Complex of Koguryo Tombs
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2020 —
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A new analysis of the Jian Koguryo Tablet reveals that its primary purpose was to serve as a public declaration of state oversight and punishment for violations, rather than an effective long-term management tool. The study suggests that while the tablet recorded details of 'yanhodu' (representative household heads) and their families, these records were prone to inaccuracies due to hidden evasions or sales, leading to discrepancies between official and actual household compositions. Koguryo's central government likely used the tablet to deter such behaviors through strict documentation and supervision, rather than for ongoing administrative control. The research concludes that the practice of erecting tablets over royal tombs during King Guanggaeto's reign was more of a supplementary measure to support efficient bureaucratic processes.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
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2020 —
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Peripheral communities in the Mississippian culture did not passively adopt Cahokia's cosmological iconography but reinterpreted it based on local knowledge and histories. This insight challenges traditional views that such adoption was purely a desire to participate in Cahokian cultural phenomena. The study examines Ramey Incised pottery, which transmits a cosmological model related to upper and lower worlds, found outside the American Bottom region where Cahokia is located. By analyzing these artifacts, researchers reveal that peripheral inhabitants actively engaged with and adapted Cahokian iconography, reflecting their unique cultural contexts.
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
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2020 —
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Bezymianny volcano, Kamchatka, is regaining its pre-collapse size after the 1956 sector collapse at a rate of approximately 26,400 cubic meters per day. This study presents a unique 7-decade-long photogrammetric dataset that documents the volcano's evolution, starting with two distinct lava domes and transitioning to a single vent stratocone with a summit crater. Numerical modeling suggests that the gradual focusing of vents is due to changes in loading affecting magma pathways at depth. This research provides critical insights into the complex regrowth process following volcanic sector collapses, with broader implications for understanding similar phenomena on other volcanoes worldwide.
Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat)
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2020 —
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A groundbreaking reconstruction of the glazed brick facades from Ashur, now housed in the Vorderasiatisches Museum Berlin, reveals intricate patterns and techniques used by ancient artisans. The study, part of the GlAssur Project, employs advanced imaging and 3D modeling to analyze the surviving fragments, uncovering how these decorative elements were assembled and their symbolic significance. Findings indicate that the facades featured complex geometric designs and color contrasts, suggesting a high level of craftsmanship and artistic innovation in ancient Mesopotamian architecture. This research provides new insights into the preservation techniques and aesthetic priorities of the Neo-Assyrian period.
Historic Centre of Warsaw
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2020 —
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Recent architectural interventions in the Museum of Warsaw, part of the Historic Centre of Warsawdemonstrate a conservation approach that balances modern functionality with historic preservation. The reconstruction of tenement houses on Strona Dekerta Starego Miasta na Rynku (Dekert’s Side of the Old Town Market Square), completed between 2014 and 2017, reflects Poland's unique attitude toward architectural monuments, particularly those lost due to warfare. This study highlights the meticulous conservation efforts over the past century, emphasizing the project's process, conditions, and outcomes while ensuring the integrity of a site significant to Poland’s history.
Historical Centre of the City of Yaroslavl
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2020 —
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The Upper Volga region, encompassing Vladimir, Ivanovo, Kostroma, Kalinin (Tver), and Yaroslavl, emerges as both representative of the late Soviet era's socio-economic transformations and uniquely distinct in its cultural and geographical significance. This study highlights the region's dual role: as a microcosm reflecting broader Soviet political and economic dynamics while possessing unique characteristics shaped by its industrial prominence, scientific-technical contributions, and proximity to Moscow. The research employs theoretical frameworks from Mikhail Beznin, Tat’yana Dimoni, Alexei Yurchak, and others to analyze the region's evolution during the 1950-1990s, emphasizing its significance in the military-industrial complex, elite formation, and cultural identity as part of Russia's 'Golden Ring.' The study underscores the need for a dual analytical approach—balancing representativeness with regional uniqueness—to fully understand the complexities of Soviet societal transformation.
Shrines and Temples of Nikko
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2020 —
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Tourism experiences in Higashimachi, the traditional town adjacent to Nikko's shrines and temples, significantly enhance visitors' appreciation of the sacred landscape at Shrines and Temples of Nikko. This contrast between daily and spiritual environments fosters deeper engagement with the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study analyzed travelogues and paintings, revealing that as transportation developed, tourist routes shortened, reducing time spent at each location but also diminishing recognition of Higashimachi's cultural elements. However, when visitors encountered numerous objects in Higashimachi, their perception of Nikko's shrines and temples improved, indicating a positive correlation between the two areas' tourism experiences.
Old Town of Lijiang
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2020 —
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A study of 397 tourists in Lijiang Old Town, China, reveals that perceptions of customized authenticity—specifically object-related and existential dimensions—significantly influence guesthouse loyalty. Tourists' sense of being at home in heritage destinations acts as a mediator between their perception of authenticity and loyalty. The research introduces new measurement scales for assessing these dimensions, extending the understanding of authenticity in the context of guesthouses within UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley
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2020 —
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A modular approach for the revitalization of Bamiyan Valley, Afghanistan, has been proposed to integrate cultural development with sustainable practices. This 'downstream approach' focuses on the southern branch of the Silk Road, including sites like Jam, Band-i-Amir, Bamiyan, and Shar-i-Zohak. The proposal includes fixed elements such as soil erosion mitigation in Shahr-e-Zohak, rehabilitation of minor sites in Kakrak, reconstruction of the bazaar near the Great Western Buddha, revitalization of Shahr-e Gholghola, removal of statue fragments from niches, and small museums at each niche. Additionally, four alternative solutions for niche valorization are suggested, ranging from emptying niches to temporary reconstructions using local marble/stone with anthropomorphic robots. This study aims to contribute to the cultural development of Afghanistan while preserving its heritage.
Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun
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2020 —
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A critical evaluation of the Cheng Zhi Hall restoration project in Hongcun revealed significant gaps in traditional dwelling conservation practices in China. The study identified issues such as vague descriptions of restoration measures, unclear markings on restoration drawings, and a lack of theoretical support for restoration practices. By comparing Chinese approaches with Italian case studies, researchers proposed optimization strategies to improve the planning and execution of traditional dwelling conservation efforts. This comparative analysis offers actionable insights for preserving cultural heritage while addressing practical challenges in restoration projects.
Paris, Banks of the Seine
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2020 —
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The devastating fire of April 15, 2019, that destroyed Notre-Dame de Paris's eight-hundred-year-old roof and nineteenth-century spire while miraculously preserving the rest of the cathedral underscored its profound global significance as a symbol of spiritual and historical value. This disaster, compounded by its UNESCO World Heritage status, presented an unprecedented challenge to preservation professionals, testing their expertise in restoration and reconstruction. The study examines the emotional and structural aftermath, highlighting the complexities of safeguarding such iconic landmarks while balancing historical integrity with modern conservation techniques.
Churches of Chiloé
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2020 —
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The restoration of religious statues in the Churches of Chiloé reveals a unique blend of artistry and cultural reverence. Over centuries, wooden carvings of Jesus, Mary, and saints in 21 islands off southern Chile succumbed to weathering. A team of non-religious restorers, collaborating with local fiscal officials and villagers, meticulously repaired these artifacts, demonstrating profound respect for both the objects and their devotees. The process highlights the enduring cultural significance of these statues, even among those not directly involved in religious practices. Photographic documentation by Chilean photographer Mariana Mathews further captures the silent sanctity of Chiloé's saintly imagery, preserved in a digital museum.
Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System
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2020 —
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Decades of warfare during the Late Ming and Early Qing dynasties in Sichuan, China, led to a dramatic population decline, triggering significant environmental changes. The study reveals that the neglect and collapse of the Dujiangyan irrigation system, due to labor shortages, resulted in rewilding of agricultural landscapes. This process was further marked by a reversal in predator-prey dynamics, with tigers proliferating and becoming a common threat. Tiger attacks were interpreted as symbols of social failure, reflecting the tension between humans and their environment. The research highlights the intricate relationship between human activity and ecological systems, demonstrating how historical upheavals can reshape landscapes and species interactions.
Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site
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2020 —
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A retrospective analysis of radionuclides in banded coral from Bikini Atoll reveals that the source-term of plutonium (Pu) and uranium (U) within the lagoon is slowly changing over time. This finding provides critical insights into the long-term behavior and export potential of these isotopes, which have been continuously released into the Pacific Basin since nuclear weapons testing in the 1940s and 1950s. The study utilized two corals retrieved in 2016 to construct a chronological record of 239+240Pu and 236U concentrations and isotope ratios, employing advanced techniques such as x-ray imaging, stable isotope analysis, extraction chromatography, anion exchange columns, and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). These methods allowed researchers to model the loss rate of Pu and U inside the lagoon, offering a basis for predicting future changes in their solubility and environmental impact.
State Historical and Cultural Park “Ancient Merv”
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2020 —
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South Turkmenistan emerged as a significant ancient farming region and northern outpost of the East, playing a pivotal role in the rise of early urban civilization in southwestern Central Asia. Archaeological evidence from Neolithic to Early Bronze Age sites (ca. 3300–2350 BC) reveals that this area's rapid development during the Middle Chalcolithic, Late Chalcolithic, and Early Bronze Age laid the foundation for large proto-urban centers in the Middle Bronze Age. The Murghab delta's intensification of interregional contacts during the late 3rd millennium BC, part of the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC), was driven by advanced technical, technological, and cultural development, as well as the influx of new population groups. Gonur Depe, a notable center from this period, functioned as an administrative, religious, production, and trade hub, mirroring later developments in Ancient Merv.
West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou
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2020 —
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West Lake, near Hangzhou, China, emerged as a significant cultural and tourist destination during the Song dynasty (960–1279), shaping societal perceptions of nature. Xiaolin Duan's study reveals how the lake became an interactive site where ecological, economic, spiritual, and aesthetic dimensions converged. By analyzing diverse sources—including miscellanies, gazetteers, paintings, maps, poems, and anecdotes—the research demonstrates that West Lake's development was driven by human activities such as boating, gardening, temple worship, and artistic expression. This interplay between human enterprise and the natural environment highlights how landscapes can influence social and cultural constructs, offering a model for understanding the evolution of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Ancient City of Aleppo
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2020 —
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New evidence links the river Qoueiq, flowing near Aleppo, to ancient cities mentioned in Ebla's 24th-century BC archives. Tells along its valley, including Tell Tuqan and Tell Hader, are likely candidates for identifying NIrar, a city referenced in Ebla texts. This study builds on surveys from the 1970s but relies on archival analysis rather than new excavations. It highlights the river's historical significance while noting that precise identifications remain tentative.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
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2020 —
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have successfully reframed the debate around constitutional recognition, leveraging state ambivalence towards the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) to regain control and re-energize the movement. This shift is exemplified by the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which has built community consensus for a clear proposal despite uncertain prospects for a referendum. The study analyzes five public processes between 2010 and 2017, demonstrating how UNDRIP influenced these developments, marking a significant advancement in Indigenous rights advocacy.
Meidan Emam, Esfahan
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2020 —
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During the Safavid era (1501–1736), the Imam Mosque in Naqsh-e-Jahan Square, Esfahan, demonstrated groundbreaking advancements in architectural acoustics. The mosque's design, influenced by Shaykh Baha'i's expertise in sound science and hyperbolic mathematics, created a tranquil soundscape capable of accommodating up to 15,000 people for synchronized prayer rituals with clear speech intelligibility. This study reveals how the mosque's volumetric design, material selection, ornamentation, and acoustic coupling mechanisms contributed to its sonic identity. The research analyzes sound energy exchange patterns and decay, providing insights into the connection between the soundscape and the intended function of these monumental spaces.
Selous Game Reserve
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2020 —
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Conservation of the Ngarambe-Tapika Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Tanzania provides critical ecosystem services that enhance climate change resilience for local communities. The study found that income derived from these ecosystems is primarily invested in social services, such as infrastructure and education, while also supporting employment, wildlife protection, and small-scale businesses. These investments contribute significantly to community welfare and adaptation to climate variability. The research employed both quantitative and qualitative methods, including household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews, to assess the relationship between ecosystem conservation and climate resilience in this region adjacent to the Selous Game Reserve.
Pitons Management Area
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2020 —
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Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) has provided groundbreaking insights into the volcanic activity of Piton de la Fournaise, La Réunion, revealing the previously suspected mobility of its unsupported eastern flank and offering a powerful tool for detecting eruption-related displacements in remote areas. This review synthesizes key findings from two decades of InSAR data, highlighting its role in mapping subsurface magmatic processes, volcanic edifice architecture, and eruptive behavior despite challenges like dense vegetation and atmospheric interference. While multitemporal approaches and advanced techniques are improving data handling, frequent eruptions remain a hurdle. The study underscores the growing importance of InSAR as an operational tool for monitoring highly active volcanoes globally.
Stevns Klint
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2020 —
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Crude oil injection shifts sandstone and carbonate cores to a mix-wet state, reducing capillary forces and moving them away from water-wet conditions. This effect is more pronounced with acidic polar components on carbonates than on sandstones, where basic polar components play a greater role in wettability changes. The study used outcrop materials—sandstone containing quartz, illite clay, and feldspars, and high-purity calcium carbonate from Stevns Klint—to analyze dynamic adsorption of low-asphaltene crude oils at 50°C. By measuring acid (AN) and base numbers (BN), researchers found that polar organic components (POCs) significantly influence reservoir wettability, offering insights to optimize waterflooding operations for enhanced oil recovery.
Brú na Bóinne - Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne
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2020 —
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Irish megalithic monuments, particularly those within the UNESCO World Heritage Site Brú na Bóinne, hold deep mythological significance tied to solar deities. Analysis of Irish mythology reveals that these sites, especially Newgrange, were central to narratives involving sun gods like Dagda and Lugh, as well as the conception and birth of the warrior hero Cú Chulainn. The study suggests that myths may reflect the monuments' symbolic meaning across different historical periods, offering insights into their cultural and spiritual importance.
Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley
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2020 —
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A critical analysis of the Bamiyan Buddha statues' reconstruction reveals that meaningful local engagement is systematically neglected, despite widespread agreement on its importance. The study argues for a shift in understanding authenticity as a malleable and discursive concept, rather than an absolute standard, to guide reconstruction efforts. It also highlights the political and socio-economic dimensions of such projects, emphasizing the need for careful decision-making to avoid reinforcing competing historiographies. The research employs qualitative reasoning, drawing on classical examples of heritage reconstructions to propose innovative methods for sustainable local involvement.
Butrint
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2020 —
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Archaeological excavations led by the Butrint Foundation between 2000 and 2007 revealed a previously unrecognized Roman suburb on the Vrina Plain, adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint in Albania. This unfortified settlement emerged around a multi-arched bridge spanning the Vivari channel, initially consisting of small dwellings and shops before evolving into a substantial channelside villa—akin to those found within Butrint's walled enclosure. The discovery challenges earlier assumptions by Luigi Maria Ugolini, who had not identified this suburb at Phoinike or Butrint. This study, published in <em>GROMA: Documenting Archaeology</em>, sheds new light on the early Roman urbanization and architectural development outside Butrint's fortified boundaries.
The English Lake District
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2020 —
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Mountains, particularly high land, hold significant spiritual and environmental value, acting as 'hierophanic places' that inspire reverence and shape the origins of environmentalism. This study explores how the Romantic movement in the English Lake District influenced perceptions of sacredness in natural landscapes, contributing to early nature conservation efforts. By analyzing historical texts and cultural narratives, researchers reveal the deep connection between human spirituality and ecological stewardship, highlighting the Lake District's pivotal role in this transition.
Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata
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2020 —
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Research at Oplontis B (Torre Annunziata) reveals the domestic aspects of tabernae and their role in urban development along the Bay of Naples, addressing a gap in studies of humble dwellings buried by Vesuvius. The study highlights how these small commercial spaces, often doubling as domestic areas, contributed to Roman architecture and economic life. By analyzing row houses at Oplontis B through the Oplontis Project, the research provides preliminary insights into the complex functions of tabernae, offering a nuanced understanding of their place within urban landscapes. This work expands on limited prior studies by integrating architectural remains with Latin terminology to reconstruct daily life and economic activities in non-élite spaces.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
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2020 —
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Joseph Banks, a prominent figure at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is highlighted for his empiricist approach and adaptation of the Baconian method of investigative science. This method, foundational to modern scientific practices, emphasized observation and induction over theoretical speculation. Banks' commitment to applying scientific knowledge practically and his belief in 'progress' are central themes. The chapter also delves into his disinterest in contemporary architectural trends, such as neoclassical designs by Capability Brown, showcasing his unique perspective on landscape and architecture.
Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow
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2020 —
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Russian society's continued reverence for Lenin, despite the country's political shift away from Communism, reflects a strategic remembrance policy by the Kremlin. This study reveals that Lenin's embalmed body remains on display in the Kremlin, symbolizing a selective historical narrative that transcends ideological repudiation. The research employs qualitative analysis, including personal observations and historical context, to explore how the Kremlin manages the memory of the Russian Revolution. It highlights a disconnect between contemporary political regimes and public remembrance practices, suggesting that remembrance serves as a tool for political legitimization rather than ideological alignment.
Elephanta Caves
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2020 —
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Research reveals that the development of early Śiva religion in the North Konkan, home to monumental cave-temples like those on Elephanta Island, was not solely dependent on ruling elites but was deeply intertwined with flourishing trade networks and corporate patronage. Contrary to the widely assumed link between these sites and the early Kalacuris rulers, this study demonstrates that merchants, traders, and local collectives played a significant role in supporting religious institutions within this cosmopolitan port polity. Through comparative stylistic analysis of rock-cut monuments, researchers approximated the construction period of these cave temples to mid-6th to late 7th century CE, providing new insights into the regional and religious economies of the area.
Sangiran Early Man Site
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2020 —
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A comprehensive catalogue of fossil shell assemblages from the Sangiran Early Man Site, Central Java, reveals 61 mollusc taxa spanning the Plio-Pleistocene period. These shells, associated with distinct sedimentary facies representing marine to continental environments, provide critical insights into the palaeoenvironmental history of the region. Quantitative analysis of these assemblages elucidates relationships between established palaeodatasets and variability in paleontological data, offering a reference for taxonomic representation in the Kalibeng and Pucangan layers of the Solo Basin. The study updates previous documentation, linking geological processes to evolutionary patterns and environmental transitions.
Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia
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2020 —
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A Greek Attic red-figure krater, the Sarpedon Krater (c. 515–510 BCE), stands out for its innovative use of foreshortened perspective and its depiction of the Trojan hero Sarpedon's death, marking a significant advancement in ancient Greek vase painting. The krater, created by Euphronios, was discovered in an Etruscan tomb near Cerveteri, Italy, and later repatriated to the National Archaeological Museum of Cerveteri after being acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Spivey argues that this artwork's influence extends beyond its technical mastery, resonating through classical mythology, symposiastic culture, and later artistic traditions, including Roman sarcophagi and Renaissance devotional art. The study explores how such imagery may evoke empathy or catharsis, drawing on neuroscience theories about visual responses to suffering.
Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük
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2020 —
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Neolithic inhabitants of Çatalhöyük adapted their use of local wetland and riparian environments to seasonal resource availability, with task patterns shifting throughout the year. This study reveals how labor organization evolved over time, becoming more varied as livelihoods diversified, impacting the regularity and variety of landscape interactions. Researchers analyzed paleoenvironmental and archaeological data to reconstruct seasonal taskscapes, demonstrating that later residents reorganized their engagement with the surrounding environment in response to changing community dynamics.
Acropolis, Athens
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2020 —
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A stark contrast emerges between the discourses of place under Athens' Acropolis, revealing the tension between archaeological management and the enduring presence of a long-standing community. While modern authorities, including the Greek Archaeological Society, have historically sought to remove residents for 'security and health' and archaeological preservation, this study highlights the resilience of local narratives and their deep-rooted connection to the landscape. The research approach examines the interplay of power dynamics, where state-led interventions aim to reshape living palimpsests—layered landscapes rich with historical meaning—to align with national projects, often at the expense of marginalized communities.
Old City of Zamość
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2020 —
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A notable gap in tourist awareness regarding the Renaissance significance of Poland’s landmarks has been identified. Analysis of TripAdvisor reviews revealed that only 10% mentioned the Renaissance character of three major sites: Wawel Royal Castle (Cracow), Poznań Town Hall, and Zamość Old Town. The study, a pilot for broader research, used desk analysis of Polish tourists’ reviews, highlighting their limited historical or architectural knowledge. No prior literature has addressed this aspect, making it the first contribution to the topic. This suggests that Renaissance heritage may not be a primary motivation for tourism in these sites.
Sangiran Early Man Site
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2020 —
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A significant increase in students' historical awareness was observed when the Sangiran Early Man Site was incorporated as a pre-literacy learning tool for junior high school students. The study, involving 64 students divided into experimental and control groups, demonstrated that those who visited the site showed markedly improved learning outcomes (p < 0.05). This suggests that leveraging archaeological sites outside traditional classroom settings can effectively enhance student engagement with history, addressing challenges such as limited resources and uninspiring teaching methods.
Island of Gorée
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2020 —
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The Slave House on Gorée Island serves as a powerful symbolic artifact, embodying the trauma of ancestral separation and the cultural memory transmitted through generations displaced by the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. This study argues that the structure is architecturally beatified by Black ancestral spirits, acting as a witness to the emotional connection between present-day descendants and their past. Utilizing an autoethnographic approach with first-person narrative, the research explores how spaces, places, and architectural structures central to the Slave House contribute to the creation of diasporic identity. The findings highlight the Slave House's role in preserving and transmitting cultural memory, bridging the gap between historical trauma and contemporary Black identity.
Dja Faunal Reserve
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2020 —
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A significant decline of Central African forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) by 62% between 2002 and 2011, primarily due to poaching for illegal ivory trade, has been confirmed in the UNESCO World Heritage Dja Faunal Reserve (DFR), Cameroon. Using dung-based distance-sampling surveys covering 5,260 km², researchers estimated a population of just 219 individuals (95% CI: 150–319) with a density of 0.042 individuals/km², reflecting severe losses similar to those in Korup National Park. Elephants persist mainly in the northern DFR, where community partnerships and increased patrols are being implemented, while the southern sector remains vulnerable to organized wildlife crime. The study highlights the urgent need for enhanced security, community engagement, and SMART-based patrolling to protect the remaining population and restore its expansion across the landscape.
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
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2020 —
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Stonehenge, one of the world's most iconic prehistoric sites, is increasingly being shaped by modern approaches to heritage management that balance public engagement with resource efficiency. A proposal by Heritage Projects Ltd, inspired by successful models like York’s Jorvik Viking Centre, suggests a more imaginative and sustainable presentation of Stonehenge. The Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission (HBMC) endorses this approach, aiming to cater to visitors willing to invest time while ensuring that archaeological storytelling no longer solely relies on public funds. This shift reflects a growing trend in heritage conservation—prioritizing innovative, commercially viable solutions without compromising the site's significance.
The 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright
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Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West stands out as the only work where he integrated American Indian petroglyphs into its architectural design. This unique feature, set against the arid landscape of Paradise Valley in Arizona, exemplifies Wright's organic architecture philosophy—harmonizing built and natural environments. The site, initially established as a winter retreat for Wright and his Taliesin Fellowship, became a 'desert laboratory' where innovative designs were conceived and refined over decades. Recognized by the National Park Service and UNESCO, Taliesin West embodies Wright's vision of architecture that grows from its surroundings, balancing lifestyle with environmental conditions. Its historical significance, experimental nature, and cultural integration make it a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture.
Archaeological Site of Delphi
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2020 —
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Ancient Greek builders at the Sanctuary of Delphi primarily used local limestones, breccias, marbles, and poorly consolidated sediments known as 'pôros,' with a distinct preference for a high-quality Maastrichtian limestone called 'Profitis Ilias' for prestigious structures like the Apollo Temple. This study identifies seven facies of 'pôros,' including travertine and oolitic grainstone, sourced from the southeastern shore of the Corinth Gulf, though specific quarries remain unidentified except for the grainstone. The research combines geological mapping and lithological analysis to trace stone origins, revealing a strategic choice of materials that balanced local availability with aesthetic or functional requirements.
Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco
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2020 —
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Archaeological research at Xochicalco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Morelos, Mexico, reveals that intricately stuccoed and painted benches from the Epiclassic period (600–900 CE) likely served as royal seats or thrones. These benches, adorned with rich iconography and hieroglyphic signs, were pivotal in displaying religious, mythological, and historical narratives that reinforced hierarchical power structures. The study suggests parallels between Xochicalco's benches and those found in the Terminal Classic Maya city of Chichen Itza, indicating potential interregional cultural exchanges during this period. The research combines iconographic and epigraphic analysis to interpret the symbolic significance of these artifacts, offering new insights into the political and ceremonial functions of monumental architecture in Mesoamerica.
Sheikh Safi al-din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble in Ardabil
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2020 —
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Islamic art, traditionally studied through art history and sociology, can be more deeply understood by integrating principles of Islamic philosophy and Sufism. This approach reveals that the sanctity of Islamic art stems not only from the Quran but also from philosophical and mystical doctrines that shaped its creation. The study applies concepts such as imagination, color, and calligraphy to analyze the Sheikh Safi al-din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble in Ardabil, Iran, demonstrating how these principles enrich interpretation. By examining the ensemble through a philosophical lens, the research uncovers nuanced meanings that conventional methods may overlook.
Historic City of Ayutthaya
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Ancient Ayutthaya thrived for 417 years without significant flood damage despite its location in Thailand's flood-prone lower central plain. A study reveals that the city's resilience was rooted in an advanced water management system, offering insights applicable to modern urban planning. The research employs a landscape integration approach, combining multidisciplinary perspectives to analyze Ayutthaya's water development cycle and its evolution within riverine and deltaic areas. This methodology not only clarifies Ayutthaya's water management but also provides a model for other towns facing similar environmental challenges.
City of Valletta
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2020 —
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St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta, stands as a unique example of dark tourism, blending architectural grandeur with macabre elements. The cathedral's design incorporates human bones and skulls, sepulchral monuments, and burial slabs, creating an atmosphere that attracts both pilgrims and tourists drawn to its 'darker heritage.' This study reveals how the cathedral's history, death-related art, and architecture intersect with dark tourism, offering a nuanced perspective on the appeal of such sites. The research approach involves a detailed examination of the cathedral's architectural features, historical context, and their relationship to contemporary tourism trends.
Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture
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2020 —
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A new classification of Tiwanaku monolithic sculptures reveals that the Suñawa Monolith, alongside its likely companion the Pachakama, represents a distinct genre of 'extended-arm monoliths' that served as guardians or attendants to the more studied 'presentation monoliths.' Unlike the latter, which depict figures holding symbolic objects like chicha goblets and snuff tablets, the Suñawa Monolith embodies themes of sacrificial violence and vegetative generation. This study challenges the conventional focus on presentation monoliths by arguing that Tiwanaku's monumental sculptures formed a complex 'society' of differentiated, interactive beings. The research employs iconographic analysis to recontextualize these sculptures within their broader cultural and ritual significance.
Petra
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2020 —
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Research at Petra reveals a divided perspective on the relationship between tourism and archaeology, with some stakeholders believing these sectors are inherently in conflict while others advocate for archaeology to adapt to tourism needs. This study used qualitative interviews with academics, businesspeople, and government officials alongside quantitative surveys of University of Jordan faculty to assess management plans at Petra. Findings suggest that the interplay between tourism and archaeology has hindered consistent implementation of sustainable management strategies, raising questions about the long-term preservation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lamu Old Town
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2020 —
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The Swahili civilization, flourishing along Eastern Africa's coast from the late Iron Age (c. 500 CE) to the early 16th century, was shaped by local cultural, political, and economic dynamics rather than external influences alone. This maritime-based society, spanning over 3,000 km from Somalia to Mozambique, thrived on trade with inland Africa, Asia, and Europe, exchanging goods like gold, ivory, and slaves for beads, porcelain, and silks. Its material culture—including ironwork, pottery, and monumental stone structures such as mosques and palaces—reflects a sophisticated integration of coastal and inland traditions. Evidence of this civilization persists today in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Lamu Old Town and Zanzibar Stone Town, with oral traditions and maritime technology continuing to influence Eastern Africa's social and economic landscape.
Studenica Monastery
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Heracle's knot, a symbol with roots in antiquity and flourishing during the Palaiologan period, was prominently used by King Milutin of Serbia (r. 1282–1321) to convey triumphant intentions and apotropaic symbolism in his architectural works. This study reveals that the motif appears on the bifora of St. George's church at Staro Nagoriĉino and the apse of Studenica Monastery's King's church, both dating to 1313, suggesting a deliberate visual response to King Milutin's prayer for posterity with Queen Simonis. The analysis examines the symbolism and historical context of this knot motif in late Byzantine sacred architecture, highlighting its dual significance as both an apotropaic emblem and a personal plea.
Cologne Cathedral
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2020 —
WHEC9AF9EECC8
Recent investigations of the relics of the Three Magi, housed in Cologne Cathedral since their translation from Milan in 1164, revealed that the wrapping fabrics date to the late ancient period (2nd–3rd century) and were likely produced in Syria. These fabrics, featuring block damask weave with purple borders and gold threads, underscore the relics' long-standing veneration history. The study also sheds light on the cathedral's architectural evolution, noting that while the original Carolingian Cathedral was intended to house the shrine, its location in the Gothic construction remained unrealized due to prolonged building timelines. Medieval pilgrims' badges and 'Three-Magi-letters,' which became popular later, attest to the site's significance as a European pilgrimage destination.
