Anticosti
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2017 —
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A revised correlation of Silurian rocks in the British Isles establishes a detailed stratigraphical framework for Llandovery, Wenlock, Ludlow, and Přidolí successions across Wales, England, Scotland, and Ireland. The study provides correlation charts that integrate selected outcrops and concealed sequences, offering a robust regional standard. It extends this framework internationally by comparing British Silurian records with those from Anticosti Island (Canada), New York, Oslo, Gotland, Estonia, Thuringia, Bohemia, Podolia, and Kazakhstan. The research bridges gaps in enigmatic records, such as Cornwall's, while emphasizing the significance of Eastern and Southern England's concealed strata. This comprehensive approach enhances global understanding of Silurian stratigraphy.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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2017 —
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A clear, flexible definition of holy sites is essential for the success of any security and management framework in the Old City of Jerusalem. This study identifies key issues that must be addressed to prevent religious disputes from escalating into political violence, drawing on historical examples of such conflicts. It proposes that the Council of Religious Institutions of the Holy Land could play a pivotal role in mediating these disputes and ensuring effective management of holy sites. The framework aims to balance security needs with the preservation of cultural and religious significance, offering a practical approach to managing one of the most contested yet sacred urban landscapes.
The English Lake District
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2017 —
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Paddling a canoe on the English Lake District offers a unique sensory experience that blends haptic, acoustic, and ethical dimensions. This study reveals that such leisure travel is deeply rooted in tactile engagement (haptic aesthetics) while also being shaped by the soundscape of the natural environment—a concept drawn from 'soundscape ecology.' The research demonstrates how paddling transcends mere physical movement, embodying a practical or everyday aesthetics that connects individuals to their surroundings in an ethically meaningful way. By analyzing this phenomenon phenomenologically and epistemologically, the study provides insight into the sensory and theoretical layers of recreational activities in natural landscapes.
Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs)
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2017 —
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Maps in the Pamirs region of Tajikistan are not merely representations but active agents shaping realities on the ground, according to new research. Over 150 years, cartographic anxieties—from imperial rivalries during the Great Game to Soviet and Chinese border concerns, post-Cold War territorial disputes, mining interests, and conservation efforts—have driven map-making projects that foster specific visions of the future. These maps serve as a lens to understand evolving external engagements in the region, challenging traditional views of cartography as passive documentation. The study employs a historical and spatial analysis, drawing on the work of Rob Kitchin and Martin Dodge (2007), to argue for the 'ontogenetic' role of maps in constructing territorial realities.
Hwaseong Fortress
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2017 —
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A study on Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon, identifies spatial and tourism resource factors as the most significant influences on its potential as a tourist destination. These factors, accounting for 45.32% and 34.27% of the evaluation respectively, reflect the area's accessibility and resource value, overshadowing political and human factors. The research suggests an evaluation index based on these attributes, providing insights into how tourism resources can be leveraged to revitalize local economies, particularly in metropolitan areas with government support policies like those seen in Suwon.
Archaeological Area of Agrigento
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2017 —
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A pioneering digital enhancement project at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Agrigento Valley of the Temples, has successfully mapped the Temple of Juno Lacinia, making it the first Greek temple globally accessible via a 360° online tour on Google platforms. This initiative introduces interactive features such as clickable points of interest, accompanied by descriptive sheets detailing architectural and decorative elements, capitals, columns, 3D reconstructions, videos, and aerial virtual tours captured using drones. The project, currently in its pilot phase, aims to expand this immersive experience to the entire valley, offering multilingual (Italian and English) and audio-guided content. This approach not only preserves and showcases the site's cultural heritage but also sets a precedent for digital preservation and accessibility of archaeological sites worldwide.
Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah
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2017 —
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A sustainable repair process, known as ta’leeq, offers effective solutions for preserving the sedimentary stone load-bearing walls of historic Jeddah’s heritage buildings. These structures, characterized by their distinctive architecture and exposed to extreme weathering conditions of high temperature and humidity, often suffer from structural issues like cracking. The study highlights how this traditional method addresses such problems while maintaining the authenticity and integrity of the buildings. By leveraging local techniques rooted in the region's architectural heritage, ta’leeq provides a durable and culturally appropriate approach to conservation. This research contributes valuable insights into sustainable heritage preservation, particularly for UNESCO World Heritage Sites facing similar environmental challenges.
Old Havana and its Fortification System
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2017 —
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A symbiotic model integrating cooperative social housing and dispersed tourism emerges as a viable solution to address Havana Vieja's dual crises: severe housing shortages, with up to 30% of the population awaiting housing provision, and rapid urban deterioration. This approach leverages Cuba's growing tourism sector by allowing individuals to transition from state employment to self-employment, enabling them to rent rooms to tourists. The model, developed through research-by-design involving local actors and data mining, proposes architectural prototypes that empower communities while regenerating the city center. It aims to balance urban, economic, and social challenges, offering a resilient path for Havana's future.
Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa
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2017 —
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A systematic reassessment of early African hominids challenges traditional phylogenetic frameworks, revealing that South African gracile australopithecines differ significantly from East African forms like those found at Hadar and Laetolil. This study highlights the difficulties in associating cranial and postcranial material across sites, complicating comparisons between regions. While East African hominids exhibit traits linking them to a poorly understood Miocene ancestor, South African gracile australopithecines lack key primitive characteristics, suggesting distinct evolutionary trajectories. The research underscores the need for a nuanced approach to interpreting fossil hominid relationships, particularly in light of emerging evidence for multiple evolving lineages in early Pleistocene eastern Africa.
Sacred City of Anuradhapura
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2017 —
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Reassessment of Anuradhapura's terminal period challenges the dominant narrative of its collapse, revealing that the eleventh-century Chola invasion was not the sole cause. Archaeological evidence suggests a more complex scenario, with alternative factors such as epidemic malaria and shifts in imperial economic models playing significant roles. This study moves beyond textual sources to provide a nuanced understanding of Anuradhapura's abandonment, offering a more balanced and less politically charged interpretation.
Ancient City of Aleppo
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2017 —
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A proposed modular housing solution leverages Syria's vernacular architecture and traditional construction methods to address post-war rural housing needs. This approach offers a culturally appropriate, economically viable, and socially beneficial alternative for displaced Syrians, providing stable, quick-to-build homes that surpass tents in quality while maintaining cultural values. The study draws on historical reconstruction experiences from Aleppo and Homs, adapting proven local techniques to modern requirements. It also considers the therapeutic benefits of rural rebuilding efforts, aiming to support returning inhabitants and urban refugees until larger cities are reconstructed.
Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement
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2017 —
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Gulangyu, a UNESCO-listed historic international settlement in Xiamen, China, stands as the sole jointly administered foreign concession in modern Chinese history beyond Shanghai. This study reveals its pivotal role in Sino-foreign linguistic and cultural interactions from 1840 to 1945, highlighting its significance in the South China Sea region's broader exchange processes. The research demonstrates how foreign missionaries' efforts to translate Christian texts into Minnan (Hokkien) and develop the peh-oe-ji romanization system during the mid-19th century bridged linguistic divides initiated through Southeast Asian colonies. Additionally, it traces the island's transformation in the early 20th century under the influence of returning overseas Chinese, who significantly invested in its cultural and educational development until Japan's occupation.
Niokolo-Koba National Park
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2017 —
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Research reveals that Treponema pallidum pertenue, the bacterium responsible for yaws in humans, has rapidly diversified and established infections in wild non-human primates, including sooty mangabeys and green monkeys. Phylogenomic analysis of full genomes from symptomatic individuals shows these strains are closely related to T. p. pertenue but not reciprocally monophyletic with human strains, indicating a complex zoonotic reservoir. The study used hybridization capture to sequence bacterial DNA from samples collected in Taï National Park (Côte d’Ivoire), Bijilo Forest Park (Gambia), and Niokolo-Koba National Park (Senegal). This finding suggests the existence of a vast zoonotic reservoir that may hinder global eradication efforts.
Western Tien-Shan
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2017 —
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The geological evolution of the Western Tien Shan and adjacent Central Asian basins is characterized by complex tectonic activity spanning from the Precambrian to the Cenozoic. This study reveals that the region's current landscape—marked by an elongated mountain range flanked by extensive sedimentary basins—emerged through a series of continental collisions, terrane accretions, and fault reactivations, particularly during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras. The research highlights the significant impact of these tectonic events on basin development, as well as the influence of climatic changes on sedimentation patterns. Multidisciplinary approaches, including field observations, geological mapping, and sedimentary analysis, were employed to reconstruct this long-term evolution. The findings underscore the dynamic interplay between tectonics and climate in shaping the region's geological history.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
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2017 —
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The Ring of Brodgar stone circle and associated Neolithic sites evoke a dynamic, hauntological experience for visitors, characterized by a tension between perceived presence and absence. This study reveals that the site's mise en scène, akin to surrealist frottage or a photograph, indexically represents an unknowable past while simultaneously soliciting imaginative engagement with heterochronia—simultaneous yet incompatible manifestations of time and space—and metatheatre, hinting at cryptic ritual performances. The research draws on surrealist theory, Robert Smithson's concepts, and semiotic analysis to argue that visitors' responses are shaped by this dialectical tension, where the imaginary blurs with the real, as described by Breton. The approach combines archaeological interpretation with performance studies to explore how these sites provoke a sense of presence despite their enigmatic nature.
Abu Mena
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2017 —
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Abu Mina, a significant late antique pilgrimage center in Egypt's Libyan Desert, emerged around the martyrdom site of St. Menas during the early 4th century under Roman Emperor Diocletian. This site, distinct from a monastery, comprises large churches, bath buildings, and rest houses for pilgrims, encircled by private villas, forming an ecclesiastical complex. Excavations, which had been paused for years, resumed in April 2013 after permission was granted, allowing researchers to study this unique historical and architectural ensemble.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2017 —
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A recent study reveals that reefs formed by the vermetid gastropod Petaloconchus varians are becoming dominant features of intertidal rocky shores in Ilha Grande Bay, southeastern Brazil. Previously thought to have declined in the region mid-20th century, P. varians now constructs extensive reefs with densities ranging from 620 to 2,559 individuals per 100 cm² and weights up to 1,500 g per 100 cm². These reefs form wide belts (38 cm to 2 m) along the middle intertidal zone across sites with varying wave exposure and slopes (10° to 46°). The study suggests a potential resurgence of P. varians, contributing critical insights into local ecological dynamics within this UNESCO-listed site.
Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur
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2017 —
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A dedicated team of Czech archaeologists has uncovered a wealth of ancient remains at Abusir, a significant yet overshadowed site within the Memphite necropolis. This extensive operation, spanning fifty years, has revealed previously neglected artifacts and structures dating from the Old Kingdom to the Late Period. The findings highlight Abusir's importance as a realm associated with Osiris, the God of the dead, offering new insights into its role in ancient Egyptian history. The research approach combines thorough documentation with systematic excavation, providing a comprehensive understanding of this lesser-known but historically rich area.
Cape Floral Region Protected Areas
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2017 —
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A significant advancement in plant species identification for the Cape Floristic Kingdom (CFK) has been achieved through GPU-accelerated technology. The Fynbos Leaf Optical Recognition Application (FLORA) now offers faster processing speeds without compromising accuracy, with the GPU-accelerated version saving up to 51.85 milliseconds on average for high-resolution images. This development addresses the challenges faced by volunteers and casual workers in managing this biodiverse region, which is threatened by wildfires and invasive species. The study compared three versions of FLORA—MATLAB prototype, C++ non-accelerated, and C++ GPU-accelerated—and demonstrated a notable speed-up of 8.7 times for the C++ version over the MATLAB prototype. This innovation paves the way for more efficient large-scale plant identification tasks, such as rebuilding feature descriptors in leaf databases.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2017 —
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Ecotourism in Amami Oshima, part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage candidate site Amami-Ryukyu, was initially driven by top-down administrative policies aimed at supporting local economic development and promoting biodiversity-based tourism. However, the acceptance process revealed a disconnect between official policy and grassroots practices: while local guides had been offering nature-focused tours since the 1990s, they did not actively identify their work as 'ecotourism,' viewing it simply as an extension of existing outdoor experiences. This study highlights how administrative recognition of ecotourism in Amami Oshima was more about policy alignment with national heritage goals than a genuine shift in local tourism practices.
Sian Ka'an
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2017 —
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A sustainable tourism model, Maya Ka'an Destination, has emerged as a promising alternative to diversify activities in Quintana Roo, Mexico, while minimizing environmental impact. This initiative leverages the natural attractions of Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and surrounding areas, aiming to integrate Mayan indigenous communities into the local tourism value chain. The project, driven by a collective vision from various sectors, balances conservation efforts with economic benefits for local economies. It seeks to maintain the competitiveness of the Mexican Caribbean while promoting low-impact environmental practices. The study highlights the potential of such models in fostering sustainable development and economic growth without compromising ecological integrity.
Bisotun
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2017 —
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Research reveals that the Achaemenid Empire strategically controlled southwestern Persia through tribal confederations led by loyal figures, such as Madates and Gobryas. These confederations were reinforced via political marriages, including that of Sisygambis, mother of Darius III, an Uxian who negotiated with Alexander the Great to free her tribe. The study highlights the empire's use of marriage alliances, like Irdabama's union with Darius I, to maintain control over key tribal regions, including the Fahliyān/Shulestān territory linked to the Patischorian tribe. Historical texts and inscriptions, such as those from Bisotun and Persepolis Fortification, provide evidence for these dynamics, offering new insights into Achaemenid governance strategies.
Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking study identifies Acidobacteria as the second most dominant bacterial group in Paleolithic cave paintings, including those in Altamira Cave, marking the first report of these deep-branching bacteria in subterranean environments. The research highlights the presence of complex and partly unknown microbial communities that could potentially impact the preservation of valuable cave art. Microbial activity may lead to pigment degradation, discoloration, biofilm formation, metal dissolution, and biomineralization—processes that pose significant threats to the integrity of these ancient paintings. The study underscores the need for further investigation into microbial communities in such environments to better understand their role in cultural heritage preservation.
Amiens Cathedral
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2017 —
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Ad Quadratum reveals the mathematical precision underlying Romanesque and Gothic architecture, demonstrating how geometric principles shaped the design of iconic structures like Amiens Cathedral. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, analyzing architectural plans, elevations, and metrological techniques across multiple sites to uncover patterns in proportion and symmetry. Key contributions include proposals for constructing church designs using three measures, the role of pentagonal geometry in Gothic evolution, and the reconciliation of structural elements in Beauvais and Amiens Cathedrals. By integrating historical evidence with geometric analysis, the research provides a new framework for understanding medieval architectural innovation.
Town of Luang Prabang
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2017 —
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A REDD+ strategy tailored to local capabilities can significantly reduce deforestation pressures, particularly among vulnerable ethnic groups. This study, conducted in Luang Prabang Province, Lao PDR, found that farmers relying on upland rice cultivation without paddy fields exhibit lower capability to transition to alternative livelihoods compared to those with access to paddy fields. Using discriminant function analysis, the research correctly classified 82.1% of respondents based on their agricultural practices and ethnic group (Khmu or Hmong). The findings underscore the importance of incorporating a capability approach into REDD+ planning in Lao PDR, accounting for differential capacities tied to ethnicity and other vulnerable statuses. The study employed questionnaire-based surveys and participatory workshops to identify deforestation drivers and local capabilities.
Keoladeo National Park
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2017 —
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A significant shift in local access to natural resources and economic activities has been observed near Keoladeo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India. This study reveals that while agricultural productivity fluctuated due to changes in fertilizer application, income sources diversified over three decades (1991–2012), with salary/wages becoming more prominent alongside traditional livelihoods like agriculture and livestock. The research employed household surveys and spatial data analysis, highlighting the interplay between protected area management and socioeconomic dynamics in neighboring villages. Key findings include the decline in fertilizer use post-1997 and the growing reliance on non-agricultural incomes, underscoring the need for adaptive conservation strategies that balance ecological protection with local livelihoods.
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
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2017 —
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A systematic analysis reveals that the cultural and religious appropriation of Andalusian architecture by Spanish historians during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries was not merely a process of hybridization but a complex negotiation of identity. This study demonstrates how historians and antiquarians strategically re-appropriated medieval Islamic heritage to align with the emerging identity of Spain as a Catholic monarchy and empire. They employed historical revisions, such as reidentifying monuments' origins as Roman or Phoenician, and invented religious forgeries to claim Christian precedence. These strategies were central in debates about Spain's national origin and ecclesiastical history, shaping the early development of archaeology.
Teide National Park
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2017 —
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Advanced image processing techniques applied to high-resolution remote sensing imagery significantly enhance the accuracy of thematic maps for ecosystem conservation, particularly in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The study demonstrates that both pixel-based and object-based (OBIA) approaches using Support Vector Machine classifiers yield highly accurate results when combined with optimized pre-processing steps, such as Weighted Wavelet ‘à trous’ and Fast Intensity Hue Saturation techniques, followed by orthorectification via RPC models and atmospheric correction using the 6S algorithm. These methods were effectively applied to three Canary Island ecosystems—Teide National Park, Maspalomas Natural Reserve, and Corralejo and Islote de Lobos Natural Park—showing promise for improving natural resource management through precise thematic mapping.
Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem
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2017 —
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Recent earthquakes have highlighted the significant seismic vulnerability of monumental masonry structures, particularly concerning complex elements such as quadripartite vaults. This study provides advanced numerical insights into how these vaults behave under horizontal loads and their role in the global seismic behavior of historical constructions, focusing on two case studies: the Narthex of the Nativity Church in Bethlehem and the Fornasini tower in Northeast Italy. Using ABAQUS finite element modeling, researchers conducted non-linear dynamic analyses to assess structural behavior and crack patterns, employing a Concrete Damage Plasticity (CDP) model to account for damage phenomena and softening in masonry during seismic events. The findings contribute crucial data on the resilience and failure mechanisms of these critical architectural elements under seismic excitation.
Petra
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2017 —
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Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its spectacular geo-archaeological landscape, faces significant threats from natural hazards and tourism. A recent study highlights the successful implementation of an integrated monitoring system to mitigate landslide risks in the 'Siq', Petra's iconic gorge serving as the main tourist entrance. The system, developed under the Italian-funded 'Siq Stability' project, combines wireless monitoring devices with EASA applications, proving effective in analyzing slope stability and enabling timely mitigation measures. Preliminary data demonstrates its potential for long-term sustainability and capacity development of national authorities, offering a model for preserving fragile heritage sites.
Pantanal Conservation Area
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2017 —
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Jaguar-tourism in the Pantanal Conservation Area holds significant potential for both economic growth and jaguar conservation, yet its development is hindered by a lack of management plans for protected areas. The study highlights that despite the region's rich biodiversity and recognition as a key ecotourism destination, wildlife tourism remains underexploited in Brazil. It argues that structured management frameworks are essential to unlock this potential, ensuring sustainable economic benefits while supporting jaguar conservation efforts.
Asmara: A Modernist African City
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2017 —
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Algeria's legal framework for heritage protection, established post-independence (1962), safeguards seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites of exceptional value. The study highlights the significant impact of Belgian colonization on modern architecture and urban planning in Africa, exemplified by structures like Matadi Railway Station and worker camps in Lubumbashi. It also notes the growing institutional recognition of modern heritage, as seen with Docomomo Angola's 2014 constitution. Additionally, it underscores Asmara's unique position as a testbed for modernist urban design in an African context, showcasing its rich built heritage.
Angkor
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2017 —
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Angkor's archaeological heritage, valued both locally and globally since its inscription as a World Heritage Site in 1992, presents dual challenges for Cambodia: attracting tourism while addressing significant conservation needs. The study highlights that despite the Khmer Rouge's preservation of Angkorian temples—possibly for nationalist reasons—two decades of neglect have left extensive restoration requirements. It also underscores the cultural significance of these sites to Cambodians, who visit them not only for architectural admiration but also for spiritual and physical engagement. The chapter explores best practices in heritage training and capacity-building over colonial, post-colonial, and contemporary eras, offering insights into managing such sites effectively in developing nations.
Stevns Klint
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking analysis of bony fish remains, particularly otoliths, from the K/Pg boundary section at Stevns Klint, Denmark, reveals a striking consistency in teleost faunas across the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K/Pg) mass extinction event and into the Danian and Selandian stages. The study identified six otolith-based taxa from the uppermost Maastrichtian and three from the basal Danian, with notable overlaps such as Polymixia? harderi persisting through the boundary and Centroberyx sp. representing a common genus in both periods. Contrary to expectations, no evidence of phased extinction was found, suggesting remarkable resilience in early Paleocene fish faunas. The research relied on imprints from dissolved aragonitic otoliths and bone fragments, offering a unique window into post-disaster marine ecosystems.
Ancient City of Bosra
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2017 —
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A new architectural approach aims to transform the devastated ancient city of Bosra, Syria, into a symbol of hope and resilience through a museum-memorial. This design-led thesis proposes preserving fragments from both the Syrian Civil War and historical periods in an allegorical timeline, creating a sensitive reminder for returning residents while safeguarding Syria's cultural heritage. The project addresses the irreversible damage to ancient ruins like Bosra, which has suffered significant loss due to war, by integrating contemporary and historic artifacts into a memorial experience. The research explores speculative preservation methods to honor Syria's past amid ongoing conflict.
Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest
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2017 —
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Over the past three decades, agricultural expansion and intensification in the northwestern foothills of Mount Kenya have significantly altered landscapes, with rainfed and irrigated cropland encroaching on natural habitats, including protected areas. While expansion peaked in the 1980s and 1990s, intensification—driven by both large-scale commercial investments and smallholder adoption of irrigation—has accelerated since 2000. Using Landsat data and random forest classification, researchers quantified these changes, revealing a landscape increasingly shaped by water availability and horticultural agribusinesses. This shift heightens pressure on water resources and exacerbates conflicts between pastoralists, farmers, and wildlife, particularly during dry seasons or droughts.
Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük
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Agricultural resilience at Çatalhöyük was sustained over 1,500 years through flexible cropping strategies. The study reveals that the community's ability to adapt—by integrating minor crops or contaminants into staple diets—was underpinned by three key factors: an initially diverse crop spectrum, modular social structures enabling household-level experimentation, and an agglomerated social morphology allowing successful innovations to scale. This case challenges 'boom and bust' narratives of early farming societies, offering insights into long-term sustainability in central Anatolia and broader agro-ecological systems.
Gordion
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2017 —
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Ancient Gordion offers a unique perspective on agricultural sustainability and environmental change through its diachronic record. The study reveals that different political and economic systems implemented over time at Gordion resulted in varied agricultural practices with divergent environmental impacts. Some regimes fostered sustainable agriculture, while others led to significant environmental alteration. This comprehensive analysis of 220 botanical samples from the 1993-2002 excavations, combined with paleoenvironmental data, reconstructs agricultural decision-making processes and their social contexts. The research provides a valuable dataset for regional synthesis in the Near East and introduces innovative methods to study the relationship between social and environmental change globally.
Archaeological Area of Agrigento
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The Temple of Olympian Zeus (Olympeion) in Agrigento, Sicily, stands as the largest Doric temple ever built, though it was never completed and now exists only in ruins. Historical accounts by Polybius and Diodorus highlight its grandeur, noting that its unfinished state was due to the Carthaginian conquest of 405 BC. The temple, once a monumental structure in the Valle dei Templi, was later toppled by earthquakes and systematically dismantled in the 18th century for construction materials, leaving behind only scattered stone fragments and columns. Today, it serves as a testament to ancient architectural ambition and the resilience of historical sites against natural disasters and human exploitation.
Via Appia. Regina Viarum
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Albano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site along the Via Appia Antica, reveals a complex urban history marked by ancient expansion, medieval contraction, and Renaissance re-expansion. Unlike Rome, Albano's development occurred on a smaller scale but mirrored its trajectory. The site's rectangular castrum was strategically positioned on artificial terraces between the Albano subcrater and the Via Appia, showcasing sophisticated ancient urban planning. A key finding is the decline of Albano in the fourth century following Constantine's withdrawal of the legion, leading to its eventual abandonment. This study provides a detailed analysis of Albano's urban evolution, offering insights into its historical significance and architectural innovation.
Galápagos Islands
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A comprehensive analysis of alien species pathways to the Galápagos Islands reveals that 1,579 terrestrial and marine species have been introduced by humans, with nearly all becoming established. The study identifies intentional introductions, primarily of plants, as a significant but declining threat due to strengthened biosecurity measures. However, unintentional introductions via plant material, transport vehicles, and commodities like fruit and vegetables pose an increasing risk, particularly as tourism expands. The research collated extensive data on human activity pathways, including tourist movements, cargo, and biosecurity interceptions, highlighting the close correlation between human population growth and the frequency of alien species arrivals. Effective management of these invasion pathways is critical to preserving the biodiversity of this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex
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A striking resemblance between the intricate carved patterns on Sinan’s 16th-century Selimiye Mosque minbar and quasiperiodic structures found in aluminum alloys, which later earned a Nobel Prize, has been identified. The mosque’s radial symmetry with five-fold and ten-fold rotational elements—uniquely non-periodic for its time—mirrors the complex geometric order discovered in materials science only in the 21st century. This convergence suggests Ottoman architects, through rigorous geometric training rooted in Islamic art traditions, intuitively grasped principles now central to advanced scientific understanding. The study highlights a historical link between architecture and material science, challenging modern assumptions about the timing of such discoveries.
Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site
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A Mayan village buried by volcanic ash around 650 A.D. at Joya de Cerén, El Salvador, reveals new insights into prehispanic storage and supply systems. Analysis of ceramic materials suggests sophisticated organizational strategies for agricultural production, challenging previous assumptions about the capabilities of indigenous communities in the region. The study, conducted on UNESCO World Heritage Site remains, provides a closer look at daily life, social structures, and religious practices through material culture. By examining pottery linked to storage and resource management, researchers propose new paradigms for understanding human activities and societal organization among the Maya and other indigenous peoples of El Salvador.
Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg
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Tourism in the Austrian crownlands of Salzburg and Tyrol underwent a 'masked transformation' before 1914, blending modernization with persistence of traditional society. The study reveals that while tourism infrastructure expanded, many local customs remained intact, masking deeper societal changes. Researchers differentiate between adaptive (adjusting existing structures) and industrial transformations (dedicated tourism zones), highlighting the nuanced impact on host societies. This comparative analysis underscores tourism's dual role as both a driver of change and a preserver of tradition in alpine regions.
Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan
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A transgressive bequest of indigenous manuscripts by the Alva Ixtlilxochitl family to Carlos Sigüenza y Góngora bridged colonial Mexico's rigid social divide between <em>república de españoles</em> and <em>república de indios</em>, revealing mutual interest in historical knowledge over ethnic boundaries. The archive, amassed by mestizo-descended Alva Ixtlilxochitl (1578–1650) to assert indigenous lineage and economic rights, included oral histories and pictorial records. His son's 1674 bequest—paired with Sigüenza y Góngora’s commissioned <em>vida</em> of a holy aunt and relic-like skull—demonstrated how material culture and social networks facilitated knowledge circulation across colonial elites, challenging mestizaje as the sole mediator of Spanish-Indigenous relations. Analysis of legal texts and wills from Spanish and Mexican archives uncovered enduring collaborations, suggesting affection and shared historical inquiry transcended formal divisions.
Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe
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Research at Sardis, Turkey, reveals that amalgamation—a mercury-based gold extraction method—was likely used for small-scale alluvial gold mining in antiquity. This finding challenges the assumption that cyanide, introduced only in the 1880s, was the primary method for large-scale mining. Evidence includes the presence of cinnabar (mercury ore), an ancient retort, and fine-grained alluvial gold consistent with amalgamation byproducts. The study suggests that this technology supplied gold to Sardis' refineries and craftsmen, as supported by the composition of a Byzantine coin. This insight recontextualizes ancient mining practices and their global persistence in modern small-scale operations.
Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site
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Two books challenge conventional narratives of U.S. history and foreign relations, offering counter-histories that destabilize hegemonic discourses. Gary Y. Okihiro's 'American History Unbound: Asians and Pacific Islanders' redefines American identity by centering the diverse experiences of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders since the 18th century, while Martha Smith-Norris's 'Domination and Resistance: The United States and the Marshall Islands during the Cold War' exposes the devastating impacts of U.S. militarism on Marshallese communities, including nuclear testing at Bikini Atoll and Kwajalein. Okihiro disrupts traditional chronologies by highlighting migrant laborers' roles and racial biases in citizenship laws, while Smith-Norris focuses on radiation experiments, displacement, and environmental degradation, revealing systemic injustices through archival research and oral histories.
Seventeenth-Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam inside the Singelgracht
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2017 —
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A comprehensive review of the Amsterdam Canal Ring Area reveals its enduring significance after 400 years. The study, authored by Marleen Sloof and Jaap Evert Abrahamse, highlights the site's architectural, urban planning, and historical value, emphasizing how it reflects Amsterdam's golden age and its adaptability to modern needs. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating historical analysis, urban studies, and conservation science to assess the site's cultural and natural heritage. It underscores the importance of preserving such sites while balancing development and tourism pressures.
Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem
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2017 —
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A rare, early description of the Church of the Nativity and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre emerges from the fragmented text by Priest Iachintus, providing the earliest known detailed account of the second Edicule in Jerusalem. This structure, built over Christ's supposed tomb, was destroyed in 1009 and later rebuilt before the eleventh century. Through paleographical, literary, and historical analysis, researchers have narrowed Iachintus's travel dates to either the first years of the twelfth century or the mid-eleventh century, offering a valuable but previously underutilized source for understanding medieval Holy Land architecture and pilgrimage narratives.
The Persian Garden
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2017 —
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Persian gardens, integral to Iran's landscape, rely heavily on water features that evoke life, brightness, and mental comfort. A study of Bagh-e Shahzadeh, a historic Qajar-era palace garden in Kerman, Iran, reveals the significance of these features—pools, fountains, Qanats (underground channels), and waterfalls—in both aesthetic and functional roles. The research analyzes the design and structural characteristics of surviving water features, offering insights for their preservation. By examining how water enhances sensory experiences and technical functions, the study underscores its indispensable role in Persian garden architecture.
