Explore the intriguing question of modular degenerations of Jacobians when smooth curves degenerate to nodal curves in this comprehensive lecture. Delve into a complete analysis of this mathematical problem, drawing upon recent findings by Pagani-Tommasi. Gain insights into the classification of compactified Jacobians of nodal curves as presented by Filipo Viviani from the Hausdorff Center for Mathematics in this hour-long talk.