Databases in historical research – an analysis of application possibilities and potential. Example of the application of Diplomata Belgica in a prosopographical study of Flemish Crusaders

This article offers a twofold overview of databases used in historical research. The first part discusses two models of databases – the elaborated data model and primary sources repositories – and offers examples of each. The second part focuses on a particular online repository of primary sources – Diplomata Belgica – not only presenting its features but also providing examples of its application in the context of prosopographical research on the Flemish Crusaders. One of the article’s main aims is to present the features and opportunities of database application in particular historical research – as well as the need for, advantages of, and problems related to such “digital” research, which will likely become indispensable within a couple of years. Another task at hand is to present the prosopographical potential of Diplomata Belgica, which allows for a broader and more detailed examination of primary sources. This presentation is done on the basis of several exemplary databases (the first part) and searches executed in Diplomata Belgica (the second part).