K’gari (Fraser Island)
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2018 —
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A comprehensive dingo management strategy on K’gari (Fraser Island) has been implemented to balance human safety and dingo welfare, integrating risk intervention and public education. The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service's Fraser Island Dingo Conservation and Risk Management Strategy (FIDCRMS), introduced in 2013, combines four key programs: Risk Intervention, Communication and Education, Research, and Review. This summary focuses on the practical execution of the first two programs, which aim to mitigate risks while fostering community engagement and compliance. The approach leverages data-driven risk assessment, public awareness campaigns, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure sustainable coexistence between dingoes and humans in this UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.
Colonial City of Santo Domingo
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2018 —
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A re-evaluation of Spanish anti-maroon campaigns on Hispaniola reveals that these actions were integral to the prolonged and often incomplete process of Spanish conquest, challenging the dominant narrative of post-conquest colonial order. The study highlights that African maroons, traditionally seen as resistors, were also active 'conquerors' in their own right. This insight emerges from an analysis of a 1571 royal decree authorizing the 'conquest' of maroon communities, a term rarely used for anti-maroon campaigns, which typically employed euphemistic language like 'reduce,' 'pacify,' or 'dislodge.' The research approach involves examining the linguistic and historical context of this decree, linking it to broader patterns of resistance and conquest in Spanish America from 1519 to 1620.
Town of Luang Prabang
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2018 —
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Heritage in Luang Prabang is carefully managed to align with official political narratives while balancing the expectations of tourists and locals. The site's unique fusion of traditional Lao architecture and colonial European structures presents both opportunities and challenges for its presentation. Authorities must navigate ideological constraints within a nominally socialist society, aiming to create an engaging experience that resonates with visitors and gains local support. This study highlights the dynamic nature of heritage interpretation in Luang Prabang, where the targets of heritage presentations are not static, nor are their expectations consistent.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2018 —
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Research in the Kluane region reveals that early summer temperatures are a key driver of growth for both tall deciduous shrubs (Salix pulchra) and evergreen dwarf shrubs (Cassiope tetragona), despite their contrasting traits. This finding suggests that warming trends in Arctic-alpine environments may lead to synchronized vegetation changes across different habitats. The study used growth chronologies and NDVI data to demonstrate strong climate-vegetation relationships, indicating that regional temperature shifts could reshape tundra ecosystems more uniformly than previously understood.
Western Tien-Shan
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2018 —
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A new study projects contrasting streamflow regimes across the Tien Shan–Pamir–North Karakoram mountain complex, which supplies water to 42 million people. By the late 21st century, eastern slope basins are expected to see a 28% increase in streamflow (range: 9–44%), driven primarily by ice melt (39%, range: 25–65%). In contrast, western slopes may experience a 5% decrease (−24 to 16%) due to reduced precipitation and higher evapotranspiration. The findings, derived from CMIP5 climate projections integrated into a hydrological model, highlight divergent water availability impacts—potential benefits for degraded ecosystems in Xinjiang, China, but risks for Central Asian rivers, necessitating adaptive management strategies.
Nyungwe National Park
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2018 —
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Over half of community conservation projects funded through Rwanda's Revenue Sharing Scheme have collapsed due to lack of monitoring and impact evaluation, with no significant reduction in biodiversity threats observed around Nyungwe National Park. The study, analyzing data from 152 projects receiving RwF 1,133,195,986, found that the scheme's effectiveness is hindered by insufficient focus on community conservation compared to law enforcement. Recommendations include strengthening community-based initiatives and revising the revenue-sharing model, set to increase to 10% in fiscal year 2018-2019.
Nyungwe National Park
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2018 —
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Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda, despite efforts to integrate local communities into conservation and revenue-sharing programs through ecotourism, faces persistent threats such as poaching, illegal logging, and mining. While tourism numbers have surged recently, community-based initiatives remain underdeveloped, failing to fully address poverty alleviation goals. The study, based on interviews, questionnaires, Range-Based Monitoring (RBM) data, and tourism unit records, highlights the need for improved revenue-sharing mechanisms to enhance conservation participation and community development.
Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area
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2018 —
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Researchers have documented 48 previously unreported species of seed plants within the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) in Himachal Pradesh, Western Himalaya. This contribution significantly expands the known flora of the region, offering new insights into its biodiversity. The study enumerates these species alphabetically, providing brief descriptions based on field characters, phenology, and local distribution patterns. By building upon earlier work, this research enhances our understanding of the GHNP's ecological richness and supports conservation efforts in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pitons, cirques and remparts of Reunion Island
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2018 —
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Research on Piton de la Fournaise volcano, Réunion Island, reveals that its eruptive activity is directly linked to the fertility of its mantle source. The study demonstrates that decadal-scale eruptive sequences are initiated by melt extraction from fertile, incompatible element-enriched veins within the plume source, while reactive flow of enriched melts increases mantle porosity, promoting further melt extraction. This dual control mechanism led to a fourfold increase in magma supply between 1998 and 2014, offering insights into similar surges at other hotspot volcanoes like Kilauea, Hawaii. The findings highlight the critical role of lithological heterogeneities in mantle plumes in regulating short-term eruptive activity.
Rapa Nui National Park
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2018 —
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Chilean indigenous communities have successfully achieved co-administration or autonomous management of key National Parks and Reserves, significantly advancing their rights to self-determination. The study highlights two notable cases: the Atacameño communities' co-management of the Los Flamencos National Reserve in the Salar de Atacama and the Rapanui people's transfer of administration for Rapa Nui National Park. These achievements emerged from a broader process of ethnic mobilization, territorial demands, and legal recognition over three decades. The research compares these experiences, emphasizing their implications for indigenous autonomy and tourism management in protected areas.
Paphos
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2018 —
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A selection of cooking ware pottery, primarily dating to the early Roman period and predominantly produced on Cyprus, was excavated from the fill under the main courtyard of the 'Hellenistic' House at Nea Paphos–Maloutena during seasons 2014 and 2016. The study reveals that while Cypriot production dominated, imports were also present, originating from the Aegean, Italy, the Levant, and Egypt. This suggests a diverse trade network and cultural exchange in the region during this period. The research approach involved detailed excavation and analysis of pottery fragments, providing insights into the material culture and economic interactions of Nea Paphos during the early Roman era.
Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System
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2018 —
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A cooperative post-disaster reconstruction project successfully restored the Xijie historic quarter, located in the buffer zone of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Dujiangyan Irrigation System,' after severe damage from the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. The initiative, spanning from 2009 to 2013, revitalized an area covering 4.03 hectares where 80% of buildings were rendered non-functional. This case study highlights the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in preserving cultural heritage while ensuring post-disaster resilience. The approach involved a structured reconstruction process that balanced historical integrity with modern functional requirements, demonstrating a model for sustainable recovery in disaster-affected historic areas.
Wachau Cultural Landscape
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2018 —
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Organic vineyards, particularly those in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Wachau Cultural Landscape, face copper contamination due to long-term use of copper-based fungicides. This study found that while white clover absorbs more copper than grass, earthworms do not show significant differences in uptake across treatments. Among soil amendments tested—compost and biochar—biochar most effectively reduced copper bioavailability, though this did not translate to measurable differences in plant or earthworm copper content between treated and untreated plots. The research used atomic absorption spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) to quantify and map copper distribution within organisms, providing insights into potential remediation strategies for copper-contaminated vineyard soils.
Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection
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2018 —
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Marine protected areas (MPAs) in the equatorial eastern Pacific form a relatively well-connected network for coral reefs, with at least 40% of coral larvae annually settling within MPA boundaries. Critical hubs like Malpelo and Gorgona islands serve as stepping-stones between coastal and offshore MPAs, such as the Galapagos Islands, while Cocos Island exhibits low resilience potential. The study used a Lagrangian particle-tracking algorithm coupled with ocean-circulation modeling to assess connectivity under two pelagic larval duration (PLD) scenarios (40 and 130 days), revealing quasi-unidirectional larval flow from coastal to oceanic MPAs. Resilient MPAs, including Coiba and Malpelo, rely on subsidiary recruitment from coastal regions of Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia. The findings underscore the importance of integrating coastal MPAs into regional conservation initiatives like the Marine Conservation Corridor of the Eastern Tropical Pacific (MCCETP) to ensure coral reef resilience.
Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca
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2018 —
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Corruption is not just a feature of border enforcement but actively shapes the border itself, influencing its performance and logic. In George Town, Malaysia, migrants strategically use bribery to evade arrests and deportation, revealing how corrupt practices distort immigration policing. This study challenges conventional views on borders by demonstrating that they are not fixed demarcations but dynamic constructs shaped by everyday bordering practices. Fieldwork in George Town uncovered how corruption influences the enforcement of internal borders, affecting when, where, and why migrants face control. The findings highlight the need to recognize corruption as both a component and a performative element of border dynamics.
El Tajin, Pre-Hispanic City
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2018 —
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This ethnographic study reveals the complex interplay of cosmovisiones (worldviews) among indigenous Totonac communities in Veracruz, Mexico, highlighting how these perspectives shape identities, experiences of violence, and migration patterns. The research, conducted in San Antonio Ojital and El Tajín, employs participatory observation to capture daily interactions and recurring conversations, uncovering the plural and diverse nature of local worldviews. By focusing on the encounters and distances between researchers and participants, the study provides a nuanced understanding of how cultural narratives evolve within these communities.
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
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2018 —
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A study reveals that adolescents in Barreirinhas, Maranhão—located near the UNESCO-listed Lençóis Maranhenses National Park—are increasingly adopting behaviors influenced by visitors. The research, conducted through structured questionnaires with students at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Maranhão, found evidence of behavioral imitation, where new habits introduced by tourists are replacing local traditions. This suggests a dynamic cultural exchange driven by tourism, raising questions about the long-term impact on indigenous practices in gateway communities to World Heritage Sites.
Sian Ka'an
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2018 —
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A striking cover image from <em>Conservation Biology</em> showcases the juvenile French angelfish (<em>Pomacanthus paru</em>) within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mexico. The photograph, captured by renowned conservation photographer Keith Ellenbogen, underscores the region's ecological significance while advocating for its preservation. Ellenbogen's work, supported by partnerships with the Society for Conservation Biology and the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP), merges art and science to communicate critical conservation messages. His approach combines underwater photography with a focus on environmental storytelling, aiming to foster global awareness and action for biodiversity protection. The image serves as both a visual representation of Sian Ka'an's marine diversity and a call to address the challenges threatening its ecosystems.
Purnululu National Park
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2018 —
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Purnululu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Western Australia's Kimberley region, showcases the interplay between biological and geological processes. The unique banding on its karst formations is influenced by cyanobacteria and lichenized fungi, yet these fungi remain poorly studied. Collaborative research involving professional and amateur mycologists, alongside Indigenous custodians like the Gija and Jaru peoples, aims to unravel their ecological roles. Such studies are crucial for conserving both biotic and abiotic features of the park, offering insights applicable to other natural areas. The cover photograph by Art Wolfe underscores the importance of visual storytelling in conservation efforts.
Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
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2018 —
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Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra stands as a cornerstone of Ukrainian religious, artistic, and cultural heritage, serving as both a spiritual center and an educational institution for generations of artists and cultural workers. This study underscores its enduring significance in shaping Ukraine's cultural landscape, while also addressing contemporary challenges faced by the site. The research employs qualitative analysis to explore the Lavra's multifaceted role, examining its contributions to art, science, and religious life. By synthesizing historical and current perspectives, the article provides a nuanced understanding of the Lavra's impact on Ukrainian culture, highlighting both its achievements and ongoing struggles in preserving its legacy.
Crespi d'Adda
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2018 —
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Crespi d'Adda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a prime example of a 19th-century industrial village, is perceived as a relic of its past rather than a dynamic, evolving landscape. However, this perception overlooks the site's ongoing historical and geographical significance. The study argues that Crespi d'Adda's unique landscape, shaped by over a century of industrial activity, remains a living entity with untold narratives waiting to be rediscovered. It challenges the notion of the site as a static ruin, proposing instead that its evolution reflects complex interactions between human and natural forces. The research emphasizes the need for systematic interventions to make this 'landscape in becoming' more readable and coherent, positioning Crespi d'Adda as a valuable laboratory for urban studies, architecture, and cultural innovation. It also highlights the role of labor in shaping social identity within the village, suggesting that reintegrating work as a cultural medium could revitalize the community's sense of belonging.
Timbuktu
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2018 —
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The first prosecution for the destruction of cultural sites as a war crime at the International Criminal Court (ICC) involved Timbuktu. This landmark case underscores the significance of protecting such sites during conflicts and highlights their role in shaping national identity and historical narratives. The study examines the historical relationship between Mali and UNESCO, as well as the cultural and religious heritage of Timbuktu, to contextualize the destruction within an ongoing dialogue about Mali's future. It also explores the broader implications for anthropological studies of material culture, challenging traditional understandings of people's connections to sites and objects.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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2018 —
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park's forested ecosystems are highly vulnerable to sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) deposition, which can harm vegetation and aquatic life. Research reveals that current deposition levels exceed critical thresholds at three of four studied sites when using protective chemical criteria like aluminum to base cations (Al:Bc) = 0.1 or no decrease in base saturation. Modeling shows that even drastic reductions—48% for S and 56% for nitrate (NO₃⁻)—fail to meet critical thresholds for acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) or prevent soil acidification. Only a 90% reduction in both S and NO₃⁻ deposition achieves ANC = 100 μeq L⁻¹ at one site, underscoring the severity of N saturation in upper sites. The study emphasizes the need for stringent chemical criteria to protect sensitive ecosystems when setting deposition reduction targets.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2018 —
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Researchers identify a critical snow density threshold of 329 ± 18 kg/m³, above which the snowpack supports the mass of Dall’s sheep (Ovis dalli dalli), significantly influencing their winter movement and energetic costs. This finding suggests that changing snow conditions, potentially linked to recent population declines, could have profound implications for the species' survival in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve. The study analyzed track sink depths in relation to top layer snow density (0–10 cm), sheep age class, and other snow properties, revealing that snow depth and hardness were poor predictors compared to density. This threshold provides a key insight for predicting the consequences of altering snowpack conditions on wildlife.
Kakadu National Park
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2018 —
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A critical case at Kakadu National Park highlights the importance of thorough pre-clearing surveys and expert ecological consultation in infrastructure projects to prevent misidentification of threatened species, which can have significant biodiversity impacts. The study underscores that proactive involvement of skilled consultants throughout project phases—planning, design, and construction—can effectively balance development needs with threatened plant conservation. It also notes the potential for capacity-building initiatives, such as those involving Indigenous traditional owners and international collaborators, to enhance long-term conservation efforts in regions like Kakadu.
Venice and its Lagoon
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2018 —
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Cruise tourism, despite its rapid growth and apparent adoption of sustainable practices, poses significant environmental and societal challenges, particularly for fragile ecosystems like Venice's lagoon. The study highlights that while the cruise industry has embraced sustainability paradigms, critical issues persist, including differing perspectives among stakeholders—such as tourists, cruise companies, local authorities, and conservation groups—which complicate efforts to balance demand with ecological preservation. Venice's unique legislative framework and ongoing debates about cruise ships in its lagoon serve as a case study illustrating the complexities of achieving sustainable tourism. The research underscores the need for coordinated strategies to mitigate negative impacts while sustaining economic benefits.
Central Sikhote-Alin
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2018 —
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Researchers have uncovered significant insights into the crust and upper mantle structure of the southern Sikhote-Alin Orogenic Belt (SAOB) using magnetotelluric sounding (MTS) data. The study, conducted along the Spassk-Dalnyi–Zerkal’naya Bay profile, revealed a complex geoelectric section with variable resistivity zones in the crust and upper mantle, extending down to 150 km depth. Notably, low-resistivity zones associated with ore deposits were identified in the upper crust, while the upper mantle exhibited nonuniform resistivity, with the lowest values observed between 40–80 km beneath the central SAOB. This structure is linked to an ancient subduction zone, and the study also evaluated the temperature regime in the upper mantle and proposed a geodynamic evolution model for the region. The findings contribute to understanding the deep geological processes shaping this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Western Caucasus
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2018 —
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Researchers have uncovered the first documented case of species co-occurrence among stygobiotic (cave-dwelling) shrimp in the Western Caucasus, revealing two distinct genetic lineages within the genus <em>Xiphocaridinella</em> inhabiting neighboring karst caves. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the isolation of cave-adapted species. The study employed DNA barcoding to identify cryptic diversity and described a new species alongside a morphological re-description of <em>Xiphocaridinella ablaskiri</em>. Additionally, it analyzed COI mtDNA data to contextualize Western Caucasian <em>Xiphocaridinella</em> species within broader stygobiotic shrimp co-occurrence patterns.
Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture
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2018 —
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Archaeological research at the Tiwanaku colony of Omo M10, Moquegua, Peru, reveals that cultural encounters between highland and coastal groups during AD 650–1100 did not necessarily lead to significant culture change. Instead, interactions were largely confined to mortuary rituals, reflecting a ritualized approach to culture contact. This study demonstrates that even in the absence of widespread cultural transformation, such encounters can still be identified through careful regional historical analysis and contextual examination. The findings suggest that later generations of Tiwanaku colonists may have reinitiated contact with coastal communities for resource access and integration, providing a framework for understanding non-transformative cultural exchanges.
Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta
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2018 —
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A combination of seed sowing and transplanting greenhouse-grown plants proved most effective for reintroducing grassland species to ancient burial mounds, balancing cost-efficiency with higher establishment rates. Large-seeded species thrived when sown directly, while a broader range of species established better from transplants, though adult transplanting was more reliable but labor-intensive. Intensive management practices like heavy mowing or grazing should be avoided in the early years post-introduction to ensure successful establishment. This study demonstrates that integrating cultural heritage conservation with biodiversity restoration can revitalize traditional landscapes and restore cultural ecosystem services, offering a sustainable approach for preserving iconic steppe monuments.
Historic Areas of Istanbul
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2018 —
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A critical review of Istanbul's Beyoğlu conservation master plan reveals significant conflicts between cultural heritage preservation and culture-led tourism, leading to negative impacts on tangible and intangible heritage, public space, and urban regeneration. The study, framed within Turkey's conservation legislation and ICOMOS decisions, identifies key issues such as fragmented planning boundaries, reconstruction of historic buildings, car-oriented transport designs, and the commercialization of cultural functions. These findings underscore the need for a more holistic approach to balance heritage conservation with sustainable tourism development.
Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela
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2018 —
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Urban growth in Lalibela, Ethiopia, driven by tourism and state policies, poses significant threats to the cultural heritage of nearby districts, including Neakutoleab. The study reveals that while tourism and urbanization bring economic benefits, they also alter local lifestyles and identities, endangering the sociocultural status and natural significance of heritage sites like the Neakutoleab monastery. The research evaluates the tradeoffs between developmental goals and heritage protection, offering mitigation strategies to balance continued growth with preservation efforts.
Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor
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2018 —
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Poor sustainable urban development practices have severely jeopardized the cultural landscape of Kostanjica, a UNESCO-recognized site within Montenegro's Boka Bay. Despite Montenegro's commitment to ecological preservation since 1991, the ongoing development of the tourist resort 'Boka Gardens' has led to devastating changes, threatening the region's UNESCO status. The study identifies profit-driven urban planning and architecture as key contributors to this destruction, highlighting the urgent need for more sustainable building practices to preserve the unique cultural landscape and regional identity.
Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley
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2018 —
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A comprehensive approach integrating cultural, historical, and natural elements is essential for the conservation of cultural landscapes in Asia, particularly amid growing urbanization and infrastructure development. This study highlights the urgent need to involve local communities at all stages of conservation efforts, drawing on UNESCO's extensive experience with sites like Bamiyan Valley in Afghanistan and Bhutan. By emphasizing a territory-based approach that fosters sustainable land use and strong links between culture and development, this research underscores the importance of sharing best practices and creating synergies to safeguard these irreplaceable heritage sites.
Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: the Subak System as a Manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy
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2018 —
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Deforestation, though initially beneficial to local communities, leads to severe long-term consequences such as drought disasters. However, it also drives the creation of cultural landscapes that foster harmony with nature, as demonstrated by the Subak system in Bali. This study reveals that local communities in Selat Village, Buleleng Regency, have transitioned from deforestation to sustainable practices rooted in the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, which emphasizes balance among God, humans, and the environment. The research approach involved examining the experiences of local communities, highlighting their shift towards living harmoniously with nature as a result of learning from deforestation's negative impacts.
Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape
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2018 —
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The inscription of the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2003 reflects a deliberate shift in national narratives to recognize and embrace cultural diversity. This study reveals how postcolonial nations, such as South Africa, negotiate shared heritage by integrating spatial and temporal dimensions of memory, moving away from archaic notions of unified cultural beliefs. The research demonstrates that state-adopted narratives can both preserve and reshape heritage, illustrating the dynamic nature of national identity. By analyzing Mapungubwe's transformation—from its historical significance as the progenitor of the Zimbabwe Civilization to a symbol of South Africa's post-apartheid renaissance—the study highlights the complexities and potential impacts of such narrative shifts on heritage preservation.
Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica
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2018 —
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A study on Syracuse, Italy, reveals the complex interplay between local and transnational identities in Jewish heritage tourism (J.H.T), highlighting how globalized networks influence cultural narratives and power dynamics. The research demonstrates that diverse stakeholders—including Jewish and non-Jewish groups—adopt varying approaches to heritage management, leading to conflicting perceptions and discourses. Syracuse, a historically multicultural city, leverages J.H.T as a niche product to strengthen its international cultural appeal. The analysis underscores the challenges of managing dissonant heritage strategies, where unbalanced power relations shape authorized narratives. By examining stakeholder reactions and suggestions, the study contributes to discussions on the complexity of multi-ethnic heritage tourism in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Aksum
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2018 —
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Aksum, Ethiopia's UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces significant management challenges that threaten its conservation. The study highlights critical issues such as the reinstallation of Stela 2 and the destabilization of Stela 3, alongside the construction of a Church museum within the core zone. These actions pose risks to the site's integrity, exacerbated by urban development projects and neglect from UNESCO and local governments. The research evaluates management practices since the late 1990s against UNESCO's legal frameworks and operational guidelines, revealing gaps that undermine effective preservation efforts.
City of Cuzco
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Archaeological and ethnohistorical research reveals the layered history of Cuzco, from its early Killke occupation to its transformation under Inca ruler Pachacuti. The study highlights the city's urban development, including iconic structures like the Coricancha, usnu complexes in Haucaypata and Limaqpampa plazas, and royal palaces, while also analyzing residential canchas and the walled enclosure of Hatuncancha, home to the acllahuasi. By integrating chronicle descriptions, artifact distributions, ritual offerings, and burial practices, the research reconstructs Cuzco's complex social and ritual landscape, offering insights into its function as both an administrative and ceremonial center.
Dorset and East Devon Coast
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2018 —
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Research on the Blue Lias Formation along the Dorset and East Devon Coast reveals that the Hettangian Stage of the Jurassic period lasted at least 4.1 million years, nearly double previous estimates. This finding was derived from cyclostratigraphic analysis using magnetic susceptibility logs as a proxy for carbonate content, combined with Bayesian probability spectra to confirm cyclicity consistent with astronomical climate forcing. The study identified 62 ammonite biohorizons with minimum durations ranging from 0.7 to 276 thousand years, with most being less than 41 thousand years. By integrating local stratigraphic gaps and constructing a composite time scale, the researchers improved the duration estimate for the Hettangian Stage, providing new insights into the temporal framework of this geological period.
Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan
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A groundbreaking Italian-Palestinian archaeological collaboration at Tell es-Sultan, ancient Jericho, has transformed the site from an unintelligible ruin into a prominent research and tourist destination. This 20-year partnership, initiated in 1997 by Sapienza University of Rome with the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, pioneered a shared responsibility model for excavation, protection, and rehabilitation, diverging from traditional colonial practices. The project has uncovered pivotal moments in human history, including the advent of agriculture (10,500-6,000 BC) and the rise of the earliest city with modular architecture during the 3rd millennium BC. Beyond Jericho, this model expanded to safeguard threatened heritage, such as Bethlehem’s necropolises and Tell Abu Zarad, a significant Bronze and Iron Age city. The collaboration has produced over 100 scientific publications, ensuring unbiased historical interpretation while rehabilitating 13 sites in the Jericho Oasis Archaeological Park.
Frontiers of the Roman Empire – Dacia
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This study reveals that the Dacian Wars (106 CE) and subsequent Roman conquest of Dacia reshaped identities through forced displacement, with young Dacian men conscripted into the Roman army serving in distant regions like Eastern Egypt. Meanwhile, Dalmatian miners exploited Dacia's gold and silver wealth, creating shared experiences that fostered new senses of belonging alongside persistent group identities. The research traces these transformations by analyzing historical records and archaeological evidence, highlighting how war and economic exploitation intertwined to redefine cultural affiliations along Rome's frontiers.
Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua
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Research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quiriguá, Guatemala, reveals that dance performances were likely a central ritual activity during the Classic Maya period. Spatial analysis and iconographic studies of Platform 1A-1 suggest it served as a stage for circular counterclockwise dances, symbolizing the renewal of cyclical time periods—a concept shared across Mesoamerican cultures, including the Aztecs' Lordly Dance. These findings highlight the significance of circular space-time in Maya ritual aesthetics and public sculpture programming.
Delos
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2018 —
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Choral dance-songs in Euripides' plays, such as the Troades and Elektra, reveal intricate patterns of choral projection that intertwine choreutic, cultic-choral, and encomiastic elements. This study shifts focus from the external theatrical setting to the internal representation of gods and rituals within these performances, demonstrating how choral projection functions both in mythical pasts and contemporary theatrical contexts. Euripides' works showcase complex correlations between choral performance, dramatic action, and emotional atmospheres, highlighting his unique approach to integrating ritualistic elements into tragedy.
Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos
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2018 —
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Excavations at the Heraion of Samos, conducted in 1996 and 1998, revealed significant insights into the evolution of the site's eastern entrance. The study clarified the layout of the ancient Temenos boundary and the form of the Propylon, which consisted of two massive pylons flanking a sacred path during its archaic phase. Notably, these pylons were accompanied by shallow wells at their bases. Over time, this original gateway was abandoned in favor of an eastern expansion, marked by votive offerings and a commercial complex in the Hellenistic period. Roman-era structures with sophisticated fittings followed, while a vast necropolis emerged during the Byzantine era, spreading across the excavated area. The research employed meticulous excavation techniques to navigate extensive disturbances and reconstruct the site's chronological development.
Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau
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The Bauhaus movement, founded by Walter Gropius in Weimar in 1919, revolutionized architecture and design by integrating art, craftsmanship, and technology into a cohesive educational model. This study highlights the movement's innovative approach, which united key figures like Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee, Oskar Schlemmer, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe to redefine modern aesthetics. By analyzing the Bauhaus's pedagogical methods, political context, and economic influences, it provides a comprehensive understanding of its enduring impact on design and architecture. The research employs a detailed historical and conceptual analysis to showcase the movement's groundbreaking contributions.
Shahr-i Sokhta
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2018 —
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New insights into the formative phase of the Helmand Civilization, spanning Iran and Afghanistan, emerge from compositional analysis of ceramics. The study reveals distinct chemical signatures in pottery from Shahr-i Sokhta (Iran) and Mundigak (Afghanistan), suggesting regional variations in ceramic production techniques or raw material sourcing during this early period. Researchers employed instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) to measure parts per million (ppm) data, providing a quantitative basis for understanding cultural exchange and technological development. These findings challenge assumptions about the homogeneity of ceramic traditions across the region, offering a refined perspective on the civilization's origins and interactions.
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
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A comparative analysis of Late Egyptian funerary decoration in Thebes reveals distinct patterns in the occurrence and distribution of decorative scenes, offering new insights into the cultural significance of these monuments. By categorizing and tagging 25th to 26th dynasty tomb decorations—ranging from self-presentation to afterlife symbolism—the study employs data visualization and 3D modeling to map scene positions across multiple monuments. Statistical analysis further quantifies prevalence, distribution, and preservation trends, providing a user-friendly interface for querying and comparing decorative elements. This approach bridges computational methods with cultural heritage studies, enhancing our understanding of funerary art's role in ancient Egyptian society.
Western Tien-Shan
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2018 —
WHEC6D2917B33
New dating of Pliocene-Pleistocene sedimentary units in the western Tarim Basin reveals that deformation in the Pamir and Tian Shan orogens began between 5 and 1 million years ago, with eastward propagation rates reaching up to 115 km/m.y. and basinward growth rates up to 12 km/m.y. The study combined Al-26/Be-10 burial dating with magnetostratigraphy to constrain the timing of fold initiation and fault activity in this actively deforming region, addressing challenges posed by coarse-grained sediments that are difficult to date using traditional methods.
Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
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2018 —
WHE2CFE37C483
A re-evaluation of the famous 'Christ' petroglyph in the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve suggests its true age may extend into the Iron Age or historical periods, challenging previous Neolithic and Bronze Age attributions. The study employs detailed analysis of pecking techniques and comparative iconographic examination against later anthropomorphic representations to argue for a later chronology. This challenges long-held assumptions about the site's temporal boundaries and raises questions about the continuity and evolution of rock art practices in the region, where petroglyphs endure on ever-changing rock surfaces.
