The ARIADNE project aims to integrate existing archaeological research-data infrastructures so that researchers can use the various distributed datasets and new, powerful technologies as an integral part of archaeological research methodology.

A large volume of digital archaeological data is currently available, collectively covering different historical periods, thematic fields, and geographical regions. At the same time, new data are continually being generated because of the increasing use of information technology. These data represent the accumulated output of research conducted by individuals, groups, and institutions, but together they form an extensive and fragmented body of information whose use is restricted by difficult access and non-uniform approaches.

To achieve its objective, the project uses a range of integration technologies based on common characteristics of existing datasets, together with integration activities designed to create a dynamic user community. This enables researchers to gain cross-border access to data centers, tools, and guidelines, and supports the creation of new web services based on common interfaces to data repositories, the availability of reference datasets, and the use of innovative technologies.

At the same time, the project promotes new research directions in archaeology based on the comparison, reuse, and integration into current research of results from previous and ongoing field and laboratory work. These data are distributed across diverse collections and datasets, difficult-to-access and unpublished field reports known as grey literature, and publications, which continue to be the principal means of disseminating knowledge.