Mammoth Crowdsourcing Exercise to Compile Viking Database

April 22, 2016 By IdeaConnection

vikingsResearch into Viking culture has been given a huge boost thanks to the World-Tree Project, a new crowdsourcing initiative that is attempting to compile the world’s largest online Viking database.

University College Cork (UCC) in Ireland is behind the project, which is enlisting the public’s help from all over the world.

“Everyone knows that the Vikings travelled huge distances, colonizing Greenland, exploring North America and leaving a legacy across Europe,” said researcher, Dr Roderick Dale.  “What we’re hoping is that the public will help us to gather together this wealth of material, by taking photos in their local area and submitting items to the project.”

The organizers of the project will also be reaching out to heritage societies, re-enactment groups and metal detector enthusiasts.  And although the initial focus will be on Ireland, the UK and Scandinavia, attention will also be turned to other parts of the world where the Vikings left their mark.  For example, Russia and North America.

It’s Not Just About Ancient Artifacts

The project is just as keen to learn about modern interpretations of the Vikings as it is to know about archaeological relics.

There are lots of ways people can contribute, such as by submitting a film of a Viking re-enactment, sending in metal detector finds and with translations of Norse poetry.

Researchers at UCC will curate the material, which will be developed into a series of exhibitions.

How You Can Get Involved

To follow the progress of the crowdsourcing Viking project and to provide materials, click here.

 


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