Reconstructing Ancient History through Squeeze Digitization at the Institute for Advanced Study

FAIN: PW-269459-20

Institute For Advanced Study - Louis Bamberger And Mrs. Felix Fuld Fdn (Princeton, NJ 08540-4952)
Angelos Chaniotis (Project Director: July 2019 to present)

The cataloging and digitization of 30,000 paper squeezes that preserve ancient Greek and Latin inscriptions, including treaties, laws, decrees, honorific inscriptions, accounts of building projects, dedications, and literary texts from Ancient Greece.

The Institute for Advanced Study seeks support to complete its project to digitize the Institute’s collection of approximately 30,000 paper squeezes of Greek inscriptions, the second largest such collection in the world. The squeezes, which are three-dimensional, mirror image impressions of inscriptions, were created and donated to the Institute by the Epigraphical Museum in Athens, the American excavation of the ancient Athenian agora, and some of the greatest epigraphers of the twentieth century. Squeezes often preserve inscriptions which have been destroyed or lost, and they increase accessibility since the original stones are often heavy and located in out-of-the-way museum storerooms. The digitization of the squeezes and the addition of metadata will preserve these delicate prized resources; make them accessible online for free and unlimited use by researchers, teachers, and students worldwide; and enhance the study of primary sources for every aspect of Classical culture.

Associated Products

Digital Epigraphy for the Blind (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Digital Epigraphy for the Blind
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: In this talk, Dr. Aaron Hershkowitz, manager of the Krateros Project to digitize the IAS collection of epigraphic squeezes, presents some initial ideas and experimentation concerning the possible utility of squeezes (and 3D reproductions thereof) in making epigraphy more accessible to blind and visually impaired scholars, students, and enthusiasts. Initially presented at the Ancient MakerSpaces event at the 2021 annual joint meeting of the Society for Classical Studies and the Archaeological Institute of America.
Date: 1/9/2021
Conference Name: Annual Joint Meeting of the Society for Classical Studies and Archaeological Institute of America, Ancient MakerSpaces Session

Giving the Past a Digital Squeeze (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Giving the Past a Digital Squeeze
Abstract: The IAS has the world's second largest collection of epigraphic squeezes, and a project is under way to digitize them. But what is an epigraphic squeeze? What's more, how does one digitize a squeeze? And why does any of this matter? In this talk, Aaron Hershkowitz will answer all of these questions and more, as he guides you through a brief history of the Institute squeeze collection and the project to digitize it. He will also explain the current workflow of the digitization project as well as its future goals.
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Date: 10/16/2020
Location: Zoom
Primary URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot2FBnRbcsw
Primary URL Description: A YouTube video of the recorded presentation.

Krateros Open House (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Krateros Open House
Abstract: The Institute for Advanced Study holds one of the largest collections of epigraphic squeezes (paper negatives of inscribed stones) in the world. On April 9th, 2021, the manager of the Krateros Project Dr. Aaron Hershkowitz presented a behind-the-scenes tour of the Meritt Library, home to both the squeeze collection and the digitization effort. Attendees not only see the various materials housed in the Meritt Library, but also have a glimpse into the process of scanning those squeezes. The program concludes with a question and answer period led by Dr. Hershkowitz.
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Date: 4/9/2021
Location: Zoom
Primary URL: https://youtu.be/j9ydXqq_ABw
Primary URL Description: This YouTube video is a recording of the entire Open House event.
Secondary URL: https://youtu.be/Fuye7_3CmcM
Secondary URL Description: This YouTube video is the "tour" portion of the Open House event, without the subsequent questions and answers.

Welcome to Notes from Krateros (Blog Post)
Title: Welcome to Notes from Krateros
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: Introduction to the blog, description of content expected to be published on it, acknowledgment of funding sources including National Endowment for the Humanities.
Date: 8/26/2021
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2021/08/26/welcome/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

IG II(2) 493a: Honors for Nikon of Abydos (Blog Post)
Title: IG II(2) 493a: Honors for Nikon of Abydos
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: Presentation of translation by Lawrenceville School student Zoe Thierfelder of Greek Inscription IG II(2) 493a.
Date: 8/30/2021
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2021/08/30/ig-ii2-493a/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

The Lawrenceville School Collaboration (Blog Post)
Title: The Lawrenceville School Collaboration
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: Overview of the collaboration between the Krateros Project and The Lawrenceville School, from its beginning in Spring 2019 through the first year of summer interns in 2021.
Date: 8/31/2021
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2021/08/31/lawrenceville-school-collaboration/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

Note on Agora XV 289-289a (Blog Post)
Title: Note on Agora XV 289-289a
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: Project Associate Gil Renberg uses knowledge gained in the process of project metadata collection to correct errors in the published editions of two inscriptions from the Athenian Agora.
Date: 8/31/2021
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2021/08/31/agora-xv-289-289a/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

Touring the Meritt Library: The Meritt Notebooks (Blog Post)
Title: Touring the Meritt Library: The Meritt Notebooks
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: An adaptation of material previously on the Krateros Instagram page over a period of several days. In this case, the material describes the epigraphic notebooks that Benjamin Meritt created while at IAS, which are an important part of the Krateros holdings.
Date: 9/1/2021
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2021/09/01/the-meritt-notebooks/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

Note on Agora XV 91 (Blog Post)
Title: Note on Agora XV 91
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: Project Associate Gil Renberg uses knowledge gained in the process of project metadata collection to correct errors in the published editions of an inscriptions from the Athenian Agora.
Date: 9/8/2021
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2021/09/08/agora-xv-91/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

IG II(2) 495: Honors for Alkaios of Ainos (Blog Post)
Title: IG II(2) 495: Honors for Alkaios of Ainos
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: Presentation of translation by Lawrenceville School student Jax Floyd of Greek Inscription IG II(2) 495.
Date: 9/13/2021
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2021/09/13/ig-ii2-495/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

Touring the Meritt Library: Open House (Blog Post)
Title: Touring the Meritt Library: Open House
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: Overview of April 9, 2021 livestream “Krateros Open House” event with included video from that event.
Date: 9/21/2021
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2021/09/21/meritt-library-open-house/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

IG II(2) 1235: Honors for Chairetios of Eleusis (Blog Post)
Title: IG II(2) 1235: Honors for Chairetios of Eleusis
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: Presentation of translation by Lawrenceville School student Emilia Onuonga of Greek Inscription IG II(2) 1235.
Date: 9/28/2021
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2021/09/28/ig-ii2-1235/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

IG II(2) 3544: Honors for Lucius Flavius Flamma (Blog Post)
Title: IG II(2) 3544: Honors for Lucius Flavius Flamma
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: Presentation of translation by Lawrenceville School student Victor Park of Greek Inscription IG II(2) 3544.
Date: 10/18/2021
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2021/10/18/ig-ii2-3544/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

IG II(2) 10435: Epitaph of Theoites (Blog Post)
Title: IG II(2) 10435: Epitaph of Theoites
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: Presentation of translation by Lawrenceville School student Kieran Yu of Greek Inscription IG II(2) 10435.
Date: 10/22/2021
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2021/10/22/ig-ii2-10435/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

Touring the Meritt Library: The Agora Cabinets (Blog Post)
Title: Touring the Meritt Library: The Agora Cabinets
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: An adaptation of material previously on the Krateros Instagram page. In this case, the material describes the two filing cabinets that store records and photographs of inscription fragments excavated at the Athenian Agora.
Date: 10/26/2021
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2021/10/26/the-agora-cabinets/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

IG II(2) 11974: Epitaph of Lonkis (Blog Post)
Title: IG II(2) 11974: Epitaph of Lonkis
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: Presentation of translation by Lawrenceville School student Nolan Lee of Greek Inscription IG II(2) 11974.
Date: 11/1/2021
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2021/11/01/ig-ii2-11974/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

IG II(2) 558: Honors for Oxythemis of Larissa (Blog Post)
Title: IG II(2) 558: Honors for Oxythemis of Larissa
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: Presentation of translation by Lawrenceville School student Stephanie Yoon of Greek Inscription IG II(2) 558.
Date: 11/11/2021
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2021/11/11/ig-ii2-558-honors-for-oxythemis-of-larissa/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

IG II(2) 9145: Epitaph of Neikomedes (Blog Post)
Title: IG II(2) 9145: Epitaph of Neikomedes
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: Presentation of translation by Lawrenceville School student David Prilutsky of Greek Inscription IG II(2) 9145.
Date: 12/2/2021
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2021/12/02/ig-ii2-9145/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

Touring the Meritt Library: The Prosopographical Cards (Blog Post)
Title: Touring the Meritt Library: The Prosopographical Cards
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: An adaptation of material previously on the Krateros Instagram page. In this case, the material describes the filing cabinet that stores cards with names and information about the people of ancient Athens and Attica.
Date: 12/8/2021
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2021/12/08/the-prosopographical-cards/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

IG II(2) 11169: Epitaph of Dionysius (Blog Post)
Title: IG II(2) 11169: Epitaph of Dionysius
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: Presentation of translation by Lawrenceville School student Cal Wilson of Greek Inscription IG II(2) 11169.
Date: 12/16/2021
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2021/12/16/ig-ii2-11169/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

How to Make a Squeeze (Blog Post)
Title: How to Make a Squeeze
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: An in-depth overview of the process of making a squeeze, including video of Charalambos Kritzas, former director of the Epigraphical Museum in Athens, demonstrating the process.
Date: 3/8/2022
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2022/03/08/how-to-make-a-squeeze/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

Meet the Team: Dr. Aaron Hershkowitz (Blog Post)
Title: Meet the Team: Dr. Aaron Hershkowitz
Author: Abbey Ellis
Abstract: Introduction to and interview with Krateros Project Manager Aaron Hershkowitz, conducted by Dr. Abbey Ellis.
Date: 3/18/2022
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2022/03/18/team-aaron-hershkowitz/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

IG II(2) 3199: Dedication by Skribonia Paulleina to Athena Archegetis (Blog Post)
Title: IG II(2) 3199: Dedication by Skribonia Paulleina to Athena Archegetis
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: Presentation of translation by Lawrenceville School student Hannah Welsh of Greek Inscription IG II(2) 3199.
Date: 3/22/2022
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2022/03/22/ig-ii2-3199/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

Meet the Team: Maria O’Leary (Blog Post)
Title: Meet the Team: Maria O’Leary
Author: Abbey Ellis
Abstract: Introduction to and interview with Krateros Project Member Maria O’Leary, conducted by Dr. Abbey Ellis.
Date: 3/29/2022
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2022/03/29/meet-the-team-maria-oleary/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

The Krateros Project in the Landscape of Digital Scholarship (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: The Krateros Project in the Landscape of Digital Scholarship
Abstract: The Fifteenth Annual Father Eugene Cotter Memorial Lecture at Seton Hall University. Paper abstract: You may not immediately associate subjects like ancient Mediterranean history with cutting edge technology, but indeed Classicists have often been early adopters of digital tools and techniques. This application of digital methodology to Classical material can take place in the realm of research —one recent example is an article in Nature about a project applying machine learning to the restoration of fragmentary texts — but it is also very important for pedagogy. The Krateros Project, which aims to digitize a large collection of “squeezes” (paper negatives of inscribed surfaces), is deeply embedded within that framework, following in the footsteps of projects past and setting the groundwork for others yet to come. In this talk Dr. Aaron Hershkowitz, Project Manager for Krateros, will discuss the digital ancient world landscape and the position of Krateros within that landscape.
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Date: 4/21/2022
Location: Seton Hall University
Primary URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbSdlBFyLco

Squeeze-Making Workshop (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Squeeze-Making Workshop
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Author: Harriet Flower
Author: Stephen Tracy
Abstract: A two-hour event including brief lectures on the history of squeeze-making and on the digitization of squeezes going on at the Krateros project, followed by demonstration of the procedure of making a squeeze. Participants then have the opportunity to make their own squeezes on ancient Mediterranean inscriptions held by the Princeton Classics department.
Date Range: 10/8/2021
Location: Princeton Classics Department Seminar Room

Squeeze-Making Workshop II (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Squeeze-Making Workshop II
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Author: Harriet Flower
Abstract: A two-hour event including brief lectures on the history of squeeze-making and on the digitization of squeezes going on at the Krateros project, followed by demonstration of the procedure of making a squeeze. Participants then have the opportunity to make their own squeezes on ancient Mediterranean inscriptions held by the Princeton Classics department.
Date Range: 11/12/2021
Location: Princeton Classics Department Seminar Room

Squeeze-Making Workshop III (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Squeeze-Making Workshop III
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Author: Harriet Flower
Abstract: A two-hour event including brief lectures on the history of squeeze-making and on the digitization of squeezes going on at the Krateros project, followed by demonstration of the procedure of making a squeeze. Participants then have the opportunity to make their own squeezes on ancient Mediterranean inscriptions held by the Princeton Classics department.
Date Range: 3/25/2022
Location: Princeton Classics Department Seminar Room

Meet the Team: Dr Abbey Ellis (Blog Post)
Title: Meet the Team: Dr Abbey Ellis
Author: Abbey Ellis
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: An introduction to Dr. Abbey Ellis, who at the time served as a Project Advisor and volunteer Social Media Manager.
Date: 4/15/2022
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2022/04/15/meet-the-team-abbey-ellis/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

IG II(2) 3490: Honors for Medeios of Piraeus (Blog Post)
Title: IG II(2) 3490: Honors for Medeios of Piraeus
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: A translation by Lawrenceville School student Arthur Li of an ancient Greek honorific inscription.
Date: 7/8/2022
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2022/07/28/ig-ii2-3490/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

IG II(2) 11140: Epitaph of Dialogos (Blog Post)
Title: IG II(2) 11140: Epitaph of Dialogos
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: A translation by Lawrenceville School student Amelia Devine of an ancient Greek epitaph.
Date: 8/1/2022
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2022/08/01/ig-ii2-11140/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

IG II(2) 13212: Epitaph of Maximus (Blog Post)
Title: IG II(2) 13212: Epitaph of Maximus
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: A translation by Lawrenceville School student George Wright of an ancient Greek epitaph.
Date: 8/4/2022
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2022/08/04/ig-ii2-13212/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

SEG 25.211: Honors for Titus Flavius Kyllos (Blog Post)
Title: SEG 25.211: Honors for Titus Flavius Kyllos
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: A translation by Lawrenceville School student Calvin Chen of an ancient Greek honorific inscription.
Date: 8/8/2022
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2022/08/08/seg-25-211/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

Collection Deep Dive: Agora I 16b (Blog Post)
Title: Collection Deep Dive: Agora I 16b
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: An exploration of all various materials held by the Institute for Advanced Study pertaining to a particular fragment excavated in Athens, culminating with the digitization of squeezes related to that fragment by Krateros.
Date: 8/11/2022
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2022/08/11/agora-i-16b/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

Meet the Team: 2022 Summer Crew (Blog Post)
Title: Meet the Team: 2022 Summer Crew
Author: Abbey Ellis
Abstract: An introduction to the Lawrenceville School students who worked as interns on the Krateros Project over summer 2022.
Date: 10/11/2022
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2022/10/11/meet-the-team-2022-summer-crew/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

IG II(2) 5007: Oracle for Harmodios and Aristogeiton (Blog Post)
Title: IG II(2) 5007: Oracle for Harmodios and Aristogeiton
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: A translation by Lawrenceville School student Jasmine Zhang of an ancient Greek inscription preserving the text of an oracular response.
Date: 8/16/2023
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2023/08/16/ig-ii2-5007-oracle-for-harmodios-and-aristogeiton/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

IG II(2) 3530: Statue Base for Polycharmos (Blog Post)
Title: IG II(2) 3530: Statue Base for Polycharmos
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: A translation by Lawrenceville School student Christabelle Sutter of an ancient Greek honorific dedication.
Date: 8/24/2023
Primary URL: https://blog.krateros.org/2023/08/24/ig-ii2-3530-statue-base-for-polycharmos/
Blog Title: Notes from Krateros
Website: Notes from Krateros

Signal and Noise: Epigraphic Ventures in Machine Learning (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Signal and Noise: Epigraphic Ventures in Machine Learning
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Abstract: A presentation at an ENCODE project workshop in Bologna, Italy on machine learning in Epigraphy, including ventures undertaken by Krateros project team members and advisors.
Date: 1/23/2023
Primary URL: https://site.unibo.it/encode/en/agenda/encode-workshop-ai-and-ancient-writing-cultures
Conference Name: AI and Ancient Writing Cultures

Meritt's Further Investigation: the ASCSA, IAS Squeezes, and the Krateros Project (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Meritt's Further Investigation: the ASCSA, IAS Squeezes, and the Krateros Project
Abstract: A presentation given at the American School of Classical Studies in Athens about the long history between that institution and the squeeze collection of the Institute for Advanced Study. This opportunity was also used to disseminate information about the Krateros digitization effort to the faculty, students, and staff in the ASCSA orbit.
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Date: 4/13/2023
Location: The American School of Classical Studies, Athens, Greece

From Attica to Albert: the Krateros Squeeze Digitization Project (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: From Attica to Albert: the Krateros Squeeze Digitization Project
Abstract: A presentation covering the history and techniques of the Krateros project aimed at a Greek audience. The Epigraphic Museum in Athens, where the talk occurred, houses a significant portion of the inscriptions represented in the IAS squeeze collection. They plan to make a recording of the talk available online.
Author: Aaron Hershkowitz
Date: 5/2/2023
Location: The Epigraphic Museum, Athens, Greece

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