the submission of proposals that push the boundaries of scholarly discourse at the confluence of epigraphy, identity and cultural studies. A compilation of the finest submissions is in the works.
Please note that you must be a current EABS member with membership paid and up to date in order to submit an abstract.
www.eabs.net
Keywords: cultural anthropology, emotion studies, embodied experience, multivocality, balance of power
Bauks, M. and S.M. Olyan (eds.). 2021. Pain in Biblical Texts and Other Materials of the Ancient Mediterranean. FAT 2, 130. Tübingen: Mohr/Siebeck.
Pedersen, L. and L. Cliggett (eds.). 2021. The SAGE Handbook of Cultural Anthropology. London: SAGE Publications Ltd.
http://www.brepols.net/Pages/ShowProduct.aspx?prod_id=IS-9782503588308-1
https://www.lhistoire.fr/livres/destruction-du-temple
The experimental archaeology workshop aims to achieve educational and scientific objectives. These include gaining insights into raw material preparation, examining diverse forming techniques employed in crafting ancient ceramic figurines, investigating mold production from master figurines, and comprehending the intricacies of kiln firing. By utilizing the technological evidence from the workshop, archaeologists can assess the origin and distribution of figurines from the 1st millennium, theoretically reconstruct pottery workshops (including kilns) based on limited evidence, and gain valuable understanding of the cognitive capabilities of ancient potters.
In this workshop, the focus will not be on constructing a kiln or conducting the firing procedure within a reconstructed kiln. However, a separate second workshop will be dedicated to the application of natural pigment paint (iron oxide, manganese oxide, kaolinite).
4A: Music, Sounds, and Rhythmical Movements in Funerary Contexts of the Ancient World (Colloquium Session)
Sponsored by AIA Archaeomusicology Interest Group
ORGANIZER(S): Angela Bellia, Institute of Heritage Science – National Research Council of Italy, Regine Hunziker-Rodewald, Strasbourg University, France, and Andrei Aioanei, Strasbourg University, France
Nous allons créer et lire des graffitis alphabétiques en araméen ancien et développer un code de Deep Learning qui peut être utilisé pour analyser des inscriptions anciennes.
http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/scholar-follows-trail-kingdoms-scattered-ancient-figurines
The Konzise und aktualisierte Ausgabe des Hebräischen und Aramäischen Lexikons (KAHAL) is based on HALAT but it focuses on the lexicographic treatment of the biblical lexemes. The etymological material has been revised to reflect the current status of studies in comparative Semitic philology. Proper names are all now transcribed but without any proposed etymologies.
KAHAL offers scholars and students of the Hebrew Bible and theology a handy and up-to-date work of reference.
The following scholars are responsible for the etymologies:
Prof. Dr. Manfried Dietrich (Universität Münster),
Juniorprofessor Dr. des. Viktor Golinets (Universität Basel/Hochschule für Jüdische Studien Heidelberg),
Prof. Dr. Regine Hunziker-Rodewald (Université de Strasbourg),
Dr. Dirk Schwiderski (Universität Heidelberg).
By viewing the same environments as social landscapes at the intersection of nomadic and sedentary lifestyles, anthropological approaches additionally investigate the cognitive processes of the trading actors. Attention is drawn not only to the geostrategic importance of oases, landmarks, and water holes, but also to the diffusion of material culture, such as distinctive pottery and associated terracotta figurines.
In the local trade hub of Dadan, two-thirds of the terracotta figurines feature the Arabian camel, harnessed and bridled. The most notable amount of these, dated to the 8th to 6th centuries BCE, was found near the central cultic basin. By examining camel figurines from other oases like Tayma, Dûmat al-Jandal, and al-Bad', we apply a new semiotic-anthropological approach to the phenomenon of ancient Arabian trade, particularly through these exemplary miniatures of the long-distance pack animal par excellence.
How do these material signs function as active participants in the creation and transmission of meaning within trade-related rituals? Based on our material semiotics approach, we explore the intricate process by which the material form (signifier) and the conceptual content (signified) of camel imagery co-emerge through enactive signification. This approach, grounded in Malafouris' concept of material engagement theory, emphasizes how meaning arises through the dynamic interaction between humans, materials, and environment.
Using network analysis techniques, we map the distribution and associations of these camel miniatures along trade routes. We assess their semiotic value in terms of frequency, fidelity, and distance, visualizing these relationships to reveal the condensed semiotic potential crucial in ritual settings (Knappett 2012). This analysis demonstrates how camel figurines serve as tangible links between the pragmatic world of desert trade and the symbolic realm of ritual.
At a micro-level, these figurines embody the material-semiotic processes through which trade, ritual, and identity were negotiated in ancient Arab society. Simultaneously, at a macro-level, oases emerge as nodes of exchange with the power to market ideas, share cultural values, and create ties between groups and their beliefs (Collar 2022). By focusing on the materiality of these signs and their enactive role in meaning-making, we offer new insights into the entanglement of cognition, culture, and trade in ancient Arabia.
Possible paper topics include, but are not limited to:
New epigraphic discoveries from the Levant
Material culture related to epigraphic evidence
Advancements in recording methodology and deciphering technology (photographic techniques, digital epigraphy, AI, etc.)
The societal environment conveyed through inscriptions
Archaeological settings shedding light on or validating occurrences, figures, or customs referenced in epigraphic materials
International relations (political dynamics, sovereignty, warfare, etc.) in conjunction with epigraphic records
Economic structures and commercial networks inferred from epigraphic discoveries
The role of epigraphy in the interpretation of ancient Near Eastern texts
Mots-clés : exploration scientifique, gravures rupestres, inscriptions pré-islamiques, estampages, prospection géographique, Hail, Tayma, Tabuk, Al-Ula.
https://www.bnu.fr/fr/evenements-culturels/agenda-culturel/explorer-larabie-la-fin-du-19e-siecle
We discuss these topics with experts from different fields, and disciplines in a series of lectures to create awareness and identify challenges.
Cultural Heritage in the Digital Age - Lecture Series: An initiative of the Department of History and Digital Humanities Lab, Organization: Prof. Dr. Lucas Burkart und PD Dr. Peter Fornaro
Current Directions in Coroplastic Studies
Session Chairs: Nancy Serwint, Arizona State University; Casey Gipson, Arizona State University
Description: Following on the success of “Figuring Out the Figurines of the Ancient Near East” sessions at the ASOR 2009. 2010, and 2011 meetings, another multi-year session that focuses on sculpture fashioned from clay in the ancient Mediterranean will be offered. The nearly ubiquitous discovery of clay sculpture in a variety of contexts over a chronological and geographic spread has resulted in a surge of research studies that assess the terracotta sculpture from multiple perspectives. The multi-year session will focus on emergent approaches in the discipline and will be titled “Current Directions in Coroplastic Studies.” The first year’s session (2020) will be “Methodologies in the Study of Terracotta Sculpture.” Year two’ session will be “The Materials and Production of Terracotta Sculpture,” while the third year will be titled “Context and the Relationship with Typologies.”
La compréhension de cet ensemble se découvre grâce à un mapping des signaux communicatifs (leurs séquence, progression et cohérence), qui rend visible l’organisation interne de la texture. C’est là que résident toutes les informations nécessaires qui pilotent l’acte communicatif pour lequel le texte a été conçu. Le principe de départ est en effet que chaque texte – le vocabulaire choisi et arrangé, la suite des expressions et leurs interférences, le développement conversationnel, l’interrelation de lieux, d’aspects temporels relatifs et la construction argumentative – comporte une intention, en vue d’un public cible et contient, dans le cadre d'une certaine situation historique, une offre spécifique de résolution de problème ou de réponse à une question initiale impliquée, et cela à chaque niveau rédactionnel.