The Polaris2025 Seshat Data Release: An Expanded Dataset for Cliodynamic Research

This report describes the current canonical dataset named Polaris2025, a subset of Seshat: Global History Databank data. This dataset focuses on a well-curated list of polities and variables that have been already used in publications or will be used in forthcoming ones. The report provides an introduction to the methods and procedures of the Seshat project relating to the curation and release of the Polaris2025 dataset. The Polaris2025 dataset builds upon an earlier release, the Equinox2020 dataset, and is now the most current and complete set of publicly available Seshat data. The Equinox2020 dataset remains valuable as a replication dataset. This report also describes important changes in the Seshat Databank itself, notably the new SQL database, the community tools, and the GIS portal.