Corpus Inscriptorum Vitebergense (CIV). Members of the University of Wittenberg from its foundation until the end of the thirty years war (1502 until 1648)

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Markus Wriedt
• Subject Area: Protestant Theology
• Term: from 2016 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 284113033

The University of Wittenberg (Leucorea) in particular its members had a major impact on the reception and the adjustment of the Wittenberg, i.e. the Lutheran Reformation not only in the Empire but also in large areas in north-, middle-, and southeast-Europe. Similar to a turntable the University had an impressively high number of inscriptions and established numerous members of political, social and cultural elites. Unfortunately until today a valid basis for the reconstruction and interpretation of these processes of what Gerhard Ritter once called the global effects of Reformation is still lacking. With the digital acquisition of personal data a relational database could be established. Its major basis build the immatriculation records of the University. Even though they had been edited previously these collection contain many errors and misreadings which should get corrected with this new approach. This goal can be reached by recognising a large number of further sources; mainly of serial character. The collection and digital presentation in a database allows new and innovative research on the basis of academic research. However - this is not n´only for the inner circle of historians and historical theologians but for all researchers who work on historical serial sources in the early modern Era.The experiences collected during the first 18 month of work some propositions of the first application were corrected. Nevertheless the main features of the project could be verified and a valid proposal for the second part of the project has been made.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Professor Dr. Matthias Asche