As part of our latest web development, we have improved some of our search functionalities, introduced map searches, and deployed a first set of map and chart visualisations pertaining to (a) individual hoards and (b) a number of queries able to interrogate results across our dataset:
We have also increased the visibility of Persistent Digital Identifiers (i.e. permalinks) across our dataset by displaying them for each hoard (the link can be copied onto the clipboard) and creating a section for external permalinks under the section ‘References’.
This current IT development has again been conducted by the Oxford University CMS and Web Platforms Team: Markos Ntoumpanakis, Martin King, Finlay Birnie (as web developers), and Ruth Mason as Team leader.
Map searches
Queries on the Search and Advanced search pages can now be filtered in order to only encompass a specific geographical area, drawn directly on the map. We opted for a tool allowing to select a polygonal area, as this offered a great degree of flexibility as to the shape that one can delineate.
Example of a search restricted to the Peloponnesus.
Mints displayed on Map Results
For searches at coin level involving the field ‘mint’ as a search criteria, the location of that mint can now be displayed on the map showing the results.
Distribution of provincial silver coins minted in Amisus, currently entered in the database.
Distribution of Imperial coins minted in Cyzicus, currently entered in the database.
Refining searches through timeline
When displaying ‘Map Results’ of a search for hoards, a timeline placed beneath the map allows to further filter the results by the end date of the hoards.
A list of hoards without precise location that are omitted from the map is now given below any map displaying the results of a search.
Map showing hoards containing denarii of Gordian III (AD 238-244), with timeline enabling to refine the search by end date of hoards.
Visualisations for individual hoards: circulation and content
For each hoard, two visualisation tabs allow to show (a) a map with all the mints represented in the hoard and (b) a series of charts related to the content of the hoard.
The content charts display the composition of the hoard by Period, Reign, Person, Mint, Denomination, or Material. One can also choose between bar and pie charts.
A description detailing the principles underlying our visualisations can be found here.
Visualisations for groups of hoards
We have introduced a series of set queries interrogating data from across our entire dataset. For the moment, these queries can be performed on the results of a search.
These queries are:
Hoards found by decade
Hoards by closing date
Hoards by closing reign
Hoards by site type
A description detailing the principles underlying our visualisations can be found here.
Chart showing hoards found by decade, for data currently entered for Egypt.
Chart showing hoards by closing date, for hoards currently entered for Denmark.
Chart showing hoards by closing reign, for hoards with provincial coins currently entered for Bulgaria.
All charts show data entered and validated as of January 2023.
Marguerite Spoerri Butcher, October 2022 – January 2023.
