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This thesis examines the potential of semantic web technologies to support and complement scholarship in Assyriology. Building on prior research, it is unique in its assessment of the suitability of three existing OWL ontologies (CIDOC Conceptual Reference Model, FRBRoo and Ontomedia) to adequately capture and represent the heterogeneous and incomplete narratives published as composites by the Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature. Its agenda sits firmly within the interdisciplinary context of the Digital Humanities and Web Science, and it describes a process centered on the development, implementation and valuation of an ontological representation system (mORSuL), designed to reflect the needs, desires, challenges and opportunities of Assyriological research paradigms. Underlying the process are two fundamental assumptions: firstly, that semantic technologies can be used to support academic endeavours in the Humanities, and secondly, that the benefits of doing so can be identified and evaluated. The thesis culminates in the conclusion that these existing ontologies are mostly suitable for the representation of the narrative content of these ancient texts, requiring only a few additions and changes.

Critical evaluation of the actions involved in conservation practice reveals that the limitations of traditional approaches for examination and treatment influence decision-making and affect the artefacts’ interpretation and display. Such problems demonstrate the technological needs and underlie the research aims for the development of scientific conservation and practice. This research evaluates the application of digital technology in conservation of antiquities and works of art by proposing alternative digital methodologies for examination, restoration and conservation documentation. Its value is demonstrated by case studies, covering a broad range of artefacts types and a variety of materials. The key elements of the proposed methodology are the following: • Development and application of computational imaging, computer vision and digitization techniques for enhanced examination and visual analysis • Graphical 3d modelling and physical 3d reproduction for interventive treatment • Workflows for digital and conventional conservation documentation This thesis addresses to what extent 3D technologies contribute to conservation objectives, defined as the balance of preservation, investigation and display, considering also the ethical and theoretical aspects.