Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
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2019 —
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The Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont, recognized as the 50th Italian UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, stands out for its ecological and economic significance. This study highlights how landscape richness in Mediterranean regions enhances well-being and supports sustainable development, yet rapid transformations threaten these values. Focusing on Langhe-Roero and Monferrato, the research examines landscape management strategies that balance aesthetic appeal, ecological integrity, and economic growth. By analyzing this emblematic case, the study underscores the importance of preserving landscapes to maintain competitiveness and employment while ensuring long-term sustainability.
Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan
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2019 —
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A critical analysis of ten late ancient synagogues from southern Palestine reveals that, contrary to previous assumptions, none can be conclusively dated before the mid-4th century. These synagogues, located across regions such as Jericho and the Hebron Hills, are primarily products of the Byzantine period (6th or 7th centuries). While they do not exhibit distinct unifying features compared to those in Lower Galilee, some show evidence of Jewish-Christian inter-religious contact in art, architecture, and material culture. The study underscores the need for further inquiry into Jewish-Christian relations in late antique Palestinian Judaism.
Chaîne des Puys - Limagne fault tectonic arena
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2019 —
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The iconic Puy de Dôme, a monogenetic lava dome in the Chaîne des Puys (France), was found to have been tilted by approximately 17° to the southwest due to shallow intrusions. This study reveals that the dome's asymmetry, with one side steeper than the other, resulted from further surface-bulging inflation of the Petit Puy de Dôme intrusion after its initial formation. Using mapping and paleomagnetism, researchers determined that this tilting process occurred over several hundred years, involving landslides and a small phreatomagmatic eruption. The findings extend the hazard period for such volcanic activity and suggest similar patterns in other monogenetic and polygenetic systems.
Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City
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2019 —
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Liangzhu City, one of the largest urban centers in ancient China and globally, stands out for its impressive scale, meticulous planning, and well-defined layout. Initially thought to be a branch of the Longshan Culture, this rectangular city with rounded corners was situated along a north-south axis near Hangzhou. A notable discovery includes the Liangzhu altar on Yaoshan, a nearby mountain, which adds to the site's significance. The study highlights the advanced urban planning and construction techniques of the Liangzhu Culture, including the use of stone bases and clay for structures like the Tangshan levee and city wall.
Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra
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2019 —
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Local perceptions of communist memory in Gjirokastra, Albania, diverge significantly from official narratives and heritage professionals' views. Residents identify distinct 'material remains' of communism that contrast with national memory regimes, particularly in the dictator's hometown. The study reveals intergenerational differences in how past experiences shape current political realities and European integration aspirations, highlighting a complex interplay between personal history and state-driven representations.
Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City
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2019 —
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A groundbreaking analysis suggests that the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City, particularly its Fanshan Cemetery and Yaoshan Hill, may have been a burial site for King Narmer of ancient Egypt. The study draws parallels between the DNA haplogroups found in the region and those in Egypt, as well as similarities in architectural structures like Mojiaoshan Terrace resembling ziggurats. Additionally, it proposes that the Liangzhu culture area was once an Egyptian colony based on shared burial practices, divine emblems, and symbolic artifacts. The research also hypothesizes that Narmer's tomb in Umm el-Qa'ab may have been a cenotaph, with Fanshan Cemetery serving as his initial intended resting place before being relocated to Mount Kuaiji.
Macquarie Island
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2019 —
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A high-precision, continuous atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) record from Macquarie Island (54°37′S, 158°52′E), spanning 2005–2016, reveals critical insights into the Southern Ocean's role as a global CO₂ sink. The study leveraged ultra-high-precision LoFlo2 measurements, achieving uncertainty estimates of 0.01–0.05 µmol mol⁻¹, to distinguish oceanic and atmospheric CO₂ fluxes in this remote region. By filtering local and hemispheric CO₂ sources using within-minute standard deviation metrics and model-simulated radon concentrations, the team produced a noise-free seasonal variation record, surpassing the accuracy of traditional flask measurements. This breakthrough enhances our understanding of the Southern Ocean's spatial and temporal CO₂ dynamics, particularly when integrated with data from other Southern Hemispheric sites.
Taputapuātea
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2019 —
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Research on the Taputapuātea marae in Ra'iatea, Society Islands, reveals that its erected stones are fossilized microatolls—corals (Porites) that thrived during a Holocene sea level 0.80 meters higher than today, dating back 3 to 5 millennia. These findings challenge prior descriptions of the stones as mere 'limestone slabs,' highlighting their biological origin and ancient context. U/Th dating of 38 samples, including microatolls and coral fill blocks, also confirms that the marae's construction occurred between the 17th and 18th centuries. The study suggests that Polynesians likely collected these fossilized remains from the site, leaving others still buried underground.
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
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2019 —
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A striking parallelism emerges between Buddhist and Jain iconography in ancient India, particularly in the depiction of ascetic figures battling demonic forces. The study reveals that both traditions—Buddha's Maravijaya (Temptation by Mara) and Pārśvanātha's confrontation with Meghmal—employ similar compositional schemes to symbolize the struggle against passions. Notably, musicians playing instruments appear in these scenes, adding a unique layer to their symbolic significance. This convergence suggests that artistic solutions were shared across religions during the formative period of religious iconography, as seen in temple complexes like Ellora and Udaigiri-Khandagiri. The research highlights how such motifs transcended religious boundaries, influencing both visual art and architecture.
City of Verona
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2019 —
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Artisans and their families in sixteenth-century Verona played an active role in the burgeoning market for consumer goods, challenging the notion that only the wealthy influenced such markets. Through an analysis of 100 dotal inventories—previously underused sources—the study reveals that artisans owned vast numbers of commodities that were practical, luxurious, and devotional, enhancing both comfort and splendor in households. This research demonstrates how material culture can shed light on the non-noble classes during the Renaissance, contributing to a broader understanding of consumer behavior beyond elite circles.
Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945)
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2019 —
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Auschwitz-Birkenau, the former Nazi concentration and extermination camp, holds multiple symbolic meanings in Poland, evolving significantly since 1945. While it is widely recognized as a symbol of the Holocaust, it is not <em>the</em> definitive symbol thereof. This study traces its shifting representations—Polish, international, universalist, and Jewish—across historical periods, analyzing how these meanings have been constructed and contested. By examining various forms of representation, the research reveals that Auschwitz's significance has been dynamically reinterpreted in Polish memory and discourse, reflecting broader debates about history, identity, and remembrance.
Qinghai Hoh Xil
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2019 —
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Research on the Hoh-Xil-Songpan-Ganzi (HXSG) complex reveals critical insights into the Mesozoic closure of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean, a pivotal event shaping the eastern Tibet Plateau. The study identifies two distinct tectonic-magmatic phases: syn-collision magmatism (243–227 Ma) and post-collision magmatism (219–185 Ma), linked to the convergence of the North China, Yangtze, and Qiangtang blocks. Using zircon U-Pb dating, Hf-Nd isotopic analysis, and geological data, the research demonstrates that the subduction of oceanic lithosphere led to lithospheric thickening and delamination, followed by asthenospheric upwelling and crustal melting. This transition from compression to extension is evidenced by diverse granitic plutons, including high Ba-Sr granite and adakite granitoids, sourced from varying depths—from the mantle to the upper-middle crust. The findings provide a robust framework for understanding the tectonic evolution of the HXSG complex during the Early Mesozoic.
Mount Athos
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2019 —
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Monastic settlements on Mount Athos, Chalkidiki, emerged as a significant response to overcrowding and political shifts following the re-establishment of the Cult of Images in 843. Between the 9th and 11th centuries, monks sought solitude from the densely populated Bithynian Olympus (modern-day Uludağ, Turkey), leading to their migration and establishment on Mount Athos. The study reveals that this period was marked by intense conflicts over land use, particularly grazing lands, between monasteries—including prominent imperial institutions like Xeropotamou, Lavra, and Iviron—and local village communities. Despite the economic growth of the 9th century, which enriched central authorities through tax revenues from abandoned 'klasma' lands, regional officials often sided with villages in these disputes, highlighting a complex interplay between monastic ambitions, peasant resistance, and political authority.
Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian
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2019 —
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A key insight from this study is the identification of Jacopo Strada's significant role as an architect and cultural patron at the imperial court during the reigns of Emperor Ferdinand I and Maximilian II. The research examines Strada's contributions to major projects, including the Hofspital, the Tomb of Maximilian I in Innsbruck, and the Munich Antiquarium, highlighting his architectural competence and influence on imperial architecture. It also explores the interplay between classical Roman models, such as the fortified palace of Diocletian at Split, and contemporary architectural practices. The study employs a detailed analysis of Strada's drawings, projects, and personal involvement, alongside historical documentation, to elucidate his impact on cultural patronage and architectural innovation during this period.
Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
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2019 —
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Xochimilco's axolotl, once mythologized as a lake monster, stands on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss and pollution. This study reveals that only 1% of its historic range remains, with fewer than 200 individuals surviving in isolated canals. Researchers employed genetic analysis and field surveys to assess population viability, identifying critical threats including urbanization and water contamination. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies, such as habitat restoration and pollution control, to prevent the axolotl's disappearance from one of Mexico's most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Byblos
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2019 —
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A significant archaeological study reveals the evolution and significance of the Obelisk Temple in Byblos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The research highlights the temple's role as a cultural and religious center, tracing its architectural and iconographic development alongside its predecessors. Through meticulous analysis of ceramic artifacts, inscriptions, and material culture, the study reconstructs the temple's historical layers, providing insights into the religious practices and societal structures of ancient Phoenicia. This comprehensive approach combines archeological excavation data with iconographic studies to offer a nuanced understanding of Byblos' cultural heritage. The findings underscore the temple's importance in the broader context of Near Eastern civilizations, contributing valuable evidence to the study of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing
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2019 —
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A critical analysis of the Old Summer Palace reveals how its designation as a national treasure is constructed through rhetorical strategies, shaping its cultural and legal significance. The study examines how narratives surrounding the site's historical value influence its preservation and public perception, highlighting tensions between heritage conservation and political discourse. Gillman employs discourse analysis to dissect official documents, legal texts, and media representations, uncovering the ideological underpinnings of its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This approach underscores the interplay between cultural memory, national identity, and the instrumentalization of heritage for political ends.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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2019 —
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Israeli settler-colonial practices have systematically destroyed Palestinian land and ancient olive trees, particularly in the Bethlehem district of the West Bank. This visual study employs documentary photography and participant-based analysis to document the transformation of the landscape through illegal settlements, military zones, and segregation infrastructure. The research reveals how these changes suffocate daily life, erasing historical and cultural markers. The findings stem from a long-term project (2005–ongoing) involving extensive fieldwork across Palestinian cities, villages, and refugee camps, highlighting the intersection of settler-colonialism with modern oppressive technologies.
Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya
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2019 —
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Archaeological and historical evidence suggests that the Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya evolved from a smaller shrine under the Bodhi tree into its current pyramidal structure. A terracotta plaque found in Kumrahar near Patna provides an early depiction of the temple's architecture, dating to the second-fourth century CE, while railings and stone pillars with Asokan similarities hint at the site's sacred significance and historical development. These findings challenge assumptions about the temple's origins and highlight its role as a pivotal pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide.
Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church
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2019 —
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The Painted Chamber at Westminster served as a pivotal parliamentary space during the 15th century, hosting 41 openings of parliament between 1399 and 1484. This study reveals that the chamber and its associated rituals were strategic tools used by the crown to assert authority while fostering political dialogue with the Commons, reflecting a response to the growing influence of Parliament. By integrating historical, art historical, and archaeological evidence, the research demonstrates how the Painted Chamber facilitated a dynamic relationship between the monarchy and legislative bodies, shaping early parliamentary practices.
Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church
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2019 —
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The Palace of Westminster faces urgent repair needs, presenting a critical 'window of opportunity' for transformation. This study analyzes past restoration efforts over the last 50 years to assess whether parliament can become more fit for purpose. By examining historical precedents, it identifies recurring challenges and missed opportunities, offering insights to inform current and future decisions. The research employs a long-view approach, drawing lessons from previous projects to potentially avoid past pitfalls and capitalize on this moment for meaningful change.
Acropolis, Athens
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2019 —
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A critical reassessment of the Parthenon Treasury on the Acropolis of Athens challenges conventional identification, proposing instead that it corresponds to the west part of the Erechtheion rather than the Parthenon's west room. This conclusion is supported by a rigorous analysis of epigraphical, archaeological, and literary evidence from the 5th and 4th centuries BCE. The study revisits inventories of Athena's riches, which list multiple treasuries on the Acropolis, including the Parthenon, Hekatompedon, Proneos, Opisthodomos, and Archaios Neos. By synthesizing these disparate data sources, the research offers a new interpretation that reshapes our understanding of the spatial organization and religious significance of the Acropolis during its formative period.
Vilnius Historic Centre
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2019 —
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A detailed analysis of the Vilnius Fatebenefratelli novices from the late 17th to the early 19th centuries reveals that over half (51%) successfully completed their noviciate, while others resigned or were rejected. Most candidates were aged between 18 and 37, with a notable acceptance of older individuals due to the order's flexible formation structure. Geographically, novices predominantly originated from rural areas in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, particularly the Vilnius, Navahrudak, Trakai palatinates, and Samogitia, reflecting broader immigration trends and limited religious opportunities in certain regions. Only 30% came from urban or town settings, with social origins largely obscured but suggesting a predominantly non-noble, rural background. The study relies on two key novitiate books (1678–1725, 1761–1823) containing records for 243 novices, providing unprecedented insights into the demographic and social composition of this religious order during a pivotal period in Vilnius's history.
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
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2019 —
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A population of wild boar (Sus scrofa) has been documented for the first time within Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão State, Brazil. This invasive species, known for its destructive impact on ecosystems, poses significant threats to native biodiversity in the region. The study highlights a critical case of predation by wild boar on nests of endangered turtles, underscoring the broader ecological risks associated with its introduction. The research relies on field observations and records, providing foundational data to understand the species' distribution and its potential negative effects on local ecosystems.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
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2019 —
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The concept of 'Makarrata' holds significant potential to reshape Indigenous–settler relations in Australia, but its effectiveness depends on avoiding appropriation by settler discourses. The 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart proposed a Makarrata Commission to facilitate truth-telling and agreement-making, marking a notable shift toward consensus among Indigenous voices. This study analyzes how Makarrata could either foster substantive change or perpetuate contestation if misused in reconciliation narratives. By applying comparative political theory—incorporating both Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives—the research demonstrates that genuine engagement with Aboriginal concepts is critical to realizing its transformative potential.
Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas
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2019 —
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A study predicts that the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti) could inhabit 7,412.82 km² of evergreen needle-leaf forests in the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, yet only 4,164.58 km² is currently occupied. The research used species distribution models (BIOMOD2 and FRAGSTATS 4.2) to analyze habitat fragmentation, revealing that inhabited areas have lower patch density but larger continuous patches compared to uninhabited suitable habitats. Despite conservation efforts, historical logging and infrastructure development have caused local extinctions in some suitable zones. The study recommends establishing a national park for the species and protecting empty yet potential habitats for future reintroduction, emphasizing the need for ongoing habitat monitoring.
Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago – Omatí Minhô
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2019 —
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A significant burden of communicable skin diseases, including scabies and pyoderma, was found among children in the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau. Tinea capitis emerged as the most prevalent condition, affecting 14.5% of children during the dry season and 24.7% during the wet season. The study employed robust population-based cluster random sampling to assess disease prevalence across two seasons, revealing substantial seasonal variation in dermatoses. These findings underscore the need for integrating common dermatoses into Universal Health Coverage to address skin health disparities in low- and middle-income settings.
The Sundarbans
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2019 —
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A complex fiscal system in the Sundarbans, previously chaotic, was successfully organized by 1904. The study highlights that unregulated reclamation had proceeded too rapidly, neglecting irrigation considerations critical for the stability of the port channel to Calcutta. It also underscores the significance of tidal spill in maintaining the ecological health of the Reserved Forest, contrasting it with the constraints imposed by embankments elsewhere. The research compares the problems faced by the 24-Parganas Sundarbans with those of Khulna and Bakarganj, suggesting that the former's issues are more intricate.
Temple of Preah Vihear
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2019 —
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International humanitarian law mandates the protection of cultural heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, during armed conflicts. A 2011 border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand led to significant destruction at Preah Vihear temple, a site inscribed by UNESCO in 2008. This study clarifies that such heritage objects are explicitly protected under international law, prohibiting their targeting and requiring parties to safeguard both domestic and enemy heritage sites during conflicts. The analysis employs statute and case approaches, using the Preah Vihear incident as a focal point to examine legal obligations and their enforcement in armed conflict scenarios.
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands
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2019 —
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Researchers have identified five new species and one genus of Pselaphini beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) from the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands and Chatham Islands, expanding the known biodiversity of this rare subfamily at high latitudes. The study, led by Owens et al., describes <em>Pselaphopluteum motumaha</em> as a new genus and species from the Auckland Islands, along with two additional species (<em>Pselaphaulax dracophyllum</em>) from the Subantarctic and three more (<em>Pselaphaulax caeruleus</em>, <em>Pselaphaulax flavus</em>, and <em>Pselaphaulax traversi</em>) from the Chatham Islands. These findings challenge the notion that Pselaphinae are depauperate in extreme southern regions, offering new insights into their biogeographic distribution. The study also highlights the presence of an introduced species, <em>Pselaphophus atriventris</em>, in the Chatham Islands, suggesting potential pathways for species dispersal and colonization.
Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem
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2019 —
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A significant archaeological discovery within the Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, has revealed that a Byzantine capital, originally part of a column, was repurposed as a baptismal font. This finding, unearthed during restoration work in June 2019, provides rare insight into the reuse and adaptation of architectural elements in early Christian contexts. The capital, dating to the late sixth or early seventh century, matches a similar piece preserved in Jerusalem's Islamic Museum on Haram es-Sharif, suggesting a broader pattern of material recycling in Byzantine-era religious structures. Further analysis from August 2019 soundings aims to clarify how and why this transformation occurred, offering new perspectives on the church's historical layers.
Aachen Cathedral
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2019 —
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The reign of Otto III (983–1002) marked a pivotal period in the political and intellectual landscape of medieval Europe, particularly in relation to Aachen Cathedral. Following the death of Otto II, his three-year-old son Otto III was crowned in Aachen, setting the stage for a power struggle involving Henry the Wrangler, Duke of Bavaria, who sought regency over the young king. Despite support from key archbishops, Henry's bid failed due to opposition from influential figures such as Gerbert of Aurillac, a brilliant scholar at the cathedral school of Reims, who later became a staunch ally of Otto III. This study reconstructs the political maneuvering and intellectual dynamics that shaped Otto III's early reign, shedding light on the complex interplay between power, religion, and education during this formative period in European history.
Tsodilo
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2019 —
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High uranium concentrations, reaching up to 223 Bq/kg, were found in low-lying areas near Tsodilo Hills, Botswana, likely due to alluvial deposition from the hills themselves. This unique distribution pattern of naturally occurring radionuclides was mapped using in situ gamma ray surveys and GIS software, revealing a distinctive geographical relationship between uranium, potassium (258 Bq/kg), and thorium (31 Bq/kg) concentrations. The study suggests that uranium accumulation is primarily driven by sediment transport from the hills, with similar patterns observed along roads leading to the site.
Historic Centre of Avignon: Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge
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Bridges, often seen as symbols of progress and engineering prowess, leave enduring traces in the spatial identity and social fabric of cities. This study reveals that bridges are not merely structures but co-creators of urban landscapes, reflecting the ambitions, cultures, and historical narratives of their inhabitants. By analyzing archival iconographic materials and contemporary satellite images from sites like Avignon, Carcassonne, Paris, Prague, Mostar, Narni, and Kłodzko, researchers uncover how these bridges shape the physiognomic and social realm of cities. The findings highlight the interconnectedness of material and human spheres, forming a complex system that influences urban development and identity.
Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church
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2019 —
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Public engagement from the outset can prevent the restoration of the Palace of Westminster from exacerbating anti-political sentiment. The study argues that involving the public in a positive, confident conversation about redesign options is crucial for meaningful democratic engagement and avoiding unintended consequences. This approach contrasts with traditional top-down renewal programs, which risk alienating citizens by neglecting the link between institutional design and societal perceptions of politics.
Cathedral, Torre Civica and Piazza Grande, Modena
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2019 —
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Research on the Ghirlandina Tower in Modena reveals that soil-structure interaction significantly influenced its construction and settlement patterns, explaining why masons implemented corrective measures during building. Using dynamic identification techniques, the study provides insights into the mutual interaction between the tower and the adjacent Cathedral, both of which were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1997 for their exceptional cultural significance. This volume also explores the historical context of the Modena complex, highlighting its role in reflecting 12th-century northern Italian urban society, religious beliefs, and architectural innovation.
Rietveld Schröderhuis (Rietveld Schröder House)
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2019 —
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Recent research on the Rietveld Schröder House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only private home among Netherlands' listed sites, reveals that remnants of original plaster and finishing coats from Gerrit T. Rietveld's design periods were discovered during a restoration project. These findings offer potential starting points for future material research to inform more accurate restorations. The study, funded by the Getty Foundation, employed archival research, technical analysis, and oral history to evaluate past restoration efforts led by architect Bertus Mulder in the 1970s–80s. Key challenges included the lack of preserved samples or documentation from earlier restorations, which hindered verification of original materials and color schemes. The research reflects on the complexities of authenticity in restoration work, advocating for a holistic approach that considers multiple aspects such as historiography, the house's association with De Stijl, Truus Schröder's role, and its occupational history.
Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site
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A chronological record of plutonium (Pu) and uranium (U) isotopes in banded corals from Bikini Atoll reveals that the source term of these radionuclides within the lagoon is slowly changing over time. This finding sheds light on the long-term behavior of Pu (239+240 Pu) and U (236 U), which continue to be released into the Pacific Basin from the atoll's sediments, balancing inputs and outputs in a dynamic system. The study employed x-ray imaging and stable isotope analysis to establish coral chronology, followed by chemical separation techniques—including extraction chromatography and anion exchange—to isolate Pu and U for accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). These methods enabled precise measurements of isotopic concentrations and ratios, forming the basis for a model predicting the loss rate of these isotopes from Bikini Lagoon. The work underscores the importance of understanding radionuclide mobility in marine environments to assess ecological and food chain impacts.
Wood Buffalo National Park
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Aquatic bird eggs collected in the Peace-Athabasca Delta and Lake Athabasca exhibit higher mercury (Hg) concentrations following years of high river flow, with Hg availability regulated by riverine processes involving suspended sediment. The study identified that Athabasca River flow, bird food source, and species were key factors influencing egg Hg levels over 2009-2017. Stable Hg isotope analysis revealed differences in Hg composition between high and low flow years, suggesting that increased river discharge enhances Hg transport to downstream ecosystems like Wood Buffalo National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). This research underscores the Athabasca River's role as a conduit for Hg, with implications for ecological health in sensitive areas.
Lower Valley of the Omo
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A comprehensive synthesis of four million years of human history in the Omo-Turkana region, spanning from early hominin evolution to contemporary cultures. The book integrates archaeological, anthropological, and historical evidence to trace the complex interactions between peoples and their environment along the Lower Valley of the Omo River. It highlights significant milestones, including the emergence of early hominins, the development of pastoralist societies, and the cultural diversity of modern communities. The research approach combines interdisciplinary methodologies, drawing on fieldwork, fossil records, and ethnographic studies to reconstruct the region's deep temporal narrative.
Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain
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Paleolithic cave art, such as the murals of Altamira in Spain, contains symbolic elements that reflect the collective unconscious of early humans, suggesting a deeper cognitive and psychological connection to their daily lives. The study applies Jungian psychological analysis to interpret these symbols, revealing how they originate from dreams and represent mythological thought patterns. Using descriptive, analytical, and comparative methods, the research highlights the importance of understanding prehistoric art for unraveling cultural foundations. This approach bridges gaps between cognitive studies and mythological interpretations, offering new insights into the mental processes of Paleolithic societies.
The Persian Garden
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Historical Persian gardens serve as highly utilized urban green spaces, offering significant psychological, physical, and social benefits to residents. A study of four renowned gardens in Shiraz—Eram, Hafeziyeh, Jahan Nama, and Afifabad—revealed that visitors primarily seek connection to nature, relaxation, and refreshment over social or physical activities. Key factors influencing garden visitation include emotional attachment to the place, aesthetic appeal, accessibility, and perceived safety. Notably, bonding with the location and feeling safe were stronger predictors of garden use than aesthetics or accessibility. Safety also mediated the effects of other attributes on visitation, underscoring its critical role in enhancing park utilization. These findings suggest that urban planners should prioritize affective components, infrastructure, and activities that foster social benefits to increase engagement with green spaces.
Antigua Guatemala
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NGOs play a dual role in touristic securitization, making Western tourists feel safe while inadvertently perpetuating inequalities and human insecurities for local, often indigenous, populations. This study focuses on La Antigua Guatemala, a key tourism destination, to analyze how international NGOs contribute to and engage in securing tourism. While they enhance tourist safety, the research reveals that touristic securitization reinforces existing power imbalances, particularly affecting poor Guatemalans whom NGOs aim to assist. The findings highlight how this process both reflects and exacerbates intersecting inequalities, creating distinct worlds of (in)security.
Škocjan Caves
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Slovenia, including the Škocjan Caves and other cultural and natural landmarks, offer unique opportunities for boutique tourism that contrast with mass tourism challenges faced by many destinations. The study reveals that while the Škocjan Caves are a prominent attraction, other lesser-known sites serve as the foundation for developing exclusive tourist experiences. It highlights the need for strategic integration of heritage into modern tourism offers, balancing preservation and visitor engagement through professional design. Research employs fieldwork, structured interviews with stakeholders, website analysis, and site visits to identify best practices and opportunities for enhancing Slovenia's boutique tourism sector.
Temple of Preah Vihear
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Thailand's foreign policies regarding the Preah Vihear Temple dispute often diverge from the cooperative national role conceptions (NRCs) of its Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), particularly when governmental politics are highly confrontational and the MFA's influence is limited. This study, employing role theory and a governmental politics approach, reveals that while the MFA's organizational structure tends to favor cooperation, external material and ideational factors, public opinion, and internal political dynamics can override its diplomatic stance. The research highlights the interplay between foreign-policymaking actors as a key determinant of policy outcomes, demonstrating that Thailand's foreign policies do not consistently reflect the MFA's NRCs when confrontational politics prevail.
Archaeological Site of Philippi
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A newly dated aqueduct system in Philippi, Greece, reveals the city's monumental transformation during the Antonine period (second half of the 2nd century AD). This open-channel structure, featuring a barrel-vaulted cover, supplied water from karstic springs in the Kefalari area, approximately seven kilometers northwest of the city. The aqueduct's construction aligns with Philippi's urban reconstruction, underscoring its significance as a key station on the Egnatia Road and its role in Roman infrastructure development. The study leverages archaeological evidence to pinpoint the aqueduct's dating, providing insights into the engineering advancements and urban planning of the period.
Archaeological Site of Ani
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2019 —
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Ani, the medieval Armenian capital and Silk Road node, stands as a symbol of both cultural heritage and destruction. Krikor Balakian's 1910 monograph, 'Illustrated Description of the Ruins of Ani,' offers a unique blend of travel account, history, and scholarly study, providing detailed descriptions and illustrations of surviving structures like churches, palaces, and citadels. This work, recently translated into English, sheds light on the site's rich history, from its ninth-century founding to its depopulation in the fourteenth century, while also critiquing external invasions and Armenian disunity. Balakian's account serves as both a travel guide and an appeal for financial support for ongoing excavations and a newly established museum, which were later looted and destroyed. The monograph also reviews past scholarship on Ani, culminating in praise for Nicholas Marr's excavation work.
My Son Sanctuary
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2019 —
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Architectural heritage preservation should prioritize ruination over restoration to preserve the historical significance of war-damaged sites. This study argues against reconstructing or restoring the largest temple at Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Vietnam's foremost Champa archaeological site, which was destroyed during a 1969 U.S. bombing raid. By analyzing the aesthetic appeal, historical context, and ethical implications of different preservation approaches—reconstruction, restoration, and ruination—the research advocates for embracing the temple's ruined state as a testament to its war-torn past. The discussion challenges conventional heritage conservation practices, suggesting that allowing structures to decay can serve as a more authentic and meaningful memorial.
Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region
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2019 —
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Despite significant advancements, our understanding of Napatan sacred architecture remains incomplete. While large sanctuaries and royal tombs have been extensively studied, recent surveys reveal smaller temples and shrines across known and new sites. However, preservation challenges due to harsh climate, weak materials, and structural reuse hinder discovery, suggesting many sites remain unknown. This study highlights the fragmentary nature of existing knowledge, emphasizing gaps in remote regions and smaller-scale architecture.
Mount Taishan
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2019 —
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A study reveals the tension between Mount Taishan's sacred heritage and its commodification within China's contemporary culture industry, particularly through projects like the "Culture Industry Park of Mount Taishan" initiated in 2009. The research examines how the landscape spectacle "Chinese Taishan: The Great Sacrifice to Heaven and Earth" blends historical reverence with economic goals, raising concerns about the potential dissonance between symbolic Chineseness and profit-driven exploitation. By analyzing official media coverage and spectator feedback, the study highlights the fragile balance between preserving cultural significance and commercializing it for state benefit.
