The Role of the Digital in Roman Archaeology

The editorial of the seventh volume of the Theoretical Roman Archaeology Journal explores the intertwining relationships between digital platforms and Roman archaeology. When faced with powerful digital tools, misinformation may be dangerously amplified. This editorial addresses the increasing influence of social media, particularly TikTok, in disseminating archaeological information to a wider public. It examines the role of misinformation, exemplified by the viral claim that ‘Rome does not exist’, and raises questions about how archaeologists can engage with such platforms to combat misunderstandings while promoting informed discussions of complex topics like identity and cultural diversity in the Roman world. As a case study, we use the 2023 Theoretical Roman Archaeology Conference (TRAC) to reflect on the reception of digital tools for conference hosting post-pandemic. Held for the first time in a hybrid format at the University of Exeter, TRAC 2023 demonstrated the potential of digital tools, particularly Gather.town, to broaden participation and enhance accessibility for a global audience. In the end, we call for greater awareness and responsibility in the digital dissemination of archaeological knowledge, balancing the opportunities for broader engagement with the need for critical reflection.