Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
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2018 —
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Nicotiana excelsior, a rare and visually striking plant species endemic to central Australia, has been highlighted for its horticultural potential. This species, documented from seeds collected at Kata-Tjuta-Uluru National Park, showcases unique ecological adaptations and traditional uses by Indigenous Australian communities. The study provides detailed insights into its etymology, ecology, and cultivation requirements, emphasizing its significance as both a scientific subject and an ornamental plant. By analyzing plants cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, researchers offer a comprehensive overview of this species' characteristics, contributing valuable knowledge to botanical science and horticulture.
Archaeological Site of Cyrene
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2018 —
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Research on the cemeteries of Cyrene reveals that monumental tombs were continuously used from the Archaic period through Roman times, challenging traditional notions of 'reuse' which imply distinct phases separated by hiatuses. The study, focusing on the Southern and Northern Necropolises, employs an 'anthological approach,' synthesizing data from recent surveys and excavations—including Tomb S1 and a tomb in the Northern Necropolis—to explore the dynamic, uninterrupted nature of these archaeological landscapes. This work serves as an introductory framework for future, more comprehensive analyses.
Bam and its Cultural Landscape
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2018 —
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An innovative 3D reconstitution method for Bam’s adobe Citadel has been developed to address the challenges posed by post-earthquake reconstruction. This approach integrates architectural heritage knowledge with aerial photogrammetry and diverse data sources—such as pre- and post-earthquake photos, drawings, videos, and texts—to accurately model complex adobe structures, including vaults, load-bearing walls, and spatial proportions. The Citadel is reconstructed using wireframe CAD-based 3D modeling, NURBS surface modeling, and visualized via VR/AR applications. Results are accessible through the RDF-based Bam3DCG platform (https://www.bam3DCG.com), offering a novel framework for heritage preservation and disaster recovery.
Durham Castle and Cathedral
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2018 —
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Durham Cathedral and the adjacent Norman Chapel, both commissioned by Bishop William of St. Calais, exhibit distinct architectural styles that reflect the political and cultural landscape following the Norman conquest of England in 1066. The cathedral's hybrid design blends Anglo-Saxon formal motifs with a Norman plan, symbolizing the bishop's strategic choices during this transitional period. In contrast, the chapel's stone capitals, likely crafted in Normandy and transported to Durham, embody the cultural influence of the duchy of Normandy. This study sheds light on the architectural hybridization of Durham Cathedral while providing insights into the commissioning context of the chapel within the broader narrative of Norman colonization.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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2018 —
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Jerusalem's archaeological history, from its earliest settlement to the Roman destruction in AD 70, remains largely unexplored due to continuous habitation and dense urbanization. A recent study by Klaus Bieberstein synthesizes existing data, highlighting significant gaps and challenges in excavation efforts, particularly in matching radiocarbon dating with archaeological finds. While early excavations (1960s–80s) provided preliminary insights, many findings remain unpublished or require reevaluation. The study emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to historical texts, noting that biblical narratives contrast with more straightforward interpretations of Josephus and the Maccabees books. Despite limitations, this work offers a foundational overview, serving as a springboard for future research.
Mount Wutai
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2018 —
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A significant encounter between Indian and Chinese medical traditions during the Tang Dynasty, facilitated by the Sinhalese monk Śākyamitra (567?–668+), led to a groundbreaking discovery with far-reaching implications. Śākyamitra's pilgrimage to Mount Wutai in 667 was not merely a religious journey but also a strategic mission to procure saltpeter, an essential ingredient for the immortal elixir sought by Emperor Gaozong of Tang. This encounter underscores the multifaceted nature of cultural exchanges between China and India, extending beyond religion into the realm of medical science. Saltpeter, a key component in gunpowder—one of China's Four Great Inventions—emerges as a pivotal element in this historical narrative. The study sheds light on the complex interplay between religious devotion, political patronage, and scientific innovation during this period.
Kaziranga National Park
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2018 —
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Kaziranga National Park, renowned for its one-horned rhinoceros population, has become a focal point of environmental conflicts in Assam, India. These conflicts, exacerbated since the park's inclusion in tiger conservation projects in 2007, involve complex interactions between ecological, social, political, cultural, and symbolic dimensions. The study reveals that legal frameworks, including the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and Public Interest Litigations, have been either rigidly applied or distorted, while the Forest Rights Act 2006 has largely gone unenforced in Assam. Through an analysis of these conflicts, the research highlights the challenges and inefficiencies inherent in India's nature protection policies, illustrating how legal mechanisms can both facilitate and hinder environmental conservation efforts.
Fujian Tulou
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2018 —
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A comparative analysis of two UNESCO-listed traditional communities, China's Fujian Tulou and South Korea's Yangdong Village, reveals distinct yet interconnected cultural characteristics. The study found that while both represent bloodline-based communal living, Fujian Tulou embodies a harmonious integration with nature and a strong emphasis on ancestral worship, reflecting its clan-based society. In contrast, Yangdong Village, shaped by natural terrain, maintains a rigid social hierarchy rooted in Confucian values, illustrating the enduring influence of Confucianism on its governance and community structure. The research, conducted through field surveys and literature reviews, underscores the need for further investigation into self-governance mechanisms and governance systems that have preserved these traditional communities over time.
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai
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2018 —
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Eleventh-century cathedral schools in Normandy and the Southern Low Countries thrived primarily due to structural factors such as political stability, urban peace, religious uniformity, and a stable student audience, rather than solely relying on the reputation of individual schoolmasters. This contrasts with short-lived successes like Tournai's, which depended heavily on episcopal support and the prominence of its schoolmaster, Odo of Tournai. The study, based on a prosopographical analysis of 48 schoolmasters across ten dioceses, reveals that most schoolmasters remained at one institution throughout their careers, with mobility increasing only toward the century's end. Additionally, it challenges earlier assertions about early mobility among schoolmasters and highlights the pivotal role of bishops in establishing schools by providing funds and appointing external schoolmasters, a practice that evolved as schools became more ingrained within cathedral chapters.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
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2018 —
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Hebridean Neolithic pottery demonstrates remarkable conservatism, showing minimal change over 800 years despite environmental decline. Analysis of ceramic assemblages from Eilean Dòmhnuill, a loch islet settlement in North Uist, reveals strong regional ties with Argyll, Arran, Bute, Orkney, and northeast Scotland, suggesting a distinctive and stable potting tradition until the introduction of Grooved Ware around 3000 BC. The study proposes that elaborately decorated pottery, often found on small artificial islets with little domestic evidence, played a key role in mediating social relations through commensality after agriculture's introduction in the late 4th millennium BC. This conservatism raises questions about the adaptive resilience of early farming communities before significant social transformations in the early 3rd millennium BC.
Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs)
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2018 —
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A comprehensive glacier inventory for the Karakoram and Pamir mountain ranges, including Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs), reveals that debris-covered glaciers account for 10% of the total glacierized area, with larger glaciers showing up to 20% coverage. This study, contributing to global databases like RGI and GLIMS, mapped over 27,800 glaciers covering 35,520±1948 km² using Landsat data from around the year 2000, combined with ALOS-1 PALSAR-1 coherence images for enhanced accuracy. Challenges such as shadows and debris cover were addressed through manual corrections and uncertainty assessments, providing critical data for modeling glacier dynamics, runoff, and volume changes in High Mountain Asia.
Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Albán
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2018 —
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A diachronic perspective on the prehispanic ceramic tradition of the Valley of Oaxaca, including Monte Albán, reveals significant temporal expansions and refinements to the pottery record since the foundational work by Caso, Bernal, and Acosta in 1967. Over five decades, fieldwork and analysis have enhanced the original ceramic typology and chronology, providing new insights into pottery production and extending research issues across three millennia. This synthesis of recent developments establishes a robust foundation for investigating shifts in the region's ceramic complex, offering deeper understanding of its cultural evolution.
Churches of Chiloé
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2018 —
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Research reveals that the fungal genus Fomitiporella is paraphyletic, with several distinct lineages previously grouped under it. Phylogenetic analysis of 28S and ITS nuc rDNA sequences, combined with morphological and ecological data, identified a well-supported core group within Fomitiporella while distinguishing other genera like Arambarria, Inocutis, and Phellinotus based on traits such as macro and micromorphology or biogeographic distribution. Notably, the study reports the first record of <em>Fomitiporella americana</em> in southern South America, specifically in Patagonian forests and historic churches of Chiloé Island, Chile, where it contributes to white heart-rot decay in standing <em>Austrocedrus chilensis</em>. This discovery expands the known distribution of the species and highlights its role in degrading wooden structures, with implications for conservation efforts.
Convent of Christ in Tomar
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2018 —
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A comprehensive analysis of the Convent of Christ in Tomar reveals the significant role of its surrounding landscape in shaping its historical identity and architectural character. The study defines a landscape unit by examining the spatial and visual relationships between the monument and its immediate and distant surroundings, tracing transformations from its early occupation to the present day. This approach provides a nuanced understanding of the physical and visual continuities that connect the interiors of the convent with its broader landscape context, offering valuable insights for urban regeneration strategies.
Wadi Wurayah
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2018 —
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Researchers have documented the first confirmed presence of the Indian Crested Porcupine (<em>Hystrix indica</em>) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a significant extension—approximately 600 km—beyond its known range in Arabia. The discovery was made through camera trap images captured at two locations within Wadi Wurayah National Park (WWNP) between 2015 and 2016, alongside social surveys conducted in nearby villages, confirming long-term occupancy. This isolated subpopulation suggests a previously unrecorded presence of the species in the region, warranting further investigation into its genetic and demographic resilience.
Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley
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2018 —
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Lenggong Valley, Malaysia, holds significant potential as a geotourism and archaeotourism destination due to its diverse geological and archaeological heritage. A proposed geotouristic itinerary connects key geosites in the valley, highlighting their scientific, cultural, aesthetic, and recreational values. This itinerary aims to enhance conservation efforts while attracting visitors year-round by emphasizing the locations' accessibility, geological features, historical significance, and available facilities. It serves as an educational tool for various levels, including university courses, and can be followed by both experts and non-geologists with guidance from volunteers. The initiative seeks to foster sustainable geo-archaeotourism development, leveraging the valley's unique geodiversity.
Archipiélago de Revillagigedo
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking global database, PIAC, reveals how cyclic sea level fluctuations during the late Quaternary have dynamically reshaped island palaeo-geographies, challenging the focus on static conditions like the Last Glacial Maximum. This spatially explicit dataset tracks changes in 178 islands across 27 archipelagos, including the Revillagigedo Archipelago, with a 1 km² resolution over the last 35 kyr (and up to 140 kyr). By integrating high-resolution bathymetry and sea level data, PIAC provides unprecedented insights into island fusion and fission events, crucial for understanding insular biodiversity distributions and human settlement patterns. The accompanying R functions enable further customization, allowing researchers to explore additional islands, time steps, or higher resolutions. This work bridges gaps in global palaeo-environmental data, offering a robust tool for studying the interplay between sea level changes and ecological or archaeological processes.
Architectural Ensemble of the Trinity Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad
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2018 —
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A rare and previously understudied Greek Gospel manuscript from the 12th century, part of the Byzantine artistic tradition, has been identified within the collection of the Trinity Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad. This illuminated codex, housed in the Russian State Library, features four miniature portraits of the Evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) alongside decorative initials and illustrations. Unlike other works from this period, it lacks comprehensive artistic analysis, with existing descriptions primarily dating its creation to the 12th century. The manuscript's script belongs to the Chicago-Karahissar group, a significant but under-explored category of Byzantine manuscripts. This discovery highlights the Lavra's historical and cultural significance while contributing to broader research on Byzantine paleography and illumination.
Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves
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2018 —
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Dolphin watching tourism in Brazil's Fernando de Noronha archipelago has stagnated alongside the overall development of the destination. This study reveals that while boat-based dolphin watching is more popular due to its capacity to accommodate three times more tourists than land-based options, the latter offers greater educational value and lower environmental impact, presenting potential for growth. The research applies the Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) framework to analyze the historical development of this activity, identifying key stages that shaped its trajectory. Findings indicate that both dolphin watching and the archipelago's tourism are currently in a stagnation phase, with land-based watching emerging as a viable alternative for future growth.
Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan
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2018 —
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A significant archaeological discovery at Tell es-Sultan, ancient Jericho, reveals a hoard of five Chambardia rubens shells, native to the Nile, dating back to the Early Bronze Age II (3000–2800 BCE). These shells, found in a dwelling unit, provide tangible evidence of trade and cultural connections between the Southern Levant and Egypt. Chemical analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy confirmed the presence of Manganese Dioxide, an inorganic compound used as makeup in ancient Egypt and sourced from Sinai ores. This finding supports the role of international luxury goods trade in the urban rise during this period and suggests the emergence of a ruling elite influenced by Egyptian culture at Jericho.
Medina of Tunis
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2018 —
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Globalization has significantly transformed contemporary cities in the Islamic world, leading to a Westernized architectural identity that often overlooks traditional Islamic values and aesthetics. This study argues that architects and researchers can reclaim and reinvest these values in modern urban design, serving as an intermediary between global trends and local heritage. By comparing Dubai and Tunis, it highlights the ethical dimensions of architecture while advocating for a holistic approach that integrates Islamic principles into contemporary design practices.
Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto)
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2018 —
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A hybrid routing protocol, MPR-Light, significantly improves the efficiency and energy consumption of underwater acoustic networks without compromising performance. By integrating the robustness of flooding solutions with the relay selection strategies of Multi-Point Relay (MPR), this approach reduces network overhead while maintaining or enhancing packet delivery ratios and end-to-end latency. Field trials conducted off the coast of Palmaria Island, Italy, demonstrated that MPR-Light outperforms traditional protocols like MPR and Enhanced Flooding (EFlood) in real-world conditions, offering a scalable solution for reliable underwater communication.
Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork
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2018 —
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A light gun barrel from the Castle Museum in Malbork, Poland, dating to the late 15th or early 16th century, provides new insights into medieval metallurgy. The study reveals that the barrel, originally part of a handheld gun and later repurposed as a cannon, was made using the direct (bloomery) smelting process. This conclusion is supported by metallographic examinations and slag inclusion analysis with multivariate statistics, which identified the metal's composition as unevenly carburized soft steel (c. 0.1–0.2% C). The findings contribute to our understanding of early firearm manufacturing techniques in Europe.
Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada
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2018 —
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Contrary to historical belief, the Royal Library of the Nasrid Sultans at the Alhambra was not entirely destroyed by Cardinal Cisneros. A surviving manuscript, attributed to the last sultan of al-Andalus, Muhammad XI (Boabdil), reveals that the royal books were moved to North Africa during his exile. This finding challenges the narrative of their burning and sheds light on Nasrid manuscript culture. The study examines the manuscript's journey through the sultan's life, supported by an edited and translated ijāza certificate—one of the few surviving royal teaching certificates from this period. The research combines historical analysis with textual evidence to reconstruct the fate of the library.
Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple
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2018 —
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A material study of iron artifacts from the Three-Storied Stone Pagoda (Seokgatap) at Bulguksa Temple reveals that modern iron was likely used during its 2012 reconstruction. Analysis identified five types of iron—two steels, two white cast irons, and one gray cast iron—with radiocarbon dating suggesting the white cast irons originated between 640–990 CE, while the gray cast iron dates to approximately 30,000 years ago. Despite no historical records of repairs, the study suggests that some components may have been replaced with contemporary materials during later maintenance, complicating precise chronological determination due to the pagoda's lack of stratified layers.
Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement
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2018 —
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A novel method for selecting potential development regions in scenic areas, such as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, has been developed by integrating GPS tracking and social network analysis. The study identifies two key types of regions—those near core attractions and those exhibiting clustering behavior—by analyzing the spatial-temporal movements of 312 tourists on Gulangyu Island, a renowned heritage site in China. This approach combines tourist flow structures with inter-regional relationships to provide deeper quantitative insights for sustainable tourism planning. Unlike previous research that focused solely on GPS visualization, this method bridges the gap between behavioral data and development strategies, offering a more comprehensive tool for spatial analysis in tourism.
Røros Mining Town and the Circumference
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking methodology for long-term monitoring of climate change impacts on historic buildings has been established, enabling data-driven decision-making to address decay. The approach, developed through a Norwegian campaign involving 45 medieval structures—including 35 pre-1537 wooden and stone buildings, plus sites in Bryggen (Bergen) and Røros—combines zero-level registration with interval-based monitoring of key indicators. This framework, designed for a 30–50-year span, aims to detect climate-induced decay early, providing actionable insights for preservation efforts.
Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg
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2018 —
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This study introduces an integrated conceptual model for developing evidence-based health tourism products, which can effectively position tourism destinations. The model is based on examples of good practice and aims to serve as a framework for future sustainable development in health tourism. It draws from case studies such as 'Hohe Tauern Health' and the 'Alpine Health Region Salzburg,' demonstrating how natural resource-based approaches can be leveraged to create impactful health tourism offerings. The research highlights the potential of evidence-based products to contribute to the long-term sustainability of destinations, offering a practical guide for stakeholders in the tourism sector.
Maya Site of Copan
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2018 —
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Research at Copán, Honduras, reveals a nuanced understanding of Late Classic Maya community structure through the analysis of Structure 10L-22A. The study proposes that the term 'Popol Na' or 'Popol Otot,' historically translated as 'council house' or 'community house,' reflects the communal and governance functions of this architectural feature. By synthesizing colonial-era accounts, such as those by Diego de Landa and Pedro Moran, with modern archaeological insights, the research offers a model that aligns with earlier observations of Maya social organization, particularly in relation to Kurjack's reconstruction of Dzibilchaltun. This approach bridges historical documentation and contemporary archaeology to elucidate the societal dynamics of Copán during its peak period.
Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region
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2018 —
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Researchers have identified the likely source of manganese-based black pigment used by the Chinchorro culture for their distinctive mortuary art. Analyzing samples from mummies and manganese-bearing rocks in northern Chile's Altiplano, they found that the Lauca and Huaylas Formations match the isotopic and mineralogical characteristics of the pigment. This suggests the Chinchorro obtained raw materials either through direct travel to the Altiplano or via river transport during seasonal floods. The study employed advanced techniques like scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to trace the pigment's origin, offering new insights into the culture's resource procurement strategies.
Australian Convict Sites
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2018 —
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During Australia's colonial period (1788–1901), at least eleven offshore islands served as sites of punitive relocation for European convicts and Indigenous Australians, playing three critical roles: expanding territorial and commercial control through forced labor; disciplining misbehaving convicts to maintain colonial order; and expelling Indigenous populations resisting colonization. These 'colonial peripheries' functioned within a broader system of punishment that relied on mobility and distance, mirroring the flow of convicts between Britain and its Australian colonies. The study reconstructs this history through an analysis of official correspondence, revealing how carceral islands were instrumental in both governance and economic expansion.
Archaeological Site of Atapuerca
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2018 —
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A newly discovered Neandertal foot phalanx from the Galería de las Estatuas site (Spain) represents one of the oldest Late Neandertal fossils found inland on the Iberian Peninsula, dating to 107-112 ka BP. This distal phalanx exhibits robust and broad morphology typical of Neandertals, distinguishing it from modern humans. The find was recovered in a Mousterian stratigraphic context with evidence of sporadic carnivore activity, providing critical insights into Late Pleistocene human occupation and behavior at the Sierra de Atapuerca complex. The study employed metric comparisons with fossil and recent Homo samples to confirm Neandertal affiliation, leveraging single-grain optically stimulated luminescence dating to contextualize the discovery within the broader archaeological narrative of the region.
Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park
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2018 —
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Researchers have identified and described a new species of Anthurium, A. jorgemendietanum, endemic to La Amistad International Park (PILA), a binational UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning Panama and Costa Rica. This discovery contributes to the rich biodiversity of PILA, which hosts 62 known Anthurium species, six of which are endemic. The study provides detailed morphological descriptions, photographs, and illustrations of the new species, while also discussing its taxonomic affinities within the genus. La Amistad International Park, covering 401,000 hectares, is notable for its diverse vascular flora, including 3,046 species and 114 Araceae species, underscoring its ecological significance.
Mogao Caves
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking study resolves the long-standing debate on the construction chronology of three early Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes (Caves 268, 272, and 275) by determining they were built around AD 410–440, suggesting coeval rather than sequential development. This finding advances understanding of the establishment of the Mogao Grottoes, early Buddhism in the Gansu corridor, and its relationship with Central Plains Buddhism. The research integrates new radiocarbon (14C) data with existing archaeological and art historical evidence using Bayesian statistical modeling, significantly improving chronological resolution.
Bisotun
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2018 —
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The Behistun Inscription, traditionally recognized for its narrative of Darius I's ascent to power, is proposed as an imperial calendar marking historical victories and commemorations. This study reveals that the inscription not only synchronized Persian and Babylonian calendars but also served as a foundational tool for annual victory celebrations, drawing parallels with similar practices in Mesopotamia and Judea. The research examines the internal chronography of the inscription, its stability across the Achaemenid Empire, and evidence of anniversary celebrations, suggesting it played a role in institutionalizing battle commemorations.
Khangchendzonga National Park
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2018 —
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A rare butterfly, the Small Woodbrown Lethe nicetella, has been sighted in Khangchendzonga National Park, India, after a 120-year absence. Originally described by de Nicéville in 1887 based on historical collections, this species had no confirmed sightings since 1888 until its recent rediscovery. The study provides the first photographic evidence of a live individual and reviews historical records to confirm its presence in Sikkim. This finding suggests that similar cryptic taxa may exist, warranting further morphological and molecular exploration. The research bridges a significant gap in biodiversity documentation, highlighting the importance of field observations in understanding species distribution.
Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks
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2018 —
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A new rhynchosaur maxillary tooth plate morphotype, discovered in the Ischigualasto Formation (Late Triassic) of Northwestern Argentina, significantly expands the known morphological disparity of hyperodapedontine rhynchosaurs. This specimen, PVL 2728, features a unique combination of traits: a single longitudinal groove dividing symmetric lateral and medial tooth-bearing areas with relatively large tooth crowns, which deviates from previously documented South American rhynchosaurs. Quantitative analyses confirm its distinctiveness, suggesting a greater diversity in the group during the Late Triassic period. This finding challenges existing understanding of rhynchosaur evolution and distribution within southwestern Pangaea.
Hubei Shennongjia
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2018 —
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Researchers have identified and described <em>Rubia urceolata</em>, a new plant species endemic to Shennongjia National Park, Hubei Province, central China. This discovery adds to the region's unique biodiversity, particularly within the Rubiaceae family. The species is characterized by its sub-orbicular to ovate leaves and mericarp berry, which may initially resemble those of <em>Rubia ovatifolia</em>. However, distinct morphological features—such as its urceolate corolla, longer corolla tube (1.3–2 mm), and purplish red flower lobes—clearly differentiate it from its close relative. The study provides detailed morphological comparisons to support this identification, contributing new insights into the flora of Shennongjia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ecological significance.
Socotra Archipelago
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2018 —
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Researchers have identified a new species of stygobiont atyid shrimp, Halocaridinides, from the caves of Socotra Island, Yemen. This discovery marks the first atyid shrimp found in the Socotra Archipelago and the second species of this genus recorded from an Indian Ocean island. Unlike other Halocaridinides, this species inhabits non-anchialine environments, including subterranean brackish and freshwater systems. The new species exhibits notable morphological variability, with two distinct types: slender (tenuis) and robust (robustus). These variations may suggest local speciation or phenotypic plasticity. The study also provides an amended genus diagnosis and a key to all known Halocaridinides species, contributing to the understanding of their Indo-Pacific distribution and evolutionary origins.
Sassanid Archaeological Landscape of Fars Region
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2018 —
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An archaeological survey in the Mansourabad region of Behbehan, Iran, identified 55 previously unknown sites spanning from prehistory to the Late Islamic Period, with a notable concentration during the Middle Islamic Period. These sites include mounds, sherd/flint scatters, hill-top sites, caves, and standing structures such as shrines, water-mills, fortresses, and settlement structures. The survey, conducted in 2007 using GPS and random surface material collection, aimed to mitigate risks to ancient sites during seismic prospection by the Iranian Oil Company. The findings highlight the region's potential for tracking cultural interactions between Khuzestan and Fars, particularly in prehistoric times. This research contributes to a broader understanding of the Sassanid Archaeological Landscape of Fars Region, building on previous studies and ongoing systematic investigations.
M'Zab Valley
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2018 —
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Research reveals that the Ksourian landscape of M’zab Valley, Algeriaexhibits strong chromatic integration between urban settlements and natural surroundings. This study used the Natural Color System (NCS) to analyze color palettes from both landscapes, identifying perceptual similarities through NCS nominal and relation identities. Findings highlight the unique chromatic character of the Ksourian landscape as a key heritage value, with potential applications in urban restoration processes.
Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture
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2018 —
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A numerical landslide-tsunami hazard assessment technique demonstrates that tsunamis generated by hypothetical landslides at Es Vedrà, offshore Ibiza, decay rapidly with distance. Simulations show that while a 133-meter-high tsunami could reach 14.2 meters offshore Cala d’Hort (3 km away), its maximum run-up height would exceed 21.5 meters. In contrast, the wave height and inundation depth at Marina de Formentera (23 km away) are significantly smaller, at 2.7 meters and 1.2 meters, respectively. The study employs a hybrid modeling approach combining smoothed particle hydrodynamics for violent wave generation with SWASH for less computationally intensive offshore simulations, incorporating bottom friction and frequency dispersion. This technique supports site-specific landslide-tsunami hazard assessments, offering a framework for future investigations of real-world cases.
Mbanza Kongo, Vestiges of the Capital of the former Kingdom of Kongo
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2018 —
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This study reveals how the Portuguese colonial landscape of São Salvador do Congo (modern-day Mbanza Kongo, Angola) was strategically constructed to legitimize Portugal's territorial claims during the late 19th-century Scramble for Africa. By analyzing colonial narratives and archaeological evidence, researchers demonstrate that the city's landscape—marked by structures of power and religious significance—served as a symbolic tool to assert dominance over the southern Congo region. The findings highlight how Portuguese discourse, particularly in the context of the Berlin Conference (1884-1885), framed the site as a testament to historical achievements, reinforcing socio-political control while erasing indigenous histories. This approach underscores the intersection of colonial power dynamics and material culture in shaping Africa's political boundaries.
Masada
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2018 —
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A six-month ethnographic study at Masada National Park reveals that the meaning and significance of the site for tourists stem more from their interactions with one another than from the mythical narratives surrounding it. The research, conducted through participant observation during Youth Israel Experience Tours, challenges conventional interpretations by analyzing both the tour structure and post-tourist practices. Footnotes serve as a critical lens, offering dialectical responses that question and reinterpret the tour experience. This approach highlights the dynamic relationship between collective tourist behavior and place-making, providing new insights into how shared experiences shape cultural significance.
Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town
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2018 —
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A phytosociological study of the Idna-Hebron region in Palestine identifies three distinct forest types, each characterized by unique plant communities and high levels of endemism. The research reveals that 20.83% of the 48 species recorded are endemic, with the Pino halepensis-Quercetum lookii association being particularly notable for its inframediterranean dry-thermomediterranean environment. The study also proposes three new plant associations and two alliances based on statistical and phytosociological analyses, contributing to the understanding of biodiversity in this region. The research employs the Braun-Blanquet method to analyze 17 vegetation plots across the area, which includes the Abu Salman Forest Reserve, Khallet Osman mountains, and Hamra Aslimi.
Assumption Cathedral and Monastery of the town-island of Sviyazhsk
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2018 —
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An automated system has been developed to streamline the documentation, monitoring, and analysis of restoration efforts for the 16th-century Assumption Cathedral and Monastery in Sviyazhsk. This innovative approach integrates a knowledge base for damage assessment, protective measures, and scientific research with a visualization module featuring 2D and 3D models of the site, including sampling locations. The system also tracks environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity over time, ensuring comprehensive monitoring and control. Additionally, a physical sample database is established to catalog samples with unique identifiers, including details on location, date, and storage. This unified information system aims to centralize all periodic and current observations, enhancing the preservation and study of this historically significant architectural ensemble.
Ancient City of Aleppo
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2018 —
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Terrorist groups, such as ISIL, exploit Islamic narratives to justify their actions while systematically destroying cultural heritage sites, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Ancient City of Aleppo. Despite claiming affiliation with Islam, these groups have been responsible for significant damage to religious and historical landmarks, such as the minaret of the Great Mosque of Aleppo and ancient temples in Palmyra, since 2014. The study highlights a contradiction between ISIL's self-proclaimed Islamic identity and their deliberate destruction of cultural relics, raising questions about the authenticity of their religious claims. This research exposes the strategic use of cultural heritage as a target to achieve political goals, contrasting with Islamic principles that emphasize preservation. The analysis relies on documented cases of destruction in Syria and Iraq, underscoring the urgent need for international safeguarding efforts.
Ancient City of Damascus
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2018 —
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General Henri Gouraud's proconsulship in Syria (1919–1923) revealed the tension between colonial ambitions and post-war diplomatic realities, marked by the Sykes-Picot Agreement's dominance over earlier Arab-British pacts. Despite Gouraud's reputation for maintaining cordial relations with British commanders, his mission to establish French authority in Syria was constrained by shifting political dynamics, including the League of Nations' mandate system and the rise of Arab nationalism under Faisal. The study highlights how France's post-war policy, under Millerand, prioritized collaboration with Turkish nationalists over Arab independence, leading to a Pyrrhic victory for Gouraud. His tenure underscored the transition from direct colonial rule to indirect influence, challenging the 'colonial humanism' promoted by French officials.
Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil)
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2018 —
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The urban planning of the Jesuit Mission of São Miguel Arcanjo in 18th-century Brazil significantly influenced the spatial development and social dynamics of modern São Miguel das Missões. Research reveals that the mission's design fostered racial segregation, economic disparity among rural elites, and enduring urban patterns still visible today. The study analyzed historical documents, urban plans, and interviews with local officials to trace how the mission's layout—originally intended for indigenous Guarani communities—shaped the city's structure, perpetuating social inequalities. This work underscores the lasting impact of colonial-era spatial organization on contemporary urbanization in the region.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
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2018 —
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A rare, articulated sturgeon fossil from the Upper Cretaceous of Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada, has been identified as a new genus and species, †Anchiacipenser acanthaspis. This discovery is significant because articulated sturgeon skeletons are uncommon in North American Upper Cretaceous deposits. The specimen, preserved with a skull and anterior half to two-thirds of the body, exhibits unique diagnostic features such as strongly ornamented dermal cranial bones, large dorsal scutes with median spines, and extensive smaller scales on the flanks. Phylogenetic analysis confirms its placement within the Acipenseridae family, though its exact relationships remain unclear. This finding contributes to our understanding of sturgeon evolution during the Late Cretaceous period.
