In this paper, we introduce Linked Open Data (LOD) in the archaeological domain as a means to connect dispersed data sources and enable cross-querying. The technology behind the design principles and how LOD can be created and published is described to enable less-familiar researchers to understand the presented benefits and drawbacks of LOD. Wikidata is introduced as an open knowledge hub for the creation and dissemination of LOD. Different actors within archaeology have implemented LOD, and we present which challenges have been and are being addressed. A selection of projects showcases how Wikidata is being used by archaeologists to enrich and open their databases to the general public. With this paper, we aim to encourage the creation and re-use of LOD in archaeology, as we believe it offers an improvement on current data publishing practices.

A Resource Centre for the HumanitiEs (ARCHE) is a digital archive provided by the Austrian Centre for Digital Humanities, which is part of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. The archive welcomes data from all humanities fields and offers persistent hosting as well as dissemination of resources. The technical setup of ARCHE is described, focusing on the bespoke metadata schema that was created to help in finding, accessing, and reusing data. Beyond that the schema binds together the different system components, contains mappings to other well-known schemas, provides multilingual labels for GUI display, and is used to generate a metadata form.

The planned publication shall provide an understanding of the concepts and principles of digital long-term preservation (or archiving) of research data. On one hand, it shall serve as a manual for researchers who don't have access to a trusted or certified digital repository and will provide information on the measures to take for preserving and sustainably disseminating research data. On the other hand, the publication will provide an overview of the technical requirements for the implementation of a service for the long-term preservation of data, as well as non-technical necessities like workflows and policies. The need for archiving will be contextualised by presenting the driving principles of good scientific practice.

In Austria, archaeological research and excavation practice is shaped by a legislative framework and institutional actors. Besides the institutions, the role of private archaeological contractors has grown in the last decade and recently non-commercial associations have been founded. According to the Austrian Monument Protection Act, the Federal Monuments Authority issues permits for any archaeological excavation or survey activity. Documentation and preservation of physical material are regulated by the Monument Protection Act as well as by dedicated guidelines published by the Federal Monuments Authority. With the recent increased use of digital methods, the importance of preserving and disseminating digital data has risen. Although the Austrian government pursues a digitisation agenda including the promotion of Open Science, the availability of repositories suitable for long-term preservation of digital data does not meet the requirements arising from the ever-increasing amount of data.

The paper examines the development, adoption, and limitations of the relative chronology system for Minoan pottery, initially established by Sir Arthur Evans and Duncan Mackenzie during the excavation of Knossos (1900–1906). Despite its weaknesses, this system remained largely unchanged due to its convenience rather than its accuracy. The study discusses adaptations of this framework, critiques its shortcomings—particularly in obscuring temporal variability—and explores alternative approaches, including computational methods and Linked Open Data (LOD). The proposed solution involves replacing rigid periodizations with a more precise system based on synchronisms, visualized through Gantt charts, and integrating regional sequences using mathematical modeling. The goal is to enhance chronological accuracy in Minoan archaeology, especially for critical transitional periods.