Methodology for the study of roman epigraphy with digital support (Hispania 3.0)

Abstract

This paper presents a methodology for analyzing the religious preferences of the believers in Roman Hispania who worshipped a deity as part of their particular devotion or as part of their state responsibilities. The aim of the project is to create an epigraphic corpus, to be kept in archaeological museums, which will allow us to collect this epigraphic evidence in a virtual way. The methodology includes the following steps: creating the database, consulting different epigraphic repositories, visiting the museums to select the epigraphs, and implementing the virtualization techniques. The creation of this digital repertoire (Hispania 3.0) offers not only researchers but also the general public the possibility of approaching their historical past with information in real-time. The criterion for the selection of these epigraphs was none other than the dedications made by Hispano-Roman believers, showing the divinity they worshipped, whether they were the dedicators, or the recipients of the inscriptions collected. These characteristics allow us to determine the geographical origin of the inscriptions and the administrative boundaries of the Hispania to which they belong.