ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on Engineering Historical Memory's (EHM) computational engineering of Afro Eurasian communication networks, focusing on waterways at the transition between post-classical and early modern periods. EHM selected samples of primary historical sources about the Afro-Eurasian terra continens, its people, and their interactions within the intercontinental communication networks by sea and overland to serve as a privileged data set. EHM provides the user with the available critical editions and English translations in a new content management system for primary historical sources. In this context, EHM trains machine learning algorithms and creates visualisation and animation solutions for historical sciences. EHM introduced the agent-based modelling and simulation (ABMS) approach to studying sea-based interactions between East and West Afro-Eurasian trade systems to move beyond the usual topics of taxation and demographic records. An initial testbed is the system of Venetian state-run galley convoys. The chapter closes with a critical overview of the Silk Road discourse and how the engineering of historical memories methodology is applied to introduce the experience of the world as seen from the others.
