Frontiers of the Roman Empire – Dacia
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2018 —
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Romania's bid to list the Frontiers of the Roman Empire (Limes) as a UNESCO World Heritage Site underscores the critical intersection of archaeological research, heritage protection, and sustainable tourism. The study clarifies diverse interpretations of 'limes' while emphasizing the distinct responsibilities of stakeholders—archaeologists, policymakers, and tourism industries—in both the nomination process and post-inscription stewardship. It highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts to preserve these ancient frontiers, balancing scientific inquiry with cultural and economic imperatives. The research serves as a timely call to action, addressing challenges such as funding, legal frameworks, and public engagement essential for safeguarding this global heritage.
Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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2018 —
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A novel approach to biological conservation, leveraging gradient descent algorithms and utility formulas, identifies critical areas for ecological restoration within buffer zones. The study maps landscape security patterns for Macaca mulatta in the Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area (WSA), pinpointing four core habitats and three potential source candidates while delineating key ecological corridors to enhance connectivity between populations. By categorizing regions based on resistance levels and proximity to suitable sources, the research provides a strategic framework for conservation efforts, emphasizing high-resistance areas within buffer zones as priority restoration targets. This method offers practical significance for preserving biodiversity, exemplified by its application to the Macaca mulatta population in WSA.
Pasargadae
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2018 —
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A recent analysis reveals the multifaceted impacts of UNESCO World Heritage inscription on Pasargadae, a site inscribed in 2004. The study examines how Iran's proactive heritage conservation policies, exemplified by the 2018 addition of the 'Paysage archéologique sassanide du Fars' to the UNESCO list, influence local cultural landscapes and preservation efforts. By focusing on Pasargadae, this work offers a nuanced perspective on the consequences of such patrimonialization, blending architectural expertise with scholarly insights. The research approach combines historical analysis with contemporary assessments of heritage management, providing a comprehensive view of the challenges and benefits faced by sites under UNESCO protection.
Old Town of Corfu
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2018 —
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Local communities in Corfu perceive all-inclusive resorts and cruises with mixed views on sustainability, highlighting tensions between economic benefits and environmental impacts. The study, conducted through questionnaires, reveals that while residents acknowledge the importance of tourism for their livelihoods, they also express concerns about overdevelopment, noise pollution, and the strain on local infrastructure. This case study underscores the complexity of balancing tourism growth with sustainable practices, offering insights into how communities grapple with the concept of sustainability in a high-tourism destination.
Western Tien-Shan
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2018 —
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A new species of Allium, named Allium sarychelekense, has been discovered in the Western Tien-Shan region of Kirghizia. This species is closely related to A. arkitense and both are endemic to the eastern part of the Fergana Valley, belonging to the section Acmopetala within the subgenus Melanocrommyum. The discovery was made through systematic botanical surveying and taxonomic analysis, highlighting the region's rich floral diversity. This finding contributes to the understanding of plant biodiversity in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Western Tien-Shan, emphasizing the need for its conservation.
Okavango Delta
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2018 —
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Climate change is projected to significantly alter the hydro-ecological conditions of the Okavango Delta, with potential consequences for wildlife management and economic stability. Using a suite of global climate models (GCMs) and hydrological models, researchers simulated future scenarios that range from much drier to much wetter than historical records. These changes could reshape the extent and distribution of major ecotopes, impacting grazing patterns for large herbivores and fish populations. The study underscores the need for flexible management planning and land-use systems to adapt to these potential shifts.
Fanjingshan
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2018 —
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Guizhou golden monkeys (Rhinopithecus brelichi) exhibit significant seasonal and altitudinal variations in habitat selection, with their foraging behavior shifting between a broad elevation range (1432–2100 m) during spring/winter and a narrower band (1700–1900 m) from April to September. This pattern is driven by differences in plant food availability across elevations and seasons, suggesting an energy-efficient foraging strategy that minimizes search time. The study, conducted at Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve between 2011 and 2013, highlights the importance of protecting all forested habitats within this elevation range to conserve the species' critical resources.
Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture
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2018 —
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A validated scale to measure brand identification among tourists has been developed, offering destination managers a tool to assess and target highly acknowledged tourist segments. The study, focusing on Ibiza, identified a one-dimensional model through rigorous psychometric testing of 24 measurement items, refining them into seven reliable and valid indicators. This approach enables more precise promotional strategies by understanding how tourists perceive their connection to the destination. The scale was validated with two samples: 308 Ibizan tourists for initial development and 126 visitors for confirmation.
Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking semi-immersive interactive gallery installation, created in 2004, visualized Peter Joseph Lenné's 1834 Mediterranean garden at Schloss Sanssouci, Potsdam. This innovative project featured highly detailed plant renderings on a panoramic display with a tangible interface, attracting around 20,000 visitors. The research highlights the uniqueness of this interaction design, which remains unparalleled in its approach. Additionally, the study introduces new book and table/door-format mockups and explores future prospects using Freeman Dyson's heuristic, projecting scenarios for 2018, 2032, and 2202. This exercise offers potential applications across diverse domains.
Galápagos Islands
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2018 —
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A comprehensive annotated checklist identifies 34 valid species of freshwater cladocerans (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) from Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, grouped into 23 genera. This compilation revises all published records, evaluates taxonomic validity, and provides biogeographical insights for each taxon. Despite this progress, current attempts to analyze distributional patterns remain premature due to insufficient data. The study highlights significant gaps in cladoceran taxonomy across Ecuador and offers recommendations for future research to address these deficiencies.
Umm Al-Jimāl
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2018 —
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Research at Umm al-Jimāl, Jordan, reveals previously unpublished basalt sculptures from a Nabataean-Roman to Byzantine settlement, offering new evidence of Hellenistic-Romanized embellishment in an Arab-Nabataean sanctuary. The fragments, dated to the first or second century AD, depict chariot groups driven by deities, paralleling similar statuary found in the nearby basalt desert of al-Ledjā (ancient Trachonitis). Analysis of these remnants suggests they were part of a larger sculptural complex likely destroyed during the Palmyrenean Campaign in the later third century AD. The study combines archaeological investigation with comparative analysis to reconstruct the sanctuary's significance and cultural context, bridging gaps in our understanding of this understudied region.
Complex of Koguryo Tombs
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2018 —
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Archaeological analysis of Koguryo tombs reveals that structures previously interpreted as evidence of tomb rituals, such as stone facilities and buildings atop burial mounds, likely served protective or symbolic roles rather than direct ritual functions. The study suggests that tomb rituals were divided into one-time ceremonies performed immediately after burial and regular rites conducted at the tomb's front, with the latter evolving from temporary ritual spaces to permanent structures like Buddhist tomb temples by the 6th century. Key findings include the inferred roles of stone slabs and artifacts in burial-related rites, challenging prior assumptions about Koguryo funerary practices.
Sagarmatha National Park
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2018 —
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A study assessing drinking water sources in Sagarmatha National Park (Mt Everest Region), Nepal, found that while physical parameters met World Health Organization standards, fecal contamination levels indicated low to moderate risk, failing Nepali national standards. The research, conducted during the 2016 premonsoon dry season, sampled 34 water sources and revealed a positive correlation between bacteria content and temperature, as well as a weak negative correlation with elevation. Samples from lower-elevation areas (<3500 m) showed higher levels of Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria, suggesting increased surface water influence in these regions. The findings highlight the potential for deeper groundwater to remain uncontaminated, warranting further investigation.
Bale Mountains National Park
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2018 —
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Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) in southeastern Ethiopia has been found to significantly benefit local communities, particularly in terms of livelihood improvements. The study assessed the economic and social impacts on nearby populations, revealing that the park's establishment has contributed positively to their well-being. Researchers employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data. This assessment highlights the potential for protected areas to serve as catalysts for sustainable development when effectively integrated with community needs. The findings underscore the importance of balancing conservation goals with local livelihood enhancement strategies.
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
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2018 —
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Monarch butterflies face severe habitat loss and degradation due to industrial agriculture expansion, threatening their survival. This study highlights the impact of monocultures on ecological diversity and stability, contrasting with the protected Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, which safeguards 56,259 hectares, including critical wintering forests spanning 13,551 hectares. The research employs an ecological auto-ethnography approach, documenting the species' annual migration from North America to Michoacán and Estado de México while analyzing regulatory challenges and environmental pressures. It underscores the vulnerability of monocultures to ecological catastrophes and their role in accelerating species extinction, emphasizing the need for habitat preservation to sustain monarch populations.
Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces
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2018 —
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A vine-physiology based study on the Lavaux vineyard terraces, Switzerland, reveals significant small-scale terroir variations in Chasselas grape cultivation. The research found that altitude was a key driver of budburst and flowering timing, with higher-altitude plots showing earlier phenological development. Notably, while these plots exhibited lower sugar concentrations at maturity (70-84° Oechsle), they accumulated the highest sugar quantities per berry, up to 26% variation. Individual berry weight varied by 35%, highlighting substantial differences in ripening patterns across the 140-ha terraced landscape. This ongoing study demonstrates the potential of vine physiology measurements to characterize terroir at a fine scale, offering insights into grape quality and viticultural practices.
Taputapuātea
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2018 —
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A systematic survey method for archaeoastronomical research, applied to standing stones at the Hauviri and Taputapuātea maraes in Ra’iātea, has identified a potential alignment with significant navigational stars during the Matariki season around AD1250. This finding suggests that the stones may serve as an analogue 'star compass,' guiding voyages or commemorating important celestial events. The method, designed for rapid, low-cost data collection, provides accurate azimuth comparisons and rich positional data, enabling further in-depth analysis. While the study confirms one specific scenario deserving deeper investigation, it also establishes a benchmark dataset for future research on Polynesian archaeoastronomy.
Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory
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2018 —
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Djerba's medieval history, characterized by its unique Ibadi 'islandscape,' is revealed through overlapping layers of geography, ecology, social settlement patterns, and commercial activities. This approach deviates from traditional chronological surveys, instead focusing on how these interconnected elements shaped the island's identity during the medieval period. The study highlights Djerba as a distinctive case study within Islamic history, offering insights into the spatial organization and socio-economic dynamics of Ibadi communities in an island territory.
Ivrea, industrial city of the 20th century
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2018 —
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A novel Geographic Information System (GIS) model for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, applied to Ivrea's 20th-century industrial landscape, demonstrates how advanced IT/ICT innovations can dynamically capture and promote the economic value of cultural heritage. This approach transcends traditional static management plans by offering interoperable, scalable solutions that support urban-scale projects while fostering indirect public engagement with heritage resources. The study bridges theoretical gaps in existing methodologies, providing a framework for adaptive, context-sensitive management that aligns with evolving conservation needs and local development goals.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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2018 —
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The Russian Consulate in Jerusalem, established between 1858 and 1914, significantly influenced the development of contemporary Jerusalem by facilitating the construction of the first district for Russian pilgrims outside the Old City walls. This study reveals that the consulate's role extended beyond diplomatic functions, encompassing complex ecclesiastic and humanitarian issues, positioning it as a pivotal institution within the European missions in the Holy City. By analyzing the Foreign Policy Archive of the Russian Empire, the research sheds light on the Russian presence in Palestine during this period, contributing to the broader understanding of Russian foreign policy in the Christian Orient. The findings highlight the consulate's multifaceted impact on both the city's urban landscape and its diplomatic relations.
Amiens Cathedral
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2018 —
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A detailed representation of an apothecary, complete with pestle and mortar, is embedded within the choir of Amiens Cathedral, dating back to 1508–19. This depiction offers a rare visual insight into pharmaceutical practices around the time of the Field of the Cloth of Gold (1520), a significant historical event marking a meeting between English and French monarchs during the Renaissance. The figure serves as an artistic record of early pharmacy, reflecting both the tools and the role of pharmacists in society during this period.
Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada
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2018 —
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A previously unknown large-format volume containing preliminary drawings, original illustrations, and proofs of plates for James Cavanah Murphy's <em>The Arabian Antiquities of Spain</em> (1816) has been discovered in the Gennadius Library, Athens. The collection includes sketches of major Hispano-Islamic monuments such as the Alhambra, Generalife, and Great Mosque at Córdoba, alongside notes by Murphy to engravers and hand-tinted drawings, revealing his interest in polychromy. This finding enhances our understanding of the monuments depicted in the published plates and sheds light on Murphy's pioneering role in architectural scholarship, chromolithography, and early 19th-century book trade practices.
Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata
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2018 —
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The Digital Corpus of Literary Papyri (DCLP) initiative successfully established a comprehensive framework for a large-scale corpus of literary papyri, integrating both canonical and subliterary texts such as medical or magical works. By leveraging existing infrastructure from www.papyri.info and encoding content in the EpiDoc XML-TEI format, the project customized search, browse, and editing functionalities to meet the needs of literary text researchers while encouraging engagement with all papyrological sources. The DCLP enabled cross-corpus searches across both literary and documentary texts housed in the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri (DDbDP). Collaboration with institutions worldwide, including contributions from the Leuven Database of Ancient Books (LDAB), enriched the metadata backbone of each record. This groundbreaking initiative, supported by NEH/DFG and completed in 2017, bridges gaps between literary and documentary papyrology, offering a robust digital resource for scholarly research.
Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena
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2018 —
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Cartagena's port logistics sector is emerging as a strategic cluster of significant importance, not only for the local and national economy but also for the Caribbean region. The study reveals that the sector's competitive advantage stems from substantial investments in infrastructure and its strategic location, enabling connectivity with over 600 ports across 140 countries. This analysis, based on Danny Miller's strategic configuration model and Porter's Five Forces Competitiveness Model, highlights the sector's potential to sustain and enhance its role as a key driver of economic development and trade flows.
Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica
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2018 —
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A multi-criteria analysis combined with geographical information system (GIS) demonstrates that the suitability of abandoned railways for greenway conversion depends on both the intrinsic characteristics of the track and the surrounding landscape quality. The study, conducted on two abandoned railway lines in Syracuse, Sicily, highlights that marginal values, cultural heritage, and development opportunities significantly influence the potential for agro-touristic and cultural use. This methodology offers a scalable approach to prioritize greenway conversions, balancing rural land preservation with urban and economic development needs. While the findings are specific to Sicilian landscapes, the analytical framework is broadly applicable.
Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking analysis of human remains from the Moscow Kremlin necropolises, spanning the 16th and 17th centuries, has confirmed acute mercury poisoning in Anastasia Romanovna, the first Russian Tsarina, who died in 1560. Using neutron activation analysis (NAA) at two facilities—the IREN source of resonance neutrons and the IBR-2 reactor—researchers detected high levels of mercury not only in Anastasia's remains but also in those of Tsarevich Ivan Ivanovich (died 1581), son of Tsar Ivan the Terrible, and Prince Mikhail Vasil’evich Skopin-Shuiskii (died 1610). The study employed both relative and absolute NAA methods to quantify arsenic, mercury, and other elements with precision. Conducted at the Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics (FLNP) JINR, this research sheds light on historical figures' health, leveraging advanced spectrometric techniques and automated measurement systems.
Historic City of Ahmadabad
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2018 —
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A significant cooling effect of water bodies on land surface temperature (LST) is demonstrated, with Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh showing an average temperature dip of 7.51°C during summer and 3.12°C in winter over three years. The Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad also exhibits notable cooling, reducing temperatures by approximately 1.57°C to 1.71°C on its right bank and around 0.69°C to 0.65°C on the left bank within a 200–300 m influence distance. This study provides direct evidence using remote sensing techniques, specifically Landsat images from 2009–2011, highlighting how surface water features mitigate urban heat island (UHI) effects through evaporation. The findings underscore the potential of water bodies in sustainable urban planning to combat rising temperatures caused by unplanned development and reduced green cover.
Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun
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2018 —
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Passive energy-saving retrofitting can significantly reduce energy consumption and improve indoor thermal environments in traditional rural residential houses, such as those found in Hongcun Village within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui. The study demonstrated that targeted retrofitting measures effectively enhance sustainability without relying on advanced technologies, aligning with the region's historical construction constraints. Researchers modeled annual temperature, humidity, and energy consumption to validate these findings, offering practical insights for preserving cultural heritage while integrating modern green building principles.
Historic Centre of Warsaw
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2018 —
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A critical assessment of retaining wall stability in Warsaw's historic center reveals significant structural vulnerabilities in areas designated as cultural heritage sites. The study, focusing on two case studies—one near Ordynacka and Tamka streets, and the other along Brzozowa Street in the Old Town—highlights how wartime destruction has left underground remnants that now face modern challenges, including altered load conditions and ground water dynamics. Expert investigations showed that these walls, often part of destroyed buildings, require careful repair strategies that balance historical preservation with technical feasibility. The findings underscore the need for adaptive conservation approaches in densely urbanized heritage areas, where maintaining structural integrity is complicated by complex subsurface conditions.
Yungang Grottoes
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2018 —
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Balancing cultural heritage protection with sustainable tourism development is critical for sites like the Yungang Grottoes. This study highlights that while tourism drives economic growth and cultural exchange, it also poses significant risks to relic preservation due to environmental pressures and simplistic restoration practices. The research emphasizes the need for coordinated strategies that prioritize both the protection of cultural assets and their sustainable utilization as tourist attractions. By analyzing the Yungang Grottoes, the study underscores the challenges faced by heritage sites in modern urbanization processes, advocating for a more nuanced approach to heritage management that integrates conservation with tourism benefits.
Yosemite National Park
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2018 —
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A study on Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Yosemite National Park's upper Tuolumne and Merced rivers reveals that most populations retain indigenous ancestry despite extensive hatchery stocking. The research identifies adaptive genomic variation linked to anadromy, with higher frequencies in populations connected to reservoirs, suggesting potential for climate adaptation. It also highlights the importance of restoring migratory connectivity for steelhead recovery. The study used genetic surveys to evaluate population origins and evolutionary responses to natural and artificial migration barriers.
Sacred City of Anuradhapura
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2018 —
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Anuradhapura's significance as a sacred city was not solely shaped by British colonial efforts but was deeply ingrained in Sinhala consciousness, even when its architecture lay hidden beneath the jungle. The study reveals that while British archaeological work initially collaborated with local initiatives, it later became dominated by an imperial perspective, leading to tensions with southern Buddhist revivalists who sought to reclaim and protect sacred areas as exclusive national heritage. This shift marked a rupture in the city's narrative, highlighting the complex interplay between colonial power, indigenous identity, and historical preservation.
Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture
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2018 —
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Ancient DNA analysis of Phoenician remains from Ibiza reveals a genetic discontinuity between the island's early settlers and its modern inhabitants. The study, which included nine complete mitochondrial genomes from Punic necropoli and a Bronze Age site, alongside one low-coverage whole genome sequence, found that while modern Ibizans primarily trace their maternal ancestry to recent European populations, the Phoenician settlers exhibited significant Eastern Mediterranean influence—suggesting male-dominated gene flow. This indicates that the founding population's genetic legacy was largely lost over time. The findings challenge the assumption of continuous cultural and genetic transmission in the island's settlement history.
Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking analysis of ancient proteins from ceramic vessels at Çatalhöyük West, a pivotal Neolithic site in Anatolia, has unveiled the hidden culinary practices of early farming communities. The study demonstrates that these vessels contained traces of mixed cereals, pulses, dairy, and meat products, with some specifically reserved for specialized foods like cow milk and milk whey. This approach, leveraging protein analysis, offers unprecedented taxonomic and tissue-specific clarity, surpassing previous lipid-based methods. Remarkably, dietary proteins were found to persist on archaeological artefacts for at least 8000 years, providing a novel window into past culinary behaviors.
Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes
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2018 —
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Advanced imaging of sand dune interiors in the Badain Jaran Desert reveals previously obscured calcareous cementation layers and water tables with unprecedented clarity. The study introduces an anisotropic reverse-time migration (RTM) algorithm using curvilinear coordinates, which mitigates numerical scattering from rugged topography and accounts for electromagnetic anisotropy in sand dunes. This method outperforms traditional approaches like Kirchhoff migration, producing more coherent and high-resolution subsurface images. Synthetic modeling validated the technique's effectiveness, demonstrating its potential to improve GPR data interpretation in complex desert environments.
Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau
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2018 —
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Anni Albers' innovative weaving techniques, developed during her time at the Bauhaus, were significantly influenced by her participation in the 1929 Barcelona International Exhibition. Her designs for utilitarian weavings, including materials for drapery, upholstery, and wall-covering, showcased a dual functionality with one side optimized for acoustic absorption using straw-like synthetic material and chenille backing, while the other reflected light with silver finishing. This groundbreaking approach not only contributed to her Bauhaus degree in 1930 but also set a precedent for functional textile design. The study traces the origins of these innovations, highlighting Lilly Reich's pivotal role in the interior design of exhibition spaces and the broader impact of Bauhaus contributions at the Barcelona exhibition.
Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks
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2018 —
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A survey of ant species in the Ischigualasto Provincial Park, Argentina, revealed 33 distinct ant species, with 17 representing new records for the Monte Desert and Dry Chaco ecoregions. Prosopis forests emerged as hotspots for ant diversity, hosting 24 unique species out of the 32 identified there, surpassing Ramorinoa (11 species) and Bulnesia (4 species) forests. This study significantly advances our understanding of ant biodiversity in hyper-arid desert habitats, particularly within Prosopis forests, which are critical for conserving species richness amid ongoing desertification pressures.
Putorana Plateau
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2018 —
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Anthropomorphic sculptures (idols) on the Putorana Plateau, crafted from larch trunks without roots, are likely of Evenki origin and served as soul-keeper statues, reflecting a complex blend of indigenous religious beliefs. These idols, left behind by the Evenkis and Dolgans during their transition from nomadic to sedentary lifestyles, represent a material manifestation of historical idolatry systems. The study, combining ethnographic and geographical methods with informant data, confirmed that these sculptures were not portable and played a significant cultural role for native minorities. The research also highlights the enduring superstitions and traditions among modern Evenkis and Dolgans, integrating elements of Yakut, Nganasan beliefs, and Christianity.
Anticosti
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2018 —
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Anticosti Island emerges as a potential hot spot for the rare longhorned beetle, Neospondylis upiformis, in eastern Canada. Unprecedented numbers of this species were captured during an insect diversity inventory in 1993 and again in 2007, with over 90% of specimens originating from old-growth balsam fir stands in the island's south-central region. The study, conducted using ethanol- and α-pinene-baited Lindgren traps, revealed that adult flight activity peaks in early July, ranging from June to late July. In contrast, only 14 specimens were found across major Quebec insect collections, with the most recent dating back to 1964. This suggests Anticosti's unique ecological conditions may support a significant population of N. upiformis, warranting further conservation attention.
Sagarmatha National Park
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2018 —
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Leaf extracts of Berberis thomsoniana from Sagarmatha National Park exhibit the strongest antioxidant activity among tested samples, with radical scavenging efficacy ranging up to 98.47%. This species also contains the highest total phenolic (65.30 mg GAE/g dry weight) and flavonoid content (16.46 mg quercetin/g dry weight). The study employed DPPH assay for antioxidant activity assessment and Folin-Ciocalteau, aluminum chloride methods to quantify phenolics and flavonoids, respectively. Findings highlight B. thomsoniana's potential as a natural antioxidant source, addressing the gap in systematic phytochemical studies of Nepalese Berberis species.
Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures
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2018 —
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A refined chronological framework for the Antique period of Samarkand reveals distinct pottery styles that differentiate periods IIA, IIB, and III. Using combined Soviet and French-Uzbek excavation data, this study provides absolute dating proposals and interpretations, enhancing our understanding of cultural transitions in Central Asia. The research leverages stratified archaeological evidence to clarify the temporal boundaries between these phases, offering new insights into the site's complex history.
Cultural Landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana
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2018 —
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A diverse and complex portrayal of the 'Moro' figure emerges from an analysis of legendary narratives set in Mallorca's Serra de Tramuntana, challenging conventional negative stereotypes. The study, applying Heda Jason’s (2000) classification framework for ethnopoetic genres, systematically categorizes a corpus of folkloric tales where Muslims appear as protagonists or co-protagonists. Findings reveal that while many legends adopt a realistic tone, a significant subset leans toward the fabulous, showcasing the 'Moro' as a multifaceted character—contradicting the typical villainous depiction in popular imagination. This nuanced classification offers new insights into the cultural and symbolic dimensions of Moorish legends within Mediterranean folklore.
Speyer Cathedral
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2018 —
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A groundbreaking analysis reveals that geometric principles underpin the architectural designs of early medieval abbeys and cathedrals, including Speyer Cathedral. The study challenges long-standing skepticism about such methods by rigorously testing correlations between proposed geometric constructions and actual measurements from independent sources. While initial findings for Speyer Cathedral and Southwell Minster were omitted for brevity, Chartres Cathedral was prioritized due to its historical significance as a center of Christian Platonist teaching, which aligns with the study's focus on Platonic geometry. This research not only validates geometric analysis as a legitimate approach but also sheds light on the intellectual foundations influencing medieval architecture.
Costiera Amalfitana
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2018 —
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A novel approach combining field surveys and numerical modeling successfully reconstructs pumiceous debris flows on the Amalfi Coast, Italy. The study identifies the Voellmy model as the most suitable for describing friction-collisional resistance mechanisms in these flows, achieving high accuracy (average error <10 cm) when predicting deposit depths and shapes across multiple dam-break scenarios. This cost-effective method leverages terrestrial laser scanning and aerial photo-modelling to provide unprecedented data for model implementation, calibration, and validation. The findings offer a robust framework for assessing similar debris flow events and designing effective risk mitigation strategies in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Ancient City of Aleppo
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2018 —
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Sentinel-2 high-resolution multispectral imagery from the Copernicus program can effectively detect and track changes in heritage sites, including wall collapses and archaeological looting, with 10-meter spatial resolution. The study analyzed long-term Sentinel-2 datasets for the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aleppo (Syria) and other cultural landscapes, demonstrating accurate monitoring of textural properties and surface reflectance over time. Validation using very high-resolution imagery from Google Earth confirmed trends predating Sentinel-2's launch. The research highlights the potential of Sentinel-2's short revisiting time (5 days) and large coverage for multi-temporal tracking of urban sprawl and comparative condition assessments, paving the way for advanced machine learning applications in heritage conservation.
Palace and Park of Versailles
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2018 —
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Jean de La Fontaine's 'Les Amours de Psyché et de Cupidon' (1669) stands out as his most sustained engagement with a classical text, demonstrating deep knowledge of Apuleius' Latin novel 'Metamorphoses.' This 1669 adaptation expands the tale of Cupid and Psyche, embedding it within a frame narrative set in contemporary Paris, where four friends visit the under-construction Palace and Park of Versailles to hear one recount the story. The work not only seeks royal patronage but also subtly reflects La Fontaine's previous patron, Nicholas Fouquet, hinting at political undertones. A detailed comparison reveals significant additions and omissions from Apuleius' original, suggesting La Fontaine's familiarity with all three Greek novels available in France at the time. This adaptation foreshadows his role in the 'Querelle des Anciens et des Modernes,' where he championed classical literature, predating his 1687 'Épître à Huet.' Despite its lesser-known status compared to his 'Fables,' this work's symbolic significance as a classicizing piece was recognized contemporaneously, offering rich material for classical scholars.
Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur
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2018 —
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Archaeological heritage management at the Memphis and its Necropolis World Heritage Site faces significant challenges, including partial implementation of the site's management plan due to financial constraints. A case study using structured questionnaires revealed limited strategies for boosting visitor numbers and a need for better resource allocation. Centralized management requires restructuring, with recommendations for developing an integrated management plan and potentially creating a dedicated entity to oversee the site. Enhancing visitor understanding and experience also emerges as a critical area for improvement.
City of Cuzco
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2018 —
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Archaeological investigations at Yunkaray, located near Cuzco, Peru, reveal the rise and fall of a powerful pre-Inca polity that remained independent despite its proximity to the Inca Empire. Household excavations indicate that this large village was inhabited by a population with modest social distinctions, relying on local cultural identities rather than Inca influence. The study suggests that Yunkaray, the capital of the Ayarmaca group, maintained distinct political and cultural ties outside Inca control from approximately A.D. 1050 to 1450. This research sheds light on the complex interactions between pre-Inca societies and the emerging Inca Empire during a pivotal period in Andean history.
Dholavira: a Harappan City
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2018 —
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Ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dholavira, a significant Harappan civilization city in Gujarat, India, have revealed extensive subsurface water structures. These features, with dimensions larger than typical residential structures, suggest the presence of advanced hydraulic systems that likely suffered partial collapse due to flooding from the nearby Manhar River. The study, conducted over 12,276 m² using a 200 MHz antenna at a grid spacing of 2-3 m during the dry season, mapped soil strata up to 3.5-4 m depth and identified orthogonal linear features adjacent to rubble-filled areas, indicating flood damage patterns. This discovery sheds new light on the sophistication of Harappan urban planning and water management systems.
Archaeological Site of Troy
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2018 —
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Archaeological research on the Gallipoli peninsula reveals that despite its historical significance, it remained largely inaccessible to scholars due to military restrictions until 1979. Historical accounts by Herodotus, Thucydides, Strabo, and Xenophon provide rich descriptions of the peninsula's Classical era, yet archaeological focus had traditionally been directed toward more prominent sites like Troy or Alexandria Troas. The study highlights the peninsula's untapped potential for archaeological discovery, noting that Ottoman laws against antiquities removal were established as early as 1869. Limited excavations, such as those conducted by Heinrich Schliemann in the late 19th century and brief French campaigns during World War I, offer glimpses into its layered history but underscore the need for comprehensive, unrestricted research to fully uncover its past.
