Lecture: Hana Navratilova "Scribes in Cyberspace"

Abstract

Building on a rich legacy of the study and reception of Egyptian written culture, modern Egyptology has reached out to digital humanities that have emerged as a transformative tool in the study of ancient civilizations, very visibly in the documentation, analysis, and dissemination of ancient sources. Reaching well beyond popular representations in gaming, digital tools now enable scholars to engage deeply with Egypt’s rich textual heritage, encompassing hieroglyphic and hieratic scripts, an expansive lexicon, and they also support access to diverse textual genres—from intellectual treatises to formal inscriptions to administrative records.

One of the most significant advancements is the digitisation of philological resources, exemplified by the Berlin Dictionary of Ancient Egyptian. This project has evolved into a dynamic, annotated corpus of texts, offering universal access to a growing archive of ancient writings. Such digital platforms enhance scholarly collaboration, facilitate comparative research, and democratise access to materials that were once confined to specialist archives. Digital tools also support the visual and palaeographic study of Egyptian scripts. The digitisation of the hieratic script, for instance, allows researchers to trace the hands of ancient scribes with significant precision. Techniques like colour enhancement further aid in recovering faded inscriptions, making previously inaccessible data visible and analyzable.

Despite these advances, challenges remain. Chief among them is the long-term sustainability of digital projects. Ensuring continued access, maintenance, and relevance of digital archives requires stable funding, institutional support, and adaptive technological frameworks. Without these, the risk of digital decay threatens the very accessibility digital humanities aim to promote.

In sum, digital humanities not only enrich our understanding of ancient Egypt but also redefine how research is conducted and shared. As tools and platforms evolve, so too must our strategies for preserving and sustaining these digital legacies. In this talk, we will accompany Egyptian scribes in cyberspace, to explore both opportunities and challenges.