The Institute of Computational Ancient Studies (CompAS) is the first of its kind in Germany and has been under development since 2024 at the Department of History and Cultural Studies at Freie Universität Berlin. It comprises two core areas: Archaeoinformatics and Computational Philology & Data Science of the Languages of the Ancient World.

The Computational Philology & Data Science unit focuses on the digital processing and analysis of ancient texts. In combination with the computer-assisted study of archaeological objects, it enables integrated approaches to the cultures of the ancient world.

CompAS follows an engineering-based approach to addressing archaeological research questions and aims to firmly anchor archaeoinformatics in university education. Its goal is to enhance the career prospects of archaeologists by equipping them with digital skills and to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration between the humanities and the natural sciences.

CompAS develops computational methods for the analysis of archaeological finds. Technologies such as 3D scanning, image processing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence are used to examine inscriptions, artifacts, and historical objects. Applications include the digitization and analysis of cuneiform tablets, ceramic surfaces, and Paleolithic tools.

Another key focus is the development and provision of open-source software solutions and scientific software for archaeological and text-based research.