Explore the foundations of knowledge representation and semantic technologies in this comprehensive lecture. Delve into the purpose and inspiration behind the course, examining the pivotal role of Knowledge Graphs in modern data management. Investigate the evolution from traditional databases to semantic networks, understanding the importance of syntax and semantics in multimodal data. Analyze semantic and schematic similarities between database objects, and learn about semantic proximity and schema integration. Discover the historical context and commercial applications of knowledge representation, gaining insights into the relationship between semantics and various data structures. This introductory session sets the stage for a deep dive into the world of semantic technologies and their impact on artificial intelligence and data science.