Visualization and Interpretation of Networks in Early Modern Europe

Grantová agentura České republiky

Visualization and Interpretation of Networks in Early Modern Europe is funded by The Czech Science Foundation (24-13165S) in the period 2024-2026. The goal is to deepen the study of the history of travel in the early modern period by applying the concept of networks, using digital tools and the method of network visualization. We focus especially on educational journeys (Grand Tours undertaken by elites in the final stage of their education) and we stress three aspects: space-time, the social relationships of the travelers, and the knowledge acquired during the studies and their transformations. When exploring time-space, we ask for the period infrastructure (routes) and its use (reception). We combine pragmatic sources and ego documents. Travel and postal manuals (travel companions) were chosen as the main types of pragmatic travel literature to map and visualize the network of routes, and books of friendship (alba amicorum) to verify the use of this communication network.

Beyond the Horizon ⧉