ARNAC

The study of ancient roads in Crete has often been limited to specific historical periods and subregions. The ‘Algorithms, Roads, and Narratives: Navigating Ancient Crete’ (ARNAC) project, led by Dr Vyron Antoniadis, focuses on utilizing GIS tools, particularly Least Cost Path (LCP) analysis, to examine ancient roads in Crete.

The research aims to reconstruct the ancient road network from the Minoan times to the Late Roman period and to develop a best practice guide for LCP analysis applicable in Crete and other regions. The project sets itself apart by emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach within History and Archaeology, which combines islandwide tests of LCP methods with all available ancient testimonies (archaeological, literary and epigraphic) and modern historical and socio-cultural evidence.

This comprehensive strategy ensures a thorough examination, facilitating a nuanced understanding of the historical and archaeological landscape. Additionally, it aims to provide free and open access to the research findings for the academic community and the public through a web application.

Dr Vyron Antoniadis is a Senior Researcher at the Institute of Historical Research of the National Hellenic Research Foundation. With extensive expertise in History, Archaeology, and Historical Geography across various periods and regions of the Greek world, spanning from the Early Iron Age Crete to Late Roman Epirus, he advocates for the application of (Geographic Information System) GIS analysis within historical and archaeological research. His leadership, along with the diverse expertise of the research team, ensures a comprehensive and promising approach to the project.