Studenica Monastery
—
2019 —
WHE295382D28A
A groundbreaking analysis reveals that the twelfth-century sculpture of Studenica Monastery's Church of the Holy Virgin, previously thought to be influenced by Byzantine art, actually originates from Romanesque models in Italy's Emilia Romagna and Apulia regions. The study demonstrates that nearly all motifs—including the dominant 'peopled or inhabited scrolls'—stem from ancient Roman sources, challenging long-standing academic assumptions about its stylistic influences. By meticulously comparing Studenica’s decoration with Italian counterparts, researchers trace a direct lineage to Romanesque art, offering new insights into medieval European artistic exchange and the monastery's cultural significance.
Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci
—
2019 —
WHE6AB13C0510
Virtual Reality (VR) technology emerges as a powerful tool for preserving and communicating cultural heritage, bridging the gap between history and contemporary audiences. This study demonstrates that VR can effectively document and revitalize inaccessible or historically significant sites, such as the Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, home to Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper.' By combining photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning, researchers reconstructed five key areas of the convent—The Cloister of the Frogs, the Cloister of the Prior, the Old Sacristy, the Small Sacristy, and the New Sacristy—into detailed 3D models. These were then integrated into a game engine to create an immersive VR simulation that offers unprecedented educational experiences and storytelling possibilities. The approach not only enhances architectural appreciation but also provides innovative ways to engage with cultural heritage, surpassing traditional documentation methods.
Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras
—
2019 —
WHE15B4D80019
Contrary to long-held beliefs, the Ifugao Rice Terraces in the Philippine Cordilleras were not established 2000–3000 years ago but rather emerged as a recent adaptation to Spanish colonization. This study challenges the dominant historical narrative by integrating radiocarbon dating, faunal isotopic signatures, human osteological remains, archaeobotanical data, energetics assessments, and spatial analysis. Findings suggest that the shift to wet-rice cultivation was a response to colonial pressures rather than an ancient practice. The research employs Bayesian modeling alongside ethnohistorical and ethnographic evidence to reconstruct the terraces' origins, offering new insights into their cultural and historical significance.
Rock Paintings of Shulgan-Tash Cave
—
2019 —
WHED270501FC5
An analysis of the Shulgan-Tash (Kapova) Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Paleolithic rock paintings, reveals that proposed protection and improvement projects from 1960 to 1981 remained largely unrealized. Despite extensive plans aimed at preserving the cave's integrity, enhancing tourist infrastructure, ensuring visitor safety, and implementing effective visitor management strategies, these initiatives failed to materialize. The study examines the gap between proposed solutions and actual outcomes during this critical period, highlighting the challenges in balancing conservation with development in a culturally significant site.
State Historical and Cultural Park “Ancient Merv”
—
2019 —
WHE7272BBD6FA
Recent archaeological evidence challenges the long-held belief that Shaym Qalʿa, near Marw oasis in Turkmenistan, was primarily a 11th–12th century Seljuk military camp. Analysis of new findings suggests the site dates back to the 8th century, aligning it with Early Islamic military installations (mir). This reassessment contradicts earlier hypotheses and supports claims by Yakubovskii and Bosworth regarding Marw's historical significance during this period. The study cross-references ancient texts by al-Muqaddasi and al-ʿAbari to re-evaluate Shaym Qalʿa's role, integrating historical records with archaeological data for a more nuanced understanding of the site's transition from Sasanian to Islamic rule.
Bagan
—
2019 —
WHE74755A748C
Bagan, an ancient city with multiple historical names such as 'the City of the Enemy Crusher' or 'the Land of Copper,' served as a crucial crossroads for trade and military movements between South Asia and Southeast Asia. Positioned strategically along the Ayeyarwady River and near the Chindwin tributary, Bagan's significance grew under kings Anawrahta (1044-1077 A.D.) and Kyansitha (1084-1113 A.D.), evolving into a powerful empire. The social life of its inhabitants is vividly documented in the city's extensive temple art, including frescoes, sculptures, stone reliefs, stucco, terracotta plaques, and inscriptions, which reflect a blend of Indian artistic influences and indigenous traditions from pre-Bagan Mon and Pyu kingdoms. This study highlights how Bagan's cultural synthesis, shaped by Brahmanical statecraft and local practices, is preserved in its monumental architecture and visual narratives, offering insights into the social dynamics and artistic expressions of this historic period.
Garajonay National Park
—
2019 —
WHE69C2DDE2C4
A wildfire dramatically alters the soil microbiome of Garajonay National Park's laurel forest, reducing species richness and diversity while shifting bacterial community composition. Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Actinobacteria dominated unburned soils, but burned areas saw significant decreases in these groups alongside a surge in Betaproteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes. The study compared microbial communities across two topographical positions—slope and ridge crest—in both undisturbed and post-fire habitats, revealing the fire's profound impact on this unique subtropical ecosystem.
Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System
—
2019 —
WHEC87B63667A
A study on the Linpan settlements within China's Dujiangyan Irrigation District reveals significant spatial and cultural transformations in rural landscapes due to rapid urbanization. Between 2005 and 2018, these traditional farming settlements declined at a rate of about six per square kilometer, with uneven distribution changes driven by regional development disparities and resident needs. The research introduces the concepts of 'demand' and 'restriction' in sustainable development to propose strategies for preserving these cultural landscapes. Long-term fieldwork and geographic information databases were used to classify Linpan landscape types, offering a foundation for future policy-making to protect this heritage.
China Danxia
—
2019 —
WHE8D1FCF1657
A clustered distribution pattern of Danxia landforms, concentrated primarily in Southeast China, the Sichuan Basin, and the Qilian-Liupan regions, was identified through spatial analysis. The study, which analyzed 1,100 Danxia sites and their relationship with red beds across China, revealed that these landforms cover approximately 9.5% of the country's land area. Using geological and tectonic maps alongside ArcGIS software, researchers performed adjacent index calculations and Thiessen polygon analyses to map the spatial patterns and assess the influence of tectonics on Danxia formation. The findings highlight the significant role of geological elements in shaping these distinctive landscapes.
Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow
—
2019 —
WHE583F542C7C
The State Historical Museum, a unique architectural gem within the UNESCO-listed Kremlin and Red Square ensemble, played a pivotal role in shaping Moscow's cultural heritage at the turn of the 20th century. This study reveals how its construction, interior design by renowned artists like I.K. Aivazovsky and V.M. Vasnetsov, and educational activities contributed significantly to urban cultural space preservation. By integrating archival research with an analysis of the museum's operations, the paper highlights its enduring legacy in blending art, history, and public engagement. The findings underscore the importance of such institutions in maintaining historical continuity within World Heritage Sites.
Historic and Architectural Complex of the Kazan Kremlin
—
2019 —
WHE2390C410DE
In the 1990s, the Republic of Tatarstan transitioned from centralized cultural management to decentralized models, marked by partnerships and diverse financing. This shift was pivotal in preserving historical and cultural heritage, including UNESCO-listed sites like the Kazan Kremlin. Key milestones included the 1996 enactment of the Law 'On the Protection and Use of Cultural and Historical Values,' which established legal frameworks for heritage conservation. The study highlights the formation of the Kazan Kremlin Museum-Preserve and international collaborations, such as those initiated to commemorate Kazan's 1000th anniversary. Challenges during this period, including dilapidated housing and the need for scientific oversight, were addressed through targeted programs like the Scientific and Production Department of State Control. The research underscores how policy evolution, institutional initiatives, and global cooperation collectively shaped heritage preservation in Tatarstan.
Mount Taishan
—
2019 —
WHEA3DFAA6D58
A groundbreaking study on Mount Taishan challenges the conventional separation of symbolic meaning and material agency, demonstrating how stones from the holy mountain are perceived and worshipped as interconnected entities. The research reveals that the symbolic power of these stones is intricately linked to human perception and bodily experience, reflecting a local understanding of networks and associations akin to Latourian perspectives. Ethnographic evidence and theoretical analysis were employed to explore this phenomenon, offering new insights into the relationship between material objects, symbols, and human agency in Northern Chinese culture.
Struve Geodetic Arc
—
2019 —
WHE406A5FEEF8
A groundbreaking geodetic project, the Struve Geodetic Arc, successfully measured Earth's ellipsoid parameters using triangulation from the Black Sea to the Arctic Ocean. This study reveals how advancements in triangulation techniques, geodetic instruments, and 18th–19th century Russian Empire policies created ideal conditions for its execution. By analyzing historical scientific progress, technological developments, and political factors, researchers identified key elements that ensured the project's success, contributing to its UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition.
Baalbek
—
2019 —
WHE32B5A22D1D
Urban landscapes, particularly those saturated with symbolic meaning, can serve as both tools of political power and symbols of resistance against global neoliberal imagery. This study demonstrates that spatial symbols in Baalbek, Lebanon, embody a dual role: they reflect collective memory and identity while also functioning as instruments of control or defiance. By analyzing rituals tied to daily life, master planning strategies, and the temporal evolution of urban development, researchers reveal how these landscapes mediate power dynamics and cultural identity. The findings underscore the significance of symbolic spaces in shaping resistance narratives and reinforcing local identities amid global influences.
The Grand Canal
—
2019 —
WHE57B6C27227
China's Grand Canal, a marvel of hydraulic engineering and cultural significance, has been pivotal in shaping Chinese civilization. Spanning over 1,800 kilometers, its development reflects intricate interrelations with politics, economics, and culture across different historical periods. This interdisciplinary study synthesizes three decades of research to assess the canal's impact on technological progress, natural environments, and societal evolution. By analyzing the technical and cultural values of various sections, the research provides a comprehensive understanding of how the Grand Canal facilitated economic growth, advanced engineering achievements, and influenced China's societal development.
Danube Delta
—
2019 —
WHE6CAE39E0EB
A significant shift in the Danube Delta town of Vilkovo, often called the 'Ukrainian Venice,' is being driven by terrestrialization—a complex interplay of geomorphological, ecological, and social changes. This process, characterized by the rapid silting of canals that were once navigable, threatens the town's unique identity and its potential as a heritage site. The study employs ethnographic methods to explore how these changes have reshaped residents' relationships with the Danube River, revealing a nuanced narrative often overlooked in tourism-development plans. By integrating insights from amphibious anthropology and social science literature on water infrastructure, the research highlights critical issues that must be addressed to sustainably develop Vilkovo's tourist economy. It advocates for the inclusion of terrestrialization studies in future heritage assessments.
Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin
—
2019 —
WHEA3C538CD1A
National-populist politics, exemplified by the French Front National (FN), demonstrates significant territorialization in its mobilization strategies. This study reveals that the FN's political success is deeply rooted in sub-national dynamics, particularly in regions like Hauts-de-France, which has a history of industrial decline and economic restructuring since the 1970s. The research employs a sub-national approach to explore how local issues, such as the provision of public services and health centers in rural areas, serve as key political opportunities for the FN's campaign strategies. By analyzing these territorial dimensions, the study highlights the interplay between political opportunity structures and internal supply-side factors that contribute to the rise of populist radical right parties.
Vilnius Historic Centre
—
2019 —
WHEB4BBCE8FCA
The Three Kings Celebration in Vilnius, traditionally marking the end of the Christmas season on 6 January, has undergone significant transformations over the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. Originally rooted in medieval European customs and influenced by Polish religious culture during the early 1900s, the celebration was suppressed under Soviet rule (1940–1990) due to bans on church activities outside religious premises. Post-Soviet revival saw the procession reinstated, now organized by the Old Town Theatre, preserving its Biblical narrative with Kings accompanied by angels and mummers. A notable evolution includes the symbolic farewell to Christmas trees, integrating the feast into modern Vilnius life as a cultural marker of the holiday season's close.
Danube Delta
—
2019 —
WHE9E8AEA4C12
A strong correlation exists between the absorption of European Structural Funds and the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve. The study, using quantitative analysis through questionnaires, found that economic, social, and environmental effects—driven by EU funding—significantly enhance SME competitiveness. These findings underscore the need for increased access to structural funds to sustain balanced development in this ecologically sensitive region. The research highlights a multidimensional measurement of competitiveness, linking external policy impacts with internal company factors.
Timbuktu
—
2019 —
WHED9E34B5CFC
This study identifies a 'Timbuktu syndrome,' where Western powers exhibit an obsessive focus on controlling perceived dangers from remote sites, mirroring historical patterns of cartopolitics that blend desire, danger, domination, and fear. The research analyzes Mali's transformation from a tourist destination to a conflict-ridden site within the global 'war on terror,' drawing on colonial and precolonial mappings. It argues that military strategies today reflect an intensified geographic imagination, akin to the Vietnam syndrome, where fear of engaging with distant regions paralyzes action. The study employs historical perspective and critical analysis of cartographic practices to unpack these dynamics.
Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture
—
2019 —
WHEE3D8BB4E79
A new interpretation of the Tiwanaku Camelid Sacrificer (TCS) reveals its significance in Andean iconography, challenging previous assumptions about violence and fertility imagery in Tiwanaku culture. The TCS, depicted as a human-camelid hybrid carrying a trophy head or axe, symbolizes shared essence and form between humans and camelids, reflecting unique positions of power in Tiwanaku’s agropastoralist society. This study re-examines the TCS theme, originating from the Formative period, through analysis of portable prestige objects found in Tiwanaku hinterlands, suggesting its role in ritual and ontology during the Middle Horizon (A.D. 400–1100). The research highlights the TCS as a representation of states of being (camay) and becoming (tucoy), offering insights into Tiwanaku’s state expansion and social structures.
Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos
—
2019 —
WHEAD5C2D1942
The Tonaia ritual on Samos, traditionally interpreted as a pre-marriage or New Year's ceremony, is revealed to reflect complex social and cultural dynamics. This study argues that the ritual mediates tensions between autochthonous origins, Argive ancestry, and Karian inclusion, using mythological narratives and historical accounts to recontextualize its significance. The ritual's performance—binding and then freeing Hera’s cult image—symbolizes themes of theft, repatriation, and marginalization, offering a nuanced understanding of Samian identity and cultural integration in the ancient Mediterranean.
Anticosti
—
2019 —
WHEF987A22DED
A significant discovery of the trace fossil <em>Sinusichnus cf. seilacheri</em> in Upper Ordovician (Hirnantian) carbonates on Anticosti Island, eastern Canada, marks the oldest record of this ichnogenus, previously unknown before the Triassic and unreported from North America. These branched, sinusoidal burrows, found abundantly at the base of the Oncolite Bed in the Ellis Bay Formation, indicate a regional discontinuity surface during the multiphase Ordovician mass-extinction event. Unlike Mesozoic and Cenozoic records linked to decapod or isopod crustaceans, these burrows likely represent the activity of other arthropods with unknown affinity, suggesting a combined dwelling, locomotion, and feeding behavior. This finding extends the geological range of <em>Sinusichnus</em> by over 200 million years and provides new insights into Ordovician paleoecology.
Mount Wutai
—
2019 —
WHE588FBCFA9C
Mount Wutai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in China, has been a sacred place for over 1500 years, with its significance extending across East Asia. This study reveals how both local actors and distant individuals have collaboratively shaped and reshaped Mount Wutai's status as a holy site through the centuries. By analyzing familiar visual and textual sources alongside understudied noncanonical materials, the research provides new insights into the dynamic nature of sacred geography and its evolution over time.
Nyungwe National Park
—
2019 —
WHE9CB586F7D8
Scientists have discovered a new species of Trichoptera, <em>Silvatares laetae</em>, within the family Pisuliidae, during a survey of Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda. This finding adds to the six Pisuliidae species previously recorded in East Africa, with five being endemic to Tanzania and one to Uganda. The research involved collecting samples using Malaise and light traps in late October 2018, representing the first detailed study on Trichoptera diversity in Rwanda. The discovery highlights the region's rich biodiversity and contributes to ongoing efforts to document its insect fauna.
Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya
—
2019 —
WHEB3DB186D19
Bodhgaya, home to the Mahabodhi Temple Complex, has long been a site of shared reverence for both Buddhists and Hindus, with no recorded conflicts over its use despite differing religious practices. The study highlights that pluralism, allowing multiple valid interpretations of truth, has historically prevailed here, enabling peaceful coexistence. Both groups engage in elaborate rituals centered around reinterpreted religious texts, reflecting their devotion without tension. This harmony suggests a unique cultural and spiritual dynamic where diverse traditions coexist harmoniously, offering insights into the resilience of shared sacred spaces.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
—
2019 —
WHE8C6BEA8941
A landmark analysis highlights the enduring relevance of Indigenous voices in global human rights discourse, drawing parallels between Bill Onus' 1950s protest slogan and the Uluru Statement from the Heart. The study underscores how Indigenous rights have evolved since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted 70 years ago, emphasizing the need for structural reforms to address historical injustices and achieve true reconciliation. By critically examining the UDHR's impact on Indigenous peoples' rights in Australia, the research reveals persistent gaps between international human rights frameworks and their implementation, particularly concerning land rights, self-determination, and cultural preservation. The approach combines historical analysis with contemporary legal and political scrutiny, offering a nuanced perspective on the challenges and progress of Indigenous rights advocacy.
Upper Middle Rhine Valley
—
2019 —
WHE774B5712B9
The Upper Middle Rhine Valley, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, stands out as Germany's sole organic cultural landscape. A comprehensive Masterplan developed in 2013 addresses the significant challenges threatening this unique region, which spans from Mainz to Koblenz and encompasses historic cities, vineyards, and vital transport routes. The valley has faced persistent pressures, highlighted by seven state of conservation reports between 2008 and 2017, underscoring the complexities of balancing preservation with development in such culturally rich landscapes. This study synthesizes these challenges and the Masterplan's responses, offering a model for managing other cultural landscapes globally.
Prambanan Temple Compounds
—
2019 —
WHE2B4796AF1A
Geoinformatics studies reveal significant insights into the relationship between temple location patterns and geomorphological conditions, particularly for Hindu and Buddhist temples in Java. The research demonstrates that the strategic placement of temples like Prambanan and Bojongmenje reflects an understanding of geological and geomorphological factors by ancient societies. By analyzing satellite imagery, DEM data, and field observations, the study uncovers how these elements influenced temple construction and settlement patterns. This interdisciplinary approach, combining geoinformatics with geoarchaeology, offers a novel perspective on historical land-use practices and the interaction between human cultures and their environment.
Paphos
—
2019 —
WHE8108B86561
A 5.6 magnitude earthquake in Cyprus's Paphos region, captured via Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery, revealed significant landscape changes with a maximum uplift of 74 mm and subsidence of 31 mm. This study demonstrates the potential of open-access Copernicus datasets and open-source software like SNAP and SNAPHU to monitor seismic impacts on cultural heritage sites, including those listed by UNESCO. By employing Differential Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (D-InSAR), researchers mapped ground deformations triggered by the 2015 earthquake, offering a scalable approach for assessing geological risks in heritage-rich areas.
Península Valdés
—
2019 —
WHE033680CF4E
A semi-submersible whalewatching vessel, the Yellow Submarine, operating off Puerto Pirámides, Península Valdés, Argentina, offers a unique platform for scientific research on southern right whales (Eubalaena australis). The study assessed its underwater viewing deck's potential to collect detailed data on whale behavior, age class, sex, photo-identification opportunities, and observation duration. While the vessel provides exceptional underwater visibility of whales in this critical calving ground, key limitations include short observation windows and reduced visibility during spring. This research highlights the Yellow Submarine as a valuable tool for advancing cetacean studies, particularly in challenging environmental conditions.
Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks
—
2019 —
WHEF4AE4B7470
A reassessment of the fossil record from the Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks, Argentina, reveals that Lagosuchus talampayensis, a key 'proto-dinosaur' species, is not distinct but shares critical anatomical traits with Marasuchus lilloensis. This finding, based on new observations of the holotype's femoral head morphology, suggests L. talampayensis is a senior synonym of M. lilloensis. The study challenges previous classifications and sheds light on early dinosauromorph diversity in the Late Triassic Chañares Formation, refining our understanding of dinosaur precursors' evolutionary relationships.
Mesa Verde National Park
—
2019 —
WHE76273E69F0
Improving visibility at Mesa Verde National Park can significantly enhance visitor experiences and willingness to pay, according to research applying contingent ranking methodology. This approach, rooted in Lancastrian consumer behavior theory, analyzes how visitors rank alternatives based on attributes like air quality, providing a robust measure of non-market benefits. While the study acknowledges potential biases in survey responses, it offers valuable insights into the economic value of preserving scenic resources in national parks.
Royal Palaces of Abomey
—
2019 —
WHE77F806BA9C
African artifacts, particularly those from the Royal Palaces of Abomey, held significant value during the 1930s financial crisis despite being generally undervalued in the interwar Parisian auction market. This study reconstructs the commercial paths of these objects by analyzing auction records and catalogues from Hôtel Drouot, identifying key actors and comparing prices with other 'primitive' artifacts. The research highlights how European collector preferences influenced market dynamics, with African items often fetching lower hammer prices—except for Abomey's royal objects, which served as stable investments.
Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
—
2019 —
WHEE8236FFAAB
Involving students in field research activities significantly enhances their disciplinary knowledge, soft skills, and awareness of the relevance of geosciences in daily life. This was demonstrated through a project integrating geoscience research with educational initiatives in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Piedmont's vineyard landscapes (Langhe-Roero and Monferrato) and the Sesia Val Grande Global Geopark. The study, conducted as part of Italy's MIUR Plan for enhancing scientific degrees (PLS 2015-17), employed inquiry-based learning, cooperative activities, and multimedia tools to engage upper secondary education students and teachers. Satisfaction questionnaires confirmed that this approach effectively improved student engagement and understanding, highlighting the potential of integrating research with outreach in geoscience education.
Shark Bay, Western Australia
—
2019 —
WHE888804AFEC
Climate change poses significant threats to microbial ecosystems, including those in Shark Bay, Western Australia. Microorganisms, responsible for half of Earth's primary production and crucial to the survival of all macroscopic life, are highly vulnerable to changing environmental conditions such as extreme weather events, rising temperatures, sea levels, and ocean acidification. A review highlights that these changes could disrupt the delicate balance supporting microbial mats and stromatolites in Shark Bay, which are evolutionarily significant. The study emphasizes the need for focused research to understand the resilience of these ecosystems and to implement conservation strategies. It underscores the broader importance of including microorganisms in climate change discourse due to their pivotal role in both mitigating and exacerbating climate impacts.
Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro
—
2019 —
WHE57E5AC0086
This volume offers a nuanced exploration of Junípero Serra's life and legacy, challenging polarizing narratives by contextualizing his missionary career within the complex political, cultural, and religious landscapes of early modern Majorca, New Spain, and 19th-century United States. It reveals how Serra's use of baroque aesthetics shaped Catholic spaces on empire's fringes and highlights miscommunications between his paternal authority model and Native Californian practices, underscoring the intentional withholding of knowledge by Indigenous peoples. The collection also examines Anglo-American reappropriations of Serra while noting an opportunity to further explore Mexican interpretations and broader imperial contexts.
Mantua and Sabbioneta
—
2019 —
WHEB9834D8B65
The 16th-century European theatre underwent significant transformation, with the Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza and subsequent developments leading to the Italian Baroque Theatre. Sabbioneta's All' Antica arrangement marked a pioneering attempt to create a theatre space that integrated both viewer and actor as active participants in performance. Mantua's Baroque theatre hall advanced this concept, foreshadowing Richard Wagner's later approach and Peter Brook's synthesis of arts in performances like <em>Mahabharata</em>. This study highlights the evolutionary trajectory of theatre architecture, emphasizing its functional and artistic innovations that redefined the relationship between performer and audience.
Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin
—
2019 —
WHE1F7554D711
A theoretical model for the restoration of Bardzrakash Monastery Complex, dating from the 10th to 13th centuries, reveals key architectural features and planning organization. The study proposes solutions for the eastern and western facades of the small church, substantiates tholobate and dome shapes, and determines the contours of Surp Astvatsatsin church's facades. It also presents a hypothesis on the completion of the monastery gavit's main part. The model is based on analysis of building ruins, measurement data, photofixation, and descriptions, with chronologically and territorially close monuments like Goshavank, Haghartsin, and Haghpat serving as analogues for reconstructing lost elements.
The Persian Garden
—
2019 —
WHEAEE40ADE3B
A Persian garden's design significantly impacts thermal comfort in hot-arid climates, such as Shiraz, Iran. Research demonstrates that the End.E-W pattern, featuring strategically placed pavilions, mitigates heat stress more effectively than other patterns by reducing mean radiant temperature (Tmrt) and Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET). This is achieved through altering shortwave radiation and sky view factor, which prevents intense afternoon sun exposure on pathways. The study used Envi-met 3.1 for environmental simulations and the Rayman model to calculate PET, revealing that orientation and pavilion placement are critical in enhancing thermal comfort in urban parks.
Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun
—
2019 —
WHE843256E8C5
A comparative analysis of four types of exterior wall materials used in Huizhou residential buildings, located within the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Xidi and Hongcun, reveals that traditional rowlock cavity walls made from black bricks and yellow mud exhibit superior thermal performance. These walls demonstrated a heat transfer coefficient of 1.892 W/m²•K, outperforming modern alternatives such as cement brick rowlock cavity walls (2.821 W/m²•K), composite walls in Hongcun Village (2.024 W/m²•K), and solid walls in Jicun Village (3.588 W/m²•K). The study, conducted through field surveys, tests, and laboratory experiments, provides quantitative data on the thermal properties of these materials, offering a foundation for developing eco-friendly building solutions that align with local climatic conditions.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
—
2019 —
WHE70F2C3EED8
A new thermotectonic history of the Kluane Ranges and the Eastern Denali Fault Zone (EDFZ) reveals three distinct phases of cooling and exhumation over the last 100 million years. Rapid cooling occurred from ~95 to 75 million years ago, followed by a period of slow cooling until ~30 million years ago, with renewed rapid cooling continuing to the present. This study used apatite (U-Th)/He, zircon He, and fission-track dating, along with thermal history modeling, to constrain exhumation rates, which are highest near the EDFZ but lower than in the central Denali Fault Zone. The findings suggest that landscape evolution in the Kluane Ranges is directly linked to tectonic processes such as terrane accretion, flat-slab subduction, and transpressional deformation.
Complex of Koguryo Tombs
—
2019 —
WHECC85D4601A
Researchers have identified three dominant hypocrealean fungi responsible for the seasonal 'white mold spots' on acrylic varnish coatings used to protect murals in the Wu-Kui Tomb, a Koguryo World Heritage Site. Two known species, <em>Acremonium camptosporum</em> and <em>Sarocladium kiliense</em>, along with a novel taxon, <em>Leptobacillium muralicola</em>, were distinguished through morphological comparison and phylogenetic analysis of LSU and ITS sequence data. The study employed both culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches to characterize the fungal community, revealing that <em>L. muralicola</em> can be differentiated by its colonial color changes from greyish white to greenish white over time and a distinct conidial length-to-width ratio. This finding sheds light on the microbial factors contributing to the deterioration of cultural heritage sites.
Acropolis, Athens
—
2019 —
WHE5499E4F7F8
A groundbreaking analysis of the Acropolis of Athens reveals that its iconic monuments, designed to symbolize Athenian democracy and glory, were paradoxically more or less invisible during their heyday in 400s BCE. The study identifies three distinct types of invisibility—literal occlusion, situational visibility, and ideological concealment—that challenge traditional art historical narratives. By examining ancient texts and architectural contexts, the research demonstrates how visibility was contingent on factors such as light, perspective, and political symbolism. This finding reshapes our understanding of the Acropolis's role in Classical Greek culture and its enduring legacy.
Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve
—
2019 —
WHEA81BFF008A
New isotopic analysis of Wrangel Island woolly mammoths reveals that their population did not face deteriorating forage quality or quantity before extinction, contrary to prior suggestions. Carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur isotope data from 77 radiocarbon-dated specimens show that the island's mammoths maintained stable nitrogen values akin to their Beringian ancestors until their demise around 4000 years ago. However, their carbon isotope signatures suggest a lower need for cold-adaptive strategies compared to Siberian mammoths. Increased mid-Holocene weathering of rock formations, indicated by sulfur isotopes, may have contributed to water quality issues or even catastrophic starvation events, potentially playing a role in their extinction.
Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa
—
2019 —
WHE6F5A6D1049
A key insight from this study is that the Dalai Lama's role as a sacral ruler, embodying both political authority and religious salvation, was crucial in stabilizing Tibet's governance during the 18th century. The research reveals how the Dalai Lama unified conflicting social and ideological differences through his dual function as a reincarnated figure of salvation and an earthly emanation of Avalokites´vara, while also legitimizing foreign rule by integrating it into a priest-patron framework. The study employs historical analysis to explore Tibet's hierarchical structure, highlighting the tension between Buddhist moral principles and political action, which was managed through narrative unity and institutional consolidation, such as the establishment of central monasteries and pilgrimage sites.
Venice and its Lagoon
—
2019 —
WHE4C527B88F6
A meandering channel in the Venice Lagoon evolves under asymmetric tidal flows, developing depositional patterns akin to fluvial meanders dominated by flood or ebb currents. Enhanced sediment and water fluxes from lateral tributaries, sourced from wind-wave exposed tidal flats, critically influence erosional and depositional dynamics within these sheltered meanders. The study used 2-D and 3-D numerical models to analyze natural and anthropogenically induced changes in tidal flow asymmetries over the past 120 years, comparing results with historical and modern field data. Findings highlight how increased tidal asymmetry reduces the morphological effects of the nondominant flow, while lateral tributaries significantly alter meander development.
National Archeological Park of Tierradentro
—
2019 —
WHEDC07847585
A monolithic, state-protected vision of archaeological heritage often overlooks the diverse cultural and political perspectives of local communities, leading to conflicts rooted in historical inequalities. This study reveals that the establishment of the Tierradentro National Archaeological Park as a UNESCO World Heritage Site has failed to foster meaningful dialogue among stakeholders—including peasants, indigenous groups, and government authorities—despite its potential to bridge differing interpretations of archaeological heritage. The research employs ethnographic methods to analyze these tensions, highlighting how local communities' historically configured perspectives are frequently disregarded in favor of a singular scientific narrative. The findings underscore the urgent need for inclusive approaches that recognize the multifaceted significance of archaeological sites beyond mere scientific information, while addressing systemic exclusions that perpetuate social inequalities.
Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata
—
2019 —
WHE35429E1815
Archaeological evidence from Herculaneum reveals that timber-framing construction, known as opus craticium, was widely used during the Augustan Principate due to high demand for new constructions and repairs. The technique's pervasiveness is attributed to rapid urban development and the need for durable structures, while its preservation is linked to the anaerobic conditions created by the 79 AD Vesuvian eruption. This study highlights a dichotomy between historical accounts of timber-framing and actual construction practices, using literature review and on-site analysis, with Casa a Graticcio serving as a key example.
Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
—
2019 —
WHE8321F35B94
Pilgrimage to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in the second half of the 18th century exhibited distinct seasonal patterns, with two primary waves occurring in May-June and August. Analysis of material donations revealed that while total sums increased during peak pilgrimage periods, the largest contributions shifted from prayers and list recordings during low-activity months to relic veneration during high-activity months. This study deciphers the communicative code of pilgrimage, demonstrating how spatial arrangements within the Lavra facilitated close contact with relics through worship, prayer orders, and rituals like holy water sprinkling. The findings highlight the interplay between pilgrim needs and the Lavra's infrastructure in shaping religiosity.
