The Web of Fame

Overview

Abstract

My bachelor's thesis analyzed the Pantheon dataset, modeling over 11,000 historical figures as a directed network of interactions via Wikipedia hyperlinks, by integrating exploratory analysis (spatio-temporal distributions, centrality metrics) and inferential modeling with ERGMs on subnetworks. It identified data biases and model limitations (ERGMs degeneracy, computational complexity for large networks).

Insight

Key Takeaway

Raw Wikipedia view counts are unreliable as importance measures; HPI provides a more consistent metric. Networks show strong homophily by domain and temporal/geographic factors. ERGM models on sub-networks revealed estimation challenges; future work may leverage mixed membership stochastic block models or more recent network inference methods.

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