# Portable Antiquities Scheme Database

> online database of the United Kingdom Portable Antiquities Scheme

**Wikidata**: [Q111225724](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111225724)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/portable-antiquities-scheme-database

## Summary
The Portable Antiquities Scheme Database is an online database and website maintained by the Portable Antiquities Scheme in the United Kingdom. Accessible in English, it serves as a digital resource classified under Cultural Heritage and GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) catalogues.

## Key Facts
- **Website URL:** https://finds.org.uk/database/
- **Instance of:** Online database, Website
- **Maintained by:** Portable Antiquities Scheme
- **Inception:** 1990
- **Language:** English
- **Wikimedia Project Focus:** Listed under "Cultural Heritage and GLAM catalogues"
- **Sitelink Count:** 158 (indicative of its connectivity across web platforms)
- **Domain:** Served from a single web domain

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary function of the Portable Antiquities Scheme Database?
A: It serves as the online database for the United Kingdom's Portable Antiquities Scheme, functioning as a digital website and cultural heritage catalogue.

### Q: When was the database established?
A: The database (and its associated website structure) has an inception date of 1990.

### Q: Who maintains the database?
A: The database is maintained by the Portable Antiquities Scheme.

### Q: Is the database considered a cultural heritage resource?
A: Yes, it is explicitly listed on focus lists for "Cultural Heritage and GLAM catalogues" within Wikimedia projects.

## Why It Matters
The Portable Antiquities Scheme Database represents a critical digital infrastructure component for the United Kingdom's cultural heritage sector. By functioning as a dedicated online database and website, it provides a centralized, accessible repository for information related to the Portable Antiquities Scheme. Its classification within "Cultural Heritage and GLAM catalogues" underscores its relevance to Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums, positioning it as a key node in the network of historical and archaeological knowledge.

The database's inception in 1990 marks it as an early adopter of web technology for heritage cataloguing, predating many modern digital archive initiatives. With a substantial footprint of 158 sitelinks, it demonstrates significant integration with the broader information ecosystem, serving as a reference point for external researchers and the general public. The existence of this database solves the problem of accessibility and organization for the scheme's data, ensuring that digital records are served from a unified domain in the English language.

## Notable For
- **Early Digital Adoption:** With an inception year of 1990, the database is an early example of a dedicated web presence for antiquities recording.
- **GLAM Integration:** It is specifically recognized on the focus list of Wikimedia projects for "Cultural Heritage and GLAM catalogues."
- **Centralized Access:** It serves as the single web domain for the scheme's online data.
- **High Connectivity:** The resource maintains 158 sitelinks, indicating high relevance and cross-referencing within the knowledge ecosystem.

## Body
### Classification and Nature
The Portable Antiquities Scheme Database is defined structurally as both an **online database** and a **website**. It serves as the digital counterpart to the physical operations of the Portable Antiquities Scheme. As a set of related web pages served from a single web domain, it provides a unified interface for users accessing the scheme's records.

### Operational History
The resource traces its inception to **1990**. This timestamp marks the establishment of the web presence associated with the database. According to structured data, the inception is verified by references typically associated with stable knowledge bases.

### Technical and Access Specifications
The database is accessible via the URL **https://finds.org.uk/database/**. The primary language of operation and content for the site is **English**. It is strictly maintained by the **Portable Antiquities Scheme**, ensuring centralized governance of the data.

### Cultural Heritage Status
Within the context of global knowledge management, the database holds a specific position as a resource on the **focus list of Wikimedia projects** under the category "Cultural Heritage and GLAM catalogues." This designation highlights its utility and authority within the sectors of galleries, libraries, archives, and museums.