Populating Byzantine Southern Italy: un geodatabase archeologico e antropologico per lo studio demografico dell’età bizantina

Paolo Marcato, Serena Siena

«Archeologia e Calcolatori» 2025, 36.1, 29-46; doi: 10.19282/ac.36.1.2025.02

Abstract

This paper presents the geodatabase developed within the ‘Populating Byzantine Southern Italy project’, with the aim of systematically cataloguing the cemetery contexts, anthropological data, and scientific analyses carried out on individuals who died in Southern Italy during the Byzantine period. This tool enables the integration of anthropological, isotopic, genetic and archaeological data to deepen the understanding of settlement dynamics, mobility, and funerary practices. The relational structure of the geodatabase is described, strengthened by the use of standardized vocabularies to ensure consistency and reliability in data entry. Additionally, its integration with the geodatabase of the ‘Byzantine Heritage of Southern Italy project’ allows for interaction with other ‘global’ archaeological information on the territory and period under examination. Preliminary results from the catalogued data reveal a significant demographic complexity, but also highlight the current scarcity of available information. In conclusion, the paper advocates for greater attention from researchers to anthropological data and underscores the importance of initiatives aimed at data sharing.

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