"Onomasticon, Prosopografia dell'Università degli Studi di Perugia". The Origin of the Project, Present Database Features and Future Challenges

The "Onomasticon" database, started in 2008 in occasion of the 700th anniversary ceremony of the University of Perugia, serves as a repository of research findings pertaining to the institution's history of the University of Perugia and the students and professors who studied and taught in the University. This contribution provides insights into the project's genesis, its scientific objectives, and its technological evolution. With a focus on prosopographical studies, the database encompasses data on professors, students, courses, and the university's evolution since the 14th century. Technical details reveal a transition from a relational data model to a graph-based structure, enhancing flexibility and performance. Integrating historical data with external resources like authority files and online databases enriches its utility. Challenges for the future include ensuring data reliability, addressing interpretative aspects, and enhancing the linkage with external resources. Despite these challenges, the Onomasticon project stands as a testament to the fruitful collaboration between historical research and computational resources, offering valuable insights into the longstanding history of the University.