Israel launches world's largest digital archive of archaeology

According to a VNA correspondent in Tel Aviv, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) has just officially launched the Israel National Archaeological Database - a large-scale digital platform, allowing the global public to access decades of the country's archaeological research.

It is considered one of the world's largest online archives of archaeology, with nearly 4 million records covering everything from ancient coins, pottery, manuscripts, jewelry to ancient architectural elements.

The platform currently hosts 3,910,005 records, including 964,393 catalogued artifacts, more than 1.2 million images, 15,164 3D models, and thousands of excavation reports and archival documents.

Concentrating all of these archaeological finds into a single digital space has revolutionized access to Israel's rich and complex historical heritage.

Now, both researchers and the public, whether in Israel, Italy or India, can search the database through intelligent search tools that allow filtering by location, historical period, type of artifact, or simply marking a location on an interactive map.

This map-based search engine instantly returns all relevant information, from professional publications, images, 3D models to excavation reports.

Israel is considered one of the most archaeologically rich countries in the world, with archaeological sites spanning tens of thousands of years, from prehistoric times to classical civilizations.

Some notable archaeological sites include the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, the fortress of Masada overlooking the Dead Sea, the ancient city of Tel Megiddo (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.

“In a country with such a rich heritage as Israel, a huge amount of archaeological information from all periods has been accumulated over the years,” said Alby Malka, Head of Technology at the Israel Antiquities Authority.

By Israeli law, all archaeological discoveries must be reported, recorded and stored in the National Archives. As a result, data on hundreds of thousands of ancient artifacts is constantly updated.

“A national archaeological database – which brings together and makes this body of knowledge available to both researchers and the public – is an incredibly important tool for scientific research, the preservation of national heritage and raising public awareness,” Mr. Malka stressed.

“The Israel Archaeological Archives is not only a national treasure, but also a global asset,” said Dr. Débora Sandhaus, IAA Scientific Director. “It provides the international scientific community with unprecedented access, from any computer, to a vast repository of knowledge about the history of the Levant, opening up the possibility of large-scale comparative research that was previously impossible.”

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/israel-ra-mat-kho-tu-lieu-so-lon-nhat-the-gioi-ve-khao-co-hoc-post1061229.vnp