The Historical Network Research community is very pleased to share the call for papers for the conference The Connected Past 2025 (16–19 September 2025 in Coimbra, Portugal:
The Connected Past is an interdisciplinary platform, welcoming contributions from scholars investigating the role and dynamics of networks in historical and archaeological contexts. The 2025 conference will not adhere to a specific theme, encouraging a broad and inclusive discussion of innovative methods, theories, and case studies.
We invite contributions that:
– Explore the use of network science to model historical and archaeological phenomena.
– Investigate social, economic, political, or spatial networks in the past.
– Engage critically with network theory in the context of humanities research.
– Present new tools, techniques, or datasets relevant to historical and archaeological networks.
– Analyse the distribution of material culture through artefact co-occurrence.
– Discuss past maritime and pedestrian mobility.
– Study visual signalling and visual prominence.
– and much more.
We are especially interested in research showcasing the potential of computational network methods. These methods enable formal representation and analysis of network data and helptest relational theories, offering critical insights into phenomena for which both materialities and network analysis are essential.
This conference also provides an inclusive venue for contributions addressing any historical or archaeological network studies, regardless of material, period, method, or theory.
Submissions
We welcome abstract submissions for individual papers and/ or posters sent to theconnectedpast2025@gmail.com
Submissions should include:
– Title of the paper and/or poster session.
– Abstract (max. 250 words for papers and posters).
– Author(s)’ name(s), affiliation(s), and contact details.
Important Dates
– Abstract submission deadline: 15 March 2025
– Notification of acceptance: 15 April 2025
– Conference dates: 16–19 September 2025
Venue
The conference will be held in Coimbra, a historic city known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant academic community. Coimbra offers an inspiring setting for discussing the connections of the past in a highly interconnected present.
More Information
The Connected Past 2025 will be an in-person event hosted by the CESIS20 at the University of Coimbra. Conference registration will open in May, with more detailed information on offered workshops. We attempt to provide fair and accessible registration fees, thus registration costs will range from 40-80 euros (concessionary, regular).
The conference is organised by Joel Santos, Tânia Casimiro, Ricardo Costeira da Silva, and Carlos Faísca.
Join us in Coimbra to connect, collaborate, and explore the fascinating intersections of networks, history, and archaeology. We look forward to your contributions! For updates on this and future TCP events, check the Connected Past website.
