To mark the 200th anniversary of Theodor Sickel (1826–1908), this conference explores the evolution of diplomatic methodology. It will examine which methods are best suited to different types of sources and research questions, showcase notable applications of existing approaches, compare traditional and emerging methods, and assess the impact of digital tools on the field. The goal is to refine and renew the methodological framework of diplomatics.
Since its foundation in the 17th century by Jean Mabillon, diplomatics has focused on distinguishing authentic from false documents through the analysis of authentication practices, writing, language, and textual forms. Over time, the discipline has expanded and diversified. Sickel’s concept of Kanzleimäßigkeit shifted attention to chancery practices and document production, while critical editions combined diplomatic analysis with textual criticism. The methodological crisis of the 1960s encouraged the application of diplomatic methods beyond medieval charters, leading to new comparative, social, legal, and cultural approaches.
Since the 1990s, scholars have increasingly viewed diplomatics as a form of cultural history, studying not only documents themselves but also the practices surrounding their creation and use. More recently, digitization has transformed the field, prompting the development of digital diplomatics and new analytical tools for representing and studying documents, seals, texts, and archival materials. This conference will assess these developments and explore the current state and future directions of diplomatic methodology.
The programme and further information can be found on the conference website https://didip.hypotheses.org/conference-2026 Registration for the event is open until 7 July 2026.