We explore the history of knowledge. This begins with the emergence of knowledge practices embodied in artefacts, especially in notation systems and writing. Our current focus is on the ancient world of the Mediterranean, extending from the Near East into Asia and beyond, spanning the period from the earliest stages of human activity into the first millennium of our era.

In contrast to traditional approaches to the history of science, which emphasize the so-called exact sciences, the history of knowledge encompasses a much broader range of fields and disciplines. In our conception, all forms of knowledge are considered: Thus, this includes both the learned disciplines such as medicine, mathematics, jurisprudence, mythology, interpretation of omen and astrology, as well as all areas of practical knowledge which are treated together as essential and interrelated aspects of the history of knowledge.