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IUENNA – openIng the soUthErn jauNtal as a
micro-regioN for future Archaeology: A
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Dominik Hagmann, Franziska Reiner

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Dominik Hagmann, Franziska Reiner. IUENNA – openIng the soUthErn jauNtal as a micro-regioN for future Archaeology: A “para-description”. Peer Community Journal, 2023, 3, pp.e120. 10.24072/pcjournal.338. hal-04703205

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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Published
2023-12-14

Cite as
Dominik Hagmann and
Franziska Reiner (2023) *IUENNA* – openIng the soUthErn jauNtal as a micro-regioN for future Archaeology: A «para-description», Peer Community Journal, 3: e120.

**Correspondence**
dominik.hagmann@univie.ac.at

**Peer-review**
Peer reviewed and
recommended by
PCI Archaeology,
https://doi.org/10.24072/pci.
archaeo.100325

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# IUENNA – openIng the soUthErn jauNtal as a micro-regioN for future Archaeology: A «para-description»

Dominik Hagmann<fnref n="1" />,<fnref n="1" /> and Franziska Reiner²

Volume 3 (2023), article e120

https://doi.org/10.24072/pcjournal.338

## Abstract

The Go!Digital 3.0 project IUENNA—an acronym for “openIng the soUthErn jauNtal as a micro-regioN for future Archaeology”—adopts a comprehensive open science methodology and concentrates on the archaeological micro-region of the Jauntal/Podjuna Valley in Carinthia, Austria. Key case studies include the Hemmaberg/gora svete Heme site and its associated locations: Globasnitz/Globasnica/Iuenna, Jaunstein/Podjuna, and St. Stefan/Šteben. The Hemmaberg site is among the most extensively researched Late Antique hilltop settlements—dating from the 4th to the 6th century AD—and serves as a primary research focus. This site moreover functions as a crucial reference point for early Christianity in the Southeast Alpine region and boasts a rich array of features: at least five early Christian churches, burials, auxiliary structures, and notable landmarks like the Gothic pilgrimage church of St. Hemma and Dorothea. Despite more than a century of research—initially launched by citizen scientists in the early 20th century and later expanded by various actors—the Hemmaberg site is just one element in a broader cultural landscape. This landscape spans from prehistoric times to the early Middle Ages and encapsulates the diverse Jauntal Valley. IUENNA is a collaborative effort in digital archaeology and digital humanities: It involves a diverse set of stakeholders, including the State Museum for Carinthia (kärnten.museum), the Austrian Archaeological Institute (ÖAI) at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW), the Austrian Centre for Digital Humanities and Cultural Heritage (ACDH-CH) at the ÖAW, the Austrian Federal Monuments Authority (BDA), and the archaeological service company ARDIG. The project marks a novel initiative in Austrian Classical studies by providing a robust model for the active and sustainable long-term archiving of digital archaeological data. IUENNA consequently involves digitizing all available archaeological records and organizing them into an inclusive, hierarchical digital folder structure. Furthermore, all digital assets will also be augmented with metadata. This data management strategy holds the potential to serve as a blueprint for future archaeological projects, both in Austria and beyond. Data accessibility is ensured through its online presence in the ARCHE repository (A Resource Centre for the HumanitiEs) of the ACDH-CH. A web-mapping application will also be available. This paper serves two purposes: It not only outlines IUENNA’s conceptual framework but also opens the floor for scholarly discourse aimed at the project’s conceptual refinement.

<footnote n="1">¹kärnten.museum, Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Austria, ²Austrian Archaeological Institute (ÖAI) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW), Vienna, Austria</footnote>
**Introduction**

The integration of critical feedback into scholarly discourse serves as an invaluable catalyst for instigating an elevated, multi-dimensional conversation about the prevailing state and emergent trajectories of archaeological research. In this intellectual milieu, the paper under discussion does more than merely present the digital-archaeological research project IUENNA (openIng the soUthErn jauNtal as a micro-region for future Archaeology; GoIDigital project GD3.0_2021-24_IUENNA). It strategically articulates both the project's conceptual vision and its operational framework, doing so both in anticipation of and in parallel with its actual implementation. This dual-timing approach not only allows for the incorporation of scholarly insights in the form of open peer review but also provides a dynamic forum for iterative refinement, thereby enriching the project's development and potential impact.

<figure><img src="image_4.png" /><figcaption>**Figure 1** - The Late Antique 'pilgrimage center' on the Hemmaberg, featuring at least five early Christian churches and several auxiliary buildings, as well as the Gothic pilgrimage church of St. Hemma and Dorothea, which is still in use today (source: ÖAI/ÖAW).</figcaption></figure>

**Materials and Methods**

**Research questions, objectives, challenges, expected results**

With IUENNA, we present a new project to strengthen the application of digital methods in the field of archaeology in Austria by pursuing complex cultural-historical questions, shaping Digital Humanities (DH)-related methods in Classics, and securing cultural knowledge for the long-term. Our project is based on the archaeological micro-region of the Jauntal/Podjuna Valley (Carinthia/Austria). It involves the Landesmuseum für Kärnten/State Museum for Carinthia (kärnten.museum/LMK), the Österreichisches Archäologisches Institut/Austrian Archaeological Institute (ÖAI) at the Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften/Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW), the Austrian Center for Digital Humanities and Cultural Heritage (ACDH-CH) at the ÖAW, the Bundesdenkmalamt/Federal Monuments Authority (BDA) and the archaeological company ARDIG. We follow a comprehensive open science approach, using the Late Antique 'pilgrimage center' on the Hemmaberg/gora svete Heme mountain with its decade-long excavations and related sites (Globasnitz/Globasnica/Iuenna, Jaunstein/Podjuna, and St. Stefan/Šteben) as a case study.

The most important sites will be briefly highlighted: The archaeological structures at the Hemmaberg undoubtedly belong to some of the best-researched Late Antique hilltop settlements of the 4th-6th cent. AD, which makes the Hemmaberg a leading reference site for early Christianity in the Southeast Alpine region. The Hemmaberg is a world-renowned site, particularly regarding its late antique settlement
(‘pilgrimage center’), featuring at least five early Christian churches, several auxiliary buildings, and the Gothic pilgrimage church of St. Hemma and Dorothea, as well as the Rosalia Grotto, which are still in use today (Glaser, 1982; Binder & Ladstätter, 2019; Eitler & Seidel, 2022) (Figure 1)

<figure><img src="image_5.png" /><figcaption>**Figure 2** - View of the southern Jauntal from north-east, depicting Globasnitz and the Hemmaberg in the center; Jaunstein is behind the mountain (Sliemnach) to the right of the Hemmaberg, St. Stefan joins the right edge of the picturs (source: ÖAI/ÖAW).</figcaption></figure>

However, the Hemmaberg and its material culture should not be seen on its own since it is a significant part of a much more extensive settlement area with numerous archaeological sites from prehistoric times to the early Middle Ages, which can be described as the micro-region of the Jauntal, which features more than 2000 years of cultural history (Dornig, 2014). (Figure 2) Over 100 years of studies reflect a remarkable research history from that only the most crucial milestones should be pointed out: After initial investigations in the early 20th century by citizen scientists, such as notary H. Winkler at Hemmaberg, sustained research primarily commenced in the late 1970s. Conducted by the LMK and directed by F. Glaser, the focus has been on Late Antiquity at the Hemmaberg site and the adjacent area in Globasnitz/Iuenna. Situated at the base of the mountain, Globasnitz/Iuenna served as a Roman ‘road station,’ featuring remnants of the Roman link road between Virunum and Celeia, as well as an extensive Late Antique burial ground. Additional nearby sites include a recently discovered, exceptionally large Late Antique (?) Roman ‘super-villa’ near St. Stefan. At Jaunstein, archaeological features primarily represent the early Middle Ages, while investigations ranging from the prehistoric Hallstatt period to early medieval settlement have been conducted at Katharinakogel/Tscherberg by P. Gleirscher of the LMK. Exploring the rich archaeological heritage of the Jauntal region, specific focus has been placed on its burials in the course of the history of research: The cemeteries crucial to the Jauntal region have been extensively excavated and researched, particularly those located on the Hemmaberg, as well as in Globasnitz and Jaunstein. The available findings from the associated anthropological analyses are integral to the project and will be transitioned into long-term archival storage (Gleirscher, 2000; Ebner, 2009; Pollak, 2017; Eichert & Richards, 2020; Richards et al., 2023). (Figure 3)
<figure><img src="image_6.png" /><figcaption>**Figure 3** - Map of the area of interest in the southern Jauntal, showing the archaeological sites at the Hemmaberg, Jaunstein, Globasnitz/Iuenna, and St. Stefan as well as the results of currently finished geophysical surveys using geomagnetics and georadar (source: ÖAI/ÖAW; basemap: ESRI).</figcaption></figure>

There is an urgent need for action about this archaeological data treasure in administrative, thematic, and methodological issues concerning the overall precarious situation of the data, which are currently stored in various locations, mainly completely unstructured and therefore at a tremendously high risk of loss. This situation results primarily because, after a phase of intensive field research during the last decades, a large and diverse set of documentation materials exists that should be promptly digitized, structured, and archived for the long term to keep it available. However, the Jauntal Valley is not a particular case: As shown by various enterprises with a strong focus on DH, particularly those employing GIS applications, archaeological projects – especially long-term excavations – often generate extensive and diverse sets of both analog and digital data. These can include hundreds, if not thousands, of analog documents and up to several terabytes of files (c.f., e.g., Eichert, 2020; Filzwieser & Eichert, 2020; Wallner et al., 2021; Vargha, 2022; Klehm, 2023). Acute action is needed to systematically transition these datasets from physical filing cabinets to a sustainable, networked virtual environment for long-term use (cf., for a similar approach, Strupler, 2021). Dealing with issues related to digital approaches, however, has a long history in archaeology, and the application of computational methods has a firm anchorage in that field, as can be seen in a wide range of current studies (e.g., Di Angelo et al., 2021; Anichini et al., 2021). “Digital archaeology” thereby investigates within DH the causes, effects, and characteristics of the phenomenon of digitality in archaeology (Hagmann, 2020). To a varying extent, the approaches of the so-called processual archaeology remained virulent in digital archaeology, which provides the discipline with vast experience in combining scientific and cultural-historical approaches to solve research questions related to cultural remains. Digital archaeology in the context of DH is, therefore, ideally suited to clarify such problems within archaeology. Thus, we suggest three guiding questions to serve as a framework for the project:

- What steps must be taken to archive data from long-term archaeological projects from over 100 years of research, each containing diverse data?

- Which statements can be made on a thematic level about such an archaeological record?

- What lessons can be learned on a methodological level from such a project to provide a guideline for other existing and future projects throughout Austria to deal with similar data optimally?

To address these questions, we propose a pilot project for Austrian archaeology: All available analog and digital archaeological data from the mentioned micro-region will be collected and structured in the
first step. In a second step, it is planned to prepare the data for long-term archiving – this includes, in cooperation with the ACDH-CH, particularly the selection of the most important and meaningful data, data conversion, and adapting the data collection to the guidelines of the ÖAI and the repository ARCHE (https://arche.acdh.oew.ac.at/). The third step will be to transfer the processed data collection to the ACDH-CH for long-term archiving in ARCHE and to set up a WMA for interactive visualization. A final fourth step will be the cultural-historical evaluation of the data in terms of a model study for Globasnitz and its surroundings.

The main challenge for IUENNA lies in dealing with extensive data sets originating from different sources and research methods as well as digitizing and managing large quantities of archival materials in a reasonable time. Our whole raw stock of archaeological research data has thereby spatial, temporal, and qualitative/thematic components: The extensive dataset exists in both digital and analog formats. Preliminary estimates suggest that the analog data comprises approximately 8 meters of files and folders in various DIN formats. On the digital front, the collection is around 250 GB in size and includes data from geophysical prospections as well as 3D scans of buildings. In the project, analog archival materials like photos, technical drawings, and hand-written documents will be digitized, georeferenced, and mapped. Digital-born data like the record of recently excavated features (consisting of different data types and file formats, including 3D data) or geophysical data will also be included in our planned geodatabase; empirical values already exist from the Troesmis project (see Gugl & Trognitz, 2020 for an overview on the general concept).

The expected result is a best-practice model study for the long-term archiving and interpretation of exceptionally long-running cultural-historical excavations in the important archaeological micro-region of southern Jauntal, with its international archaeological significance. Consequently, our project will also further strengthen archaeology under the umbrella of DH. Hence, IUENNA will preserve archaeological data, representing 2000 years of human history, for the future.

## Innovative aspects and relevance

Our project follows a thorough, open science approach: IUENNA will result in a sustainable and comprehensive long-term archive of elaborated decade-long excavations on a methodological level. IUENNA integrates legacy and current data by comprehensively using a geographic information system (GIS) which suits perfect for managing, analyzing, and presenting manifold spatio-temporal data types and file formats. On a thematic level, we will offer an outstanding model study on Globasnitz and its surroundings from the Roman period, serving as an exemplary case study for research on the local settlement pattern, including a detailed typo-chronological examination of the archaeological record – the model study is thereby based on the data processed in the course of IUENNA. With this aim in mind, we will design and finetune a sustainable working pipeline to manage diverse archaeological data to enable its long-term preservation, wide-ranging shareability, and the transferability of archaeological knowledge via open access. These measures will increase the efficiency of the archaeological workflow by introducing a practical guide for future projects.

We aim to showcase a best practice example for future Austrian archaeology projects: We will provide extensive documentation on data structuring, folder organization, and enrichment with structured metadata. The added value for the global research community will be freely accessible, long-term archived multi-scale archaeological primary data. This will be combined with associated interpretations and comprehensive visualizations. The data will be disseminated through an easy-to-use WMA and ARCHE. Our project will also offer newly gained experience as a best practice example for handling digital research and metadata. This will be particularly useful for future projects focused on an archaeological micro-region, represented by a concise model study for Globasnitz. We will provide practical guidelines for data and workflows related to long-term projects. This will enable other groups worldwide to build on top of our results, both methodologically and thematically. Consequently, IUENNA’s new and open data management and storage approach can be applied easily to other projects. IUENNA will fill a previously missing gap and enable new insights into human behavior and material culture for future archaeology. It will achieve this by creating a newly structured, clearly arranged repository of born-digital and retro-digitized data. The data archived in ARCHE will also be discoverable via the ARIADNE portal (https://www.ariadne-research-infrastructure.eu/) through an OAI Protocol for Metadata Harvesting (OAI-PMH) interface. These activities
will help position the project internationally as an outstanding case study for open long-term archiving archaeological data in DH and Roman archaeology.

## Methods and tools used

We pursue a strategy for free, open, and sustainable data dissemination and actively implement open science ideas, ensuring that our data are FAIR (Wilkinson et al., 2016; Hagmann, 2020; Nicholson et al., 2023). All project outputs, including structured metadata, will be freely available online for long-term access to the widest extent possible. These outputs will be citable via the ARCHE repository in full open access, also to the greatest extent possible. We will employ a CC BY 4.0 (Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International) license wherever feasible and utilize a WMA for adding a further layer of visual and spatial data management. ARCHE is dedicated to provide long-term preservation, interoperability, and open access to a diverse range of DH data. With features such as rigorous data curation, advanced search functionalities, and a user-friendly interface, ARCHE aims to centralize resources and enhance collaboration among researchers, educators, and policymakers – the platform thereby offers significant benefits like quality assurance and interdisciplinary collaboration (IANUS, 2017; Trognitz & Ďurčo, 2018). Our data will also be findable on the ARIADNE portal via ARCHE’s dissemination service strategies. The project involves a comprehensive approach for structuring and modifying all relevant data types and file formats, generally characterized as multifaceted and diverse and (yet to be retro-digitized) analog and digital-born data. Original (analog and digital) survey data were initially collected in the field and produced during post-processing. Further, qualitative and quantitative data (recorded as images, hand-drawn maps, tables, descriptive texts, etc.) give thematic information on the archaeological record. The expected amount of data will therefore consist of small (<100 KB) and big (> 1 GB) files and not exceed 4 TB in volume in total. To cope with these data appropriately, we follow recent DH paradigms in open science: for data input, management, and processing, free and open-source software (FOSS) will be used as far-reaching as possible, and the whole data management and -storage workflow will be compliant with various open access initiatives and according to the FAIR principles (Bibby & Ducke, 2017).

We will organize and connect all available multifaceted archaeological data in a sophisticated, multilayered GIS coupled with a geodatabase. This measure enables us to keep and query all project-relevant information in one place, acknowledging the micro region's complex role as an archaeological landscape in time and space and the data variety. Our raw stock of archaeological data has spatial components, so that we will use the GIS as the central tool for all archaeological data for cultural-historical studies, digital cartography, and comprehensive visualizations (Conolly & Lake, 2006; Gillings et al., 2020). As mentioned above, the data will be organized in an enhanced file folder structure, also bearing in mind the BDA's specifications, which are binding for the data transfer to the BDA for all archaeological activities since 2012 (Gugl & Trognitz, 2020). For optimal comprehensiveness, each physical object is treated as an individual database record, provided the necessary information is available – consequently, each archaeological entity is assigned a unique identifier and is accompanied by structured attributes detailing the material's archaeologically significant properties, such as feature type (e.g., wall) or vessel form type (e.g., dish). When applicable, finds are incrementally linked to their relevant contextual information, facilitating spatial and stratigraphic referencing. This linking may occur on multiple hierarchical levels, connecting the artifact to its corresponding archaeological feature (e.g., cellar), the feature to its associated find zone, and the find zone to its position within modern topography. The whole geodatabase can be easily archived in the repository. Consequently, we use a functional archaeological knowledge management design that integrates all context- and artifact-related data in one place that stands out compared to other projects. This also encompasses 3D models, for which the ARCHE repository offers the capability of both archiving and viewing. Each model will be assigned a stable link to ensure sustainable reuse. Images, 3D models, and other datasets can be joined with the archaeological records, offering access to all qualitative, spatial, and temporal attributes. Version control is done via our strategy for data storage and by applying concise file naming conventions that include version numbers. As mentioned above, data are recorded using standardized digital forms to guarantee quick and simultaneously as error-free as possible. All data are checked for qualitative accuracy by various project members (dual control principle). A further check is carried out at least once more during the project; a final check is performed at the end of each work package (WP).
To ensure maximum verifiability, we will apply controlled vocabularies for chronology, finds, and features tailored to our topic, guaranteeing a standardized common understanding of our archaeological data. To accomplish this task, we will, if available, re-use terms and concepts already established in cultural heritage (e.g., Getty Research Institute's AAT, PeriodO, FISH, or the controlled vocabulary currently developed at the ÖAI) as far-reaching as possible.

QGIS as FOSS is used to index and manage the data. For (retro-digitized) images and research literature, during the project, image management software (like Tropy or Adobe Bridge), a reference management program (Zotero), and further (open-source) software capable of handling archaeological data (Gimp; Inkscape; MeshLab; CloudCompare) will be used. Dissemination will be executed in accordance with a dedicated strategy, detailed below. This strategy includes the utilization of an easy-to-use, lightweight WMA for the interactive dissemination of geodata, thereby offering a comprehensive overview of our research topic. All archaeological data get enhanced with structured metadata for all datasets and can be made available on the project-, collection-, and file-level, following current best-practice guidelines (IANUS, 2017). As mentioned above, long-term data archiving, dissemination, and permanent citeability will be accomplished using the ARCHE repository by providing a persistent identifier (PI) based on the Handle System (Trognitz, 2021).

## Work plan, role of team members, interdisciplinary, and collaborative aspects

Stringent data management during the whole run of the proposed project is of utmost importance for the success of the planned undertaking. Our early-career digital archaeology/DH expert team is ideally suited to tackle this vital task. The following work plan provides an overview of the planned WPs handled during IUENNA and lists a general planned project timeline (Table 1, Diagram 1):

- At the project's outset, data must be acquired from respective project partners for processing during WP1. The data, both digital and analog, come in various formats and documents. Collection of this data requires coordination with responsible offices, most notably the LMK, the Archaeological Pilgrimage Museum Globasnitz, the ÖAI, and other steakholders. Once collected, the data are centralized within IUENNA for processing, as they are exclusively stored at partner depots. Proper transport logistics are essential, especially for voluminous analog data. Initial sorting and filing of the collected data must be performed before the end of the project's second quarter, factoring in a time buffer. Quality control protocols, as outlined in the Data Management Plan (DMP), will be applied.

- WP2 focuses on transferring diverse data inventories into a pre-planned folder structure, developed alongside organizational tasks. Analog data undergo retro-digitization and spatial datasets are georeferenced. Upon initial digitization or reorganization, metadata enrichment starts, while digitization and organizational efforts continue. WP2 aims for completion by the start of the project's second year, with quality control in alignment with the DMP.

- WP3 commences in the project's second year, leveraging data processed in WP2. This work package involves archaeological-thematic evaluation of the collected data, incorporating material culture studies and cultural interpretation. This aims to deepen scientific insights, building upon existing research while integrating new findings, particularly those near luenna. This will enable nuanced historical interpretations of rural settlement activities in the microregion.

- WP4 serves as the project's methodological core, focusing on long-term archiving of the processed data. Initiating in parallel with WP1, this work package aims to make archiving seamless and sustainable. Periodic reviews occur throughout the project, with the most intense phase of WP4 culminating in the final long-term archiving, including technical preparation and implementation of the WMA as a dissemination service.

- WP5 oversees the project in relation to planned science communication activities throughout the project's lifespan.

This structure ensures efficient data collection, processing, evaluation, and long-term archiving, all under the quality control frameworks stipulated in the DMP.
<table><caption>**Table 1 - Work plan**</caption><thead><tr><td>WP No.</td><td>Description</td><td>Timeframe*</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>data preparation</td><td>Q1/Y1 to Q2/Y1</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>data processing</td><td>Q2/Y1 to Q1/Y2</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>archaeological evaluation and analysis</td><td>Q1/Y2 to Q4/Y2</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>long-term data archiving</td><td>Q1/Y1 to Q2/Y1<br>Q4/Y1 to Q1/Y2<br>Q3/Y4 to Q4/Y4</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>social media and public relations</td><td>Q1/1 to Q4/Y2</td></tr></tbody></table>

*The table provides an overview of the planned WP-related tasks of each project quarter (Q) within the respective project year (Y), excluding the projected travel expenses and costs for mobile storage devices

<table><caption>**Diagram 1 - Work plan/Gantt diagram**</caption><thead><tr><th rowspan="2">Work package</th><th rowspan="2">Responsibility</th><th colspan="4">year 1</th><th colspan="4">year 2</th></tr><tr><th>Q1</th><th>Q2</th><th>Q3</th><th>Q4</th><th>Q1</th><th>Q2</th><th>Q3</th><th>Q4</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>WP 1:<br>Data preparation</td><td>LMK<br>ÖAI</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>WP2:<br>Data processing</td><td>ARDIG<br>ÖAI/LMK</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>WP3:<br>Archaeological evaluation and analysis</td><td>LMK<br>ÖAI</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>WP4:<br>Long-term data archiving</td><td>ARCHE<br>LMK</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>WP5:<br>Social media and public relations</td><td>LMK</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

By selecting two early-career researchers as PIs, the project will help promote their research and provide sustainable outputs. The team members complement each other just as ideally in their skills: D. Hagmann, as PI01, will take care of the archaeological part, data management and preparation for long-term archiving, project representation, social media, and coordinate the external services (WP1 to 5). F. Reiner, as PI02, will be systematically involved in the processing and interpreting of the geophysical data, generating cartographic visualizations, and contributing to the model study accordingly (WP2 to 3). N. Math will be involved in the retro-digitization of analog research data and data management tasks (WP1 to 3). The ACDH-CH will take care of long-term data archiving in ARCHE and are active in an advisory role; members of ARDIG will execute digitization and georeferencing tasks (WP4/WP2).

In its inter- and transdisciplinary orientation, IUENNA can be seen as a DH project, which combines approaches from archaeology, geoinformatics, geophysics, and computer science. Therefore, the research approach balances technical aspects with the interpretive framework concerning the historical-cultural elements of the material culture in Globasnitz, the Hemmaberg, Jaunstein, and the surrounding areas. This integrated approach yields a comprehensive, long-term archival dataset for an archaeological microregion, completed with a model study that exemplifies the characteristics of rural settlement in the area. The expertise of the team members will fruitfully contribute, on the one hand, to the model study and, on the other hand, to the archiving of the data during the whole project run.

Previous projects already showed the excellent ability of cooperation between the institutions involved in the project proposal; this concerns, in particular, on one side, the cooperation between the LMK and the ÖAI, for example, among many, the long-lasting and fruitful archaeological fieldwork projects in the surroundings of the municipality of Globasnitz (cf., Binder & Ladstätter, 2019). On the other side, the cooperation between the ÖAI and the ACDH-CH shows the ability of successful cooperation in digital
archaeology, as it became evident regarding the long-term archiving project on the legionary fortress of Troesmis (cf., Gugl & Trognitz, 2020). ARDIG as a professional archaeological service provider has experience in cooperation with both the ÖAI and the LMK. All partners mentioned above have finally extensive experience in successful cooperation with the BDA.

## Expected impact

Using IUENNA as a case study for handling diverse archaeological datasets will add value to the global research community as well as to all project partners: The most important outcome will be structured and freely accessible archaeological data for an archaeological micro-region, represented by a concise model study, and practical guidelines for data and workflows related to long-term projects, which will enable other research groups not only in Carinthian archaeology but also in Austria and even worldwide to build on our results methodologically and thematically; for these reasons the proposed project is of interest to all groups working on digital classics.

For ACDH-CH and BDA, the added value resides in the creation of a comprehensive archiving structure for archaeological field projects. This structure is adapted from the BDA guidelines, which are mandatory for archaeological activities in Austria. The project may also contribute to the further development of tools and the establishment of new regulations for data management. For the LMK, the added value lies in sustainably archiving of one of Austria's most crucial archaeological data collections; the workflows developed in the project can further be transferred to other sites. For the ÖAI, the added value lies in expanding expertise in managing extensive archaeological data collections; new empirical values can be gathered in assessing other data sets, providing a sound basis for future projects.

## Sustainability

The project will be based on a close interdisciplinary collaboration between the ÖAI as Austria's leading archaeological research institution, the LMK as one of Austria's most prominent museums, the BDA as Austria's federal monuments authority, and the ACDH-CH at the ÖAW as Austria's top institution for DH. The conditions for this project are ideal: The ÖAI and its Digital Archaeology and Classics (DAC) unit have relevant, existing know-how due to the already completed archiving of archaeological data collections (c.f., e.g., the Troesmis-project Gugl & Trognitz, 2020). The unit is positioned at the intersection between archaeology and information science, while excellent contacts with the ACDH-CH and numerous close cooperation projects with the LMK and the BDA exist. The LMK has been the executing institution of most of the research activities in the Jauntal in the last decades and owns most of the archaeological data of the proposed project; it provides extensive know-how on most archaeological features. Further, the BDA is responsible for Austria's legal cultural heritage management regulations, providing extensive administrative know-how. Assigning DH-tasks to ARDIG as an archaeological service company additionally connects to one of Austria's most important archaeological data providers, spanning an arch across all functional participants in today's Austrian archaeological landscape in terms of modern research, ensuring the timely completion of the assigned tasks.

## Dissemination strategy

We aim to publish in leading peer-reviewed journals like the Theoretical Roman Archaeology Journal (TRAJ), Arheološki vestnik, or the renowned Jahreshefte des Österreichischen Archäologischen Institutes in Wien (ÖJh) and follow innovative approaches like open peer review (via Peer Community In [PCI] Archaeology – https://archaeorotternach.org/ – respectively Peer Community Journal [PCJ]; https://peercommunityjournal.org/). We plan further a publication about the dataset itself in the Journal of Open Archaeology Data (JOAD); besides, we will disseminate data via ARCHE to ARIADNE, which will further increase the outreach. A kick-off workshop is hosted in 2023 in the course of the round table “No Cradle of Filth – Zero Data Waste through the 5Rs in Austrian Digital Archaeology?” at the 28th Conference on Cultural Heritage and New Technologies (CHNT; https://chnt.at/). Conference presentations are scheduled for 2023 at the Theoretical Roman Archaeology Conference 2023 (title: “5 Minutes, 4d-data, 3d-reconstructions, 2 Case-studies, 1 Goal: Archiving for the Long-term. Applying Sustainable Digital Archaeology to the Material Culture of the Jauntal- and Traisental-valleys”; https://trac2023exeter.wordpress.com/) and at the Austrian Day of Archaeology (“Österreichischer Archäologietag”) in 2024 (title: “IUENNA – openIn the soUthErn jauNtal as a micro-region for future
Archaeology"). Furthermore, we enhance the project's visibility by hosting a specific project web page for presenting and outlining the project (https://iuenna.hypotheses.org/), contributing to the 'Digital Humanities Austria' register (https://digital-humanities.at/en/dha/s-project/iuenna-opening-southern-jauntal-micro-region-future-archaeology), and using an identifying logo for the project. Additionally, we use (scientific) social network sites (Academia.edu, ResearchGate, and X - https://twitter.com/project_iuenna) as well as a dedicated hashtag (#IUENNA). At least one contribution is planned for the research section of an Austrian newspaper. Furthermore, the project's contents will actively add value to university teaching at courses dedicated to digital archaeology, held at the University Vienna's Departments of Evolutionary Anthropology and Classical Archaeology (https://ufind.univie.ac.at/). These measures will guarantee maximum public awareness by applying science-to-science and science-to-public communication.

## Description of risks and proposed risk mitigation measures and contingency plan

Although the actual probability of occurrence can be assumed to be very low, specific threats may occur in the project that may cause the project objectives not to be met. As a result of the proposed contingency plan, such irregularities can be detected early, and appropriate countermeasures can be taken in time to eliminate any negative impact on the project's progress. Likewise, fixed routines guarantee in advance that specific problem points will not occur in the first place. (Table 2)

## Ethics aspects

There are no ethical barriers. For bioarchaeological data, which may be available from excavated cemeteries as (analog and digital) technical drawings, photographs, survey data, and 3D models, we apply the latest internationally renowned standards on ethics, such as the Code of Ethics by the British Association for Biological Anthropology and Osteoarchaeology. Sensitive data can also be subject to stricter access options in the repository, although full open access is always prioritized.

<table><caption>Table 2 - Description of risks and proposed risk mitigation measures</caption><thead><tr><td>Aspect</td><td>Threat</td><td>Risk factor</td><td>Probability</td><td>Counteraction/s</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Loss of metadata</td><td>poor data management</td><td>not meeting project goals</td><td>very low</td><td>consistent and active data management</td></tr><tr><td>data access</td><td>no access</td><td>not meeting project goals</td><td>very low</td><td>comprehensive scheduling systematic project coordination</td></tr><tr><td>software</td><td>severe technical problems</td><td>not meeting project goals</td><td>very low</td><td>involvement of partners for technical support use of different software</td></tr><tr><td>dissemination</td><td>output not considered by recipients</td><td>not meeting project goals</td><td>very low</td><td>adaption of the dissemination strategy</td></tr><tr><td>lack of partner contributions</td><td>delay of project progress</td><td>not meeting project goals</td><td>very low</td><td>systematic project coordination use of interactive management tools for project coordination legal binding project agreements between the funding source, host institutions, and the project partners</td></tr><tr><td>management</td><td>poor management</td><td>not meeting project goals</td><td>very low</td><td>systematic project coordination regular project meetings (joums fixes) for discussing actual needs transparent communication</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Discussion

### A "para-description"

This paper is composed based on the IUENNA research project proposal with the specific aim of formally presenting the project's foundational objectives to a broad audience in advance. This proactive strategy allows for "real-time" feedback, e.g., by directly commenting on the preprint, that could identify areas for improvement not captured in the original international, multi-stage review process associated with the initial proposal submission. Such insights could constructively influence the IUENNA project,
enabling timely adjustments to the research approach or objectives. This approach highlights the importance of open scholarly discourse and iterative development, particularly when innovative methodologies are involved. Unlike traditional papers that focus on scientific findings, works like this one can be seen as "unstructured para-descriptions," akin to "meta-descriptions" in HTML, which serve as concise summaries without adhering to a formal standard.

We are pleased to note that the project's objectives and planned work steps have thus far avoided substantial criticism in the course of the open peer review process; however, the public evaluation approach (i.e., peer-review process) we are pursuing has elicited some critique (c.f., Visser, 2023). This feedback has been invaluable in the project's early stages, but it is important to clarify that the absence of substantive criticism should not be considered an unequivocal endorsement of the project's ultimate success. Rather, it serves as an initial validation of its foundational principles.

Papers such as this one can be related to "project presentations" or even "registered reports" in other scientific disciplines, as emphasized by Chambers & Tzavella (2022). Such reports prioritize methodological rigor and mitigate issues like data dredging or selective reporting. In this context, it should be noted that we are operating on a theoretical meta-level, aiming to discuss the fundamental purpose and essence of the research idea more than focusing on the meticulous procedural details. However, it is not our intention to establish a new type of published academic work or define a new direction within the framework of archaeological research. Rather, our focus remains on deepening the understanding of existing paradigms through critical discussion at a meta-theoretical level. In that sense, the inclusion of "paradata," detailed records of the research workflow as highlighted by Börjesson et al. (2022), adds another layer of scholarly output. It is crucial to mention that this approach is not novel and has been substantiated in a manner quite comparable by reputable journals, including those in the field of archaeology (cf., e.g., Guest et al., 2023).

To ensure rigor and transparency, our engagement with the open-review framework through PCI Archaeology aligns with academic best practices. Papers like ours can serve as roadmaps for future research, providing a structured framework without necessarily presenting empirical findings. These methodologically oriented papers coexist with result-focused papers, enriching the academic discourse by allowing a more comprehensive approach to research questions. We have chosen to align with the PCI Archaeology initiative, as stated by Queffelec et al. (2023), due to their commitment to an open peer-review process and the use of preprints. This platform has validated our approach by enabling us to receive valuable, transparent feedback on our IUENNA project swiftly, hence incorporating it in the present paper. Critical reviews of experimental papers like ours thereby contribute to a larger dialogue about scholarly contributions in archaeology. They emphasize the importance of methodological clarity and workflow transparency, including risk assessments and ethical considerations. "Para-descriptions" like the present one thus enrich both the individual project and the broader academic landscape, questioning what constitutes a meaningful contribution to the scholarly community.

## Paper life-cycle

### Preprint version 1

The contents of this preprint correspond to the successfully accepted proposal submitted as part of the Go!Digital 3.0 project application in an international, competitive, multi-stage review process. It incorporates feedback from the proposal reviewers and includes minor changes such as typo corrections and chapter rearrangements (budget and data management plan are not included). In addition, project-relevant information that became available after project approval (e.g., project number, URIs, and funding information) has been added.

### Preprint version 2

The initial version of the preprint was uploaded to the OSF Preprints platform, where it was assigned a DOI (https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/5vwg8). Subsequently, the paper underwent an open peer review process, managed by Ronald Visser as recommender on the PCI Archaeology platform. The present version incorporates feedback from four reviewers, which has significantly strengthened the paper, particularly its experimental approach on paradata recording. Version 2 further includes minor changes such as typo corrections and chapter rearrangements.
Preprint version 3

After validation of version 2, version 3 of the preprint (https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/5vwg8) was recommended by PCI Archaeology, with Ronald Visser as the recommender (Visser, 2023); the assigned DOI for the recommendation is https://doi.org/10.24072/pci.archaeo.100325. Version 3 thus includes an updated paper life-cycle, minor changes such as typo corrections, and, with respect to layout, the inclusion of the PCI badge.

Published paper [present document]

After recommendation, the preprint was submitted to the PCJ for publication: The published version includes an updated paper life-cycle, adaptations in accordance with PCJ's formal requirements, minor typo corrections and recordings for clarity, more concise arrangements regarding abbreviations and their adjacent explanations, language inclusivity, and marginal updates such as clarifications in the dissemination strategy and acknowledgements sections.

Open access statement

Except where otherwise noted, the content of this paper is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. The ÖAI holds the copyright of all figures.

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the reviewers for their valuable input. Further, they thank Christian Gugl, Nina Richards, Martina Trognitz, and Ronald Visser for their extensive guidance to this text. The authors would also like to thank Heimo Dolenz, Sabine Ladstätter, Christian Wieser, Helmut Schwaiger, and Franz Glaser for their support. Preprint version 3 of this article has been peer-reviewed and recommended by Peer Community In Archaeology (https://doi.org/10.24072/pci.archaeo.100325; Visser, 2023).

Funding

This paper was funded by the Go!Digital 3.0 program of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (project number GD3.0_2021-24_IUENNA).

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors declare that they comply with the PCI rule of having no financial conflicts of interest in relation to the content of the article. The author Dominik Hagmann is a recommender of PCI Archaeology.

Data, script, code, and supplementary information availability

There are no data, script, code or supplementary information associated with this paper.

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