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Teotihuacan Empire

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2016 — WHE3D40DFD0DB

Teotihuacan, a sprawling pre-industrial city founded around 150 BCE in highland Central Mexico, rose rapidly to become the dominant political and economic power of its time. Its influence extended beyond its urban core, absorbing and controlling neighboring regions, possibly even distant ones. The city's decline was marked by a catastrophic fire around 600 CE, which destroyed its core and signaled the end of Teotihuacan's prominence as a major pre-Hispanic urban center. This summary synthesizes key findings from Robertson (2016), highlighting Teotihuacan's significance as an early complex society and the abrupt nature of its collapse.

Terracotta Army: Legacy of the First Emperor of China by Jian Li, and Hou-mei Sung

Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor — 2016 — WHE623F941362

A comprehensive exhibition catalog, 'Terracotta Army: Legacy of the First Emperor of China,' offers unprecedented insights into the daily life and visual culture of ancient Qin society during the Zhou (1046–256 BCE) and Qin (221–206 BCE) dynasties. Featuring 120 artifacts, including ten life-size terracotta figures from Qin Shihuang's mausoleum, the catalog highlights the First Emperor's unification of China through military strength, standardization of writing, weights, measures, and currency. It also explores interactions with neighboring nomadic societies, such as the Western Rong and Northern Di, illustrating their influence on Qin technology and design. The book includes detailed illustrations, maps, and a timeline to contextualize archaeological findings from Shaanxi Province, making it valuable for both academic scholars and general audiences interested in early Chinese history.

Terrestrial and Marine Foraging Strategies of an Opportunistic Seabird Species Breeding in the Wadden Sea

Wadden Sea — 2016 — WHEAA8BC038FD

Lesser black-backed gulls, often considered primarily pelagic, exhibit significant terrestrial foraging behavior during the breeding season in the Wadden Sea. This study reveals that these gulls make intensive use of both marine and inland landscapes, with foraging trips varying from 0.5 to 26.4 hours and covering distances up to 333.6 km. While they foraged predominantly on bare ground, particularly in potato fields, their diet included a mix of grass, insects, fish, litter, and earthworms. Marine foraging trips were more variable and often occurred at night, overlapping with fishing vessel activities, whereas inland trips were closely tied to daylight hours. The study used GPS data loggers attached to incubating birds to track flight paths and analyze habitat use, diet, and isotopic signatures in blood, providing a comprehensive understanding of their opportunistic foraging strategies.

Terrestrial plants and marine algae from the Late Jurassic lithographic limestone of the Causse Méjean (Lozère, southern France)

The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape — 2016 — WHEEF1C9C63D7

A new Late Jurassic flora, comprising terrestrial plants and marine algae, has been discovered in the lithographic limestone of the Causse Méjean in southern France. This is the first documented Kimmeridgian/Tithonian flora from the region, revealing a unique co-occurrence of land-based vegetation—including bennettitaleans, conifers, and pteridosperms—and marine dasyclad algae. The fossilized remains suggest preservation in a protected, flat environment, likely a brackish or marine lagoon influenced by both continental and marine conditions. The study indicates that coastal habitats during this period were dominated by sub-arborescent vegetation adapted to hot, dry conditions, providing insights into the palaeoenvironmental adaptations of Late Jurassic flora.

Testing the island effect on phenotypic diversification: insights from the Hemidactylus geckos of the Socotra Archipelago

Socotra Archipelago — 2016 — WHEBECA0B7FC9

Island colonization does not universally trigger extreme phenotypic diversification, as demonstrated by the Hemidactylus geckos of Socotra. While insular species exhibit more pronounced body size variation and accelerated evolutionary rates compared to continental groups, head proportions show consistent evolution across both environments. This study challenges the assumption that islands always promote higher morphological disparity, revealing complex patterns where different traits evolve differently even within the same mainland-island system.

Textural facies and distribution of surface sediments and morphology on Korean tidal flats

Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats — 2016 — WHE5214DD8567

Fine-grained sediments from the Han and Keum rivers are transported southward along Korea's western and southwestern coasts by coastal currents, accumulating on tidal flats. This study analyzed 1027 sediment samples from 74 tidal flats across four sectors—Gyeonggi (GG), Chungcheong (CH), Western Jeonnam (WJ), and Southern Jeonnam (SJ)—revealing distinct textural facies and morphological patterns. The CH sector, with coarser sediments and steeper slopes, reflects stronger wave influence due to geomorphic conditions, while the WJ and SJ sectors exhibit finer, muddier sediments and gentler slopes, often featuring tidal channels. The findings suggest that regional sediment distribution is governed by coastal currents and tidal dynamics, providing insights into sedimentation processes in Korean tidal flats.

The “Dual Era” in Hebron through the Diaries of Sami ‘Amr

Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town — 2016 — WHE20DB581555

Sami 'Amr's diaries reveal the personal and political upheavals experienced during Hebron's 'Dual Era,' a period marked by overlapping claims of rule from Jordan and Egypt following World War II. This study provides a unique, firsthand account of the transitional challenges faced by inhabitants as they navigated an uncertain political landscape amid the end of the British Mandate and the conclusion of the 1948-1949 Palestine war. By analyzing Sami's diary entries, researchers uncover the complexities of daily life during this turbulent time, offering insights into the human experience of historical upheaval in Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town.

The 1966 flooding of Venice: What time taught us for the future

Venice and its Lagoon — 2016 — WHE11FC82BE2F

Fifty years after the devastating flood that struck Venice and Florence, a comprehensive analysis reveals critical lessons for mitigating future flooding risks. The study identifies key components of relative sea level rise contributing to Venice's vulnerability, including natural subsidence and human-induced factors. It highlights significant advancements in monitoring networks and forecasting capabilities since 1966, which have been instrumental in safeguarding the city. Notably, the research underscores the role of luck in preventing a more catastrophic outcome during the 1966 event, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and proactive engineering interventions. The findings provide a robust framework for understanding and addressing the complex interplay between meteo-oceanographic factors and urban resilience.

The 9 September 2010 torrential rain and flash flood in the Dragone catchment, Atrani, Amalfi Coast (southern Italy)

Costiera Amalfitana — 2016 — WHE57CE937E4C

A flash flood on September 9, 2010, in the Dragone catchment of Atrani, Italy, mobilized approximately 25,000 cubic meters of sediment with a peak flow velocity comparable to clear-water floods. The event, characterized by an intense one-hour rainfall peak of nearly 120 mm/h, resulted in a hyperconcentrated flow with a total discharge of 80 m³/s and a sediment bulking factor of 1.2. The study employed a multi-hazard approach, integrating geological data, post-event surveys, eyewitness accounts, and homemade videos to analyze the flood's impact. High topographic relief and coastal water anomalies influenced the convective system, contributing to the catastrophic nature of the event. This research highlights the significant sediment transport and velocity dynamics in flash floods along the Amalfi Coast, offering insights into the region's frequent alluvial fan flooding hazards.

The Adaptive City: Geddes’ Vision in the Evolution of Tel-Aviv (1948-2003)

White City of Tel-Aviv – the Modern Movement — 2016 — WHE7302E912A6

The adaptive nature of Tel-Aviv's urban development, particularly its White City district, reflects Patrick Geddes' visionary approach to city planning as an organic system. This study reveals that Tel-Aviv's evolution from 1948 to 2003 was marked by significant adaptive mechanisms, driven by waves of immigration and the need for rapid urban solutions post-Israel's independence. The research analyzes these adaptations through the lens of Geddes' theories, highlighting how conservation awareness reshaped local planning processes and public reception. The findings underscore the dynamic interplay between urban development, cultural heritage preservation, and community needs.

The age of young intrusions of Tsana Complex (Greater Caucasus) and isotope-geochemical evidence for their origin from hybrid magmas

Upper Svaneti — 2016 — WHEEF1C88031C

A study of the Tsana Complex in Upper Svaneti, Georgia, reveals that its granitoids formed from hybrid magmas through the mixing of mantle-derived and crustal melts. Using K-Ar and Rb-Sr isotope dating, researchers identified two distinct pulses of Pliocene magmatism: one at 4.80 ± 0.15 Ma and another at 4.15 ± 0.10 Ma. The Tsurungal Group, characterized by its diverse rock types (diorite to granite), shows evidence of both crystallization differentiation and crustal contamination, while the Karobi Group, consisting of rhyodacite bodies and trachyandesite dikes, formed during the earlier pulse. Isotope-geochemical analysis further supports the hybrid origin, with notable differences in Sr isotope composition between the two phases (0.7053 vs. 0.7071). This research sheds light on the complex petrogenesis of post-collisional granites and the spatiotemporal evolution of magmatic activity in the Greater Caucasus.

The Alijares Palace (Qaṣr al-Dishār) at the Alhambra: a bioclimatic analysis

Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada — 2016 — WHE1CA9D4FBE1

The Alijares Palace (Qaṣr al-Dishār) at the Alhambra demonstrates sophisticated bioclimatic design, reflecting medieval Naṣrid architecture's adaptation of earlier Andalusi traditions. This study reveals how walls of rammed earth, adobe, bricks, or stone, along with strategic orientation, room size, shading, courtyard ventilation, and natural cooling systems, were employed to regulate indoor climate and enhance protection for inhabitants. By analyzing these features in three representative palaces—Comares, Lions, and Alijares—the research highlights the ingenuity of bioclimatic strategies in medieval Islamic architecture, offering insights into sustainable design principles that predate modern advancements.

The Apocalyptic Cycle of the Romanesque Murals in the Narthex of Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe (Vienne): Do They Illustrate Political Ideas of the Gregorian Reform?

Abbey Church of Saint-Savin sur Gartempe — 2016 — WHED23B57156A

The Apocalyptic Cycle of Romanesque murals in the narthex of Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe offers a visual commentary on the Gregorian Reform, suggesting a political dimension to medieval ecclesiastical art. Through detailed iconographic analysis, the study argues that these 11th-century frescoes reflect contemporary debates over papal authority and church reform, challenging traditional interpretations that focus solely on theological symbolism. The research employs comparative methodology, examining textual sources alongside visual evidence to contextualize the murals within the broader political and religious landscape of the time.

The Archaeology of Mediterranean Placemaking : Butrint and the Global Heritage Industry

Butrint — 2016 — WHECA85821CAA

Butrint, a significant archaeological site in the Mediterranean, has emerged as a pivotal case study for understanding Roman and Medieval Mediterranean history through extensive excavations and scholarly publications. Richard Hodges' two-decade leadership of the Butrint Foundation highlights the challenges and strategies of preserving cultural heritage, particularly during Albania's post-communist era. The research explores Virgil’s enduring influence on Butrint, the complexities of placemaking, and the roles of international regulations, nations, archaeologists, visitors, and local communities in shaping a site's identity. This interdisciplinary approach combines topographic archaeology with heritage management, offering insights into the global dynamics of cultural preservation.

The Architecture of Transhumance: An Ethnographic Study of Animal Enclosures in a Pastoral Community in Iran

Cultural Landscape of Maymand — 2016 — WHE75EF52AE33

Ethnographic research over 13 years reveals that the vernacular architecture of animal enclosures (āqolhā) in Maymand, Iran, embodies the pastoral lifestyle and social structure of its transhumant community. These enclosures reflect seasonal migration patterns, cultural calendar, and communal organization, offering insights into how architectural design integrates with ecological and social rhythms. The study employs participant observation and informal interviews to decode the spatial and symbolic significance of these structures within their broader cultural context.

The Attalid victory at Magnesia on a lost plaque from Pergamon

Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape — 2016 — WHE87C5BB6A7E

A small bronze plaque, recovered during 19th-century excavations at Pergamon and lost since its initial publication in 1913, depicts the Battle of Magnesia (190 BC). The scene shows Attalid cavalry rescuing Roman legionaries under attack by Antiochus the Great's heavy phalanx and Gallic cavalry. Analysis suggests this plaque reflects a courtly narrative that exaggerated the role of Eumenes II and his forces in the joint victory, offering new insights into historical perceptions of military heroism. The study reconstructs the lost artifact's significance through detailed examination of its surviving descriptions.

The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu: And Their Race to Save the World’s Most Precious Manuscripts

Timbuktu — 2016 — WHECE159CFF33

Timbuktu's ancient manuscripts, a treasure trove of historical and scholarly significance, faced severe threats during the 2012 occupation by Islamist groups. A group of librarians, often referred to as 'bad-ass librarians,' successfully smuggled out over 350,000 manuscripts, preserving a wealth of knowledge that spans centuries. These manuscripts include works on astronomy, medicine, law, and Islamic scholarship, providing invaluable insights into the intellectual history of West Africa. The librarians employed innovative strategies to protect and transport these delicate documents, demonstrating remarkable ingenuity and resilience in the face of adversity.

The Białowieża Forest – a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site – protection priorities

Białowieża Forest — 2016 — WHE31BF9507AC

The Białowieża Forest, a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site and one of the last primeval forests in Europe, faces critical conservation challenges due to ongoing bark beetle outbreaks. The study highlights that strict protection measures are essential to preserve its unique biodiversity and natural processes, including the maintenance of diverse forest communities and spontaneous restoration. Two contrasting approaches—one favoring active management and the other advocating for minimal human intervention—are debated. Key factors for preservation include adhering to existing conservation policies, integrating research findings, and limiting activities such as firewood collection and security measures near roads. Without stringent protection, the forest risks losing its globally recognized value, mirroring the fate of other temperate-zone forests.

The blowflies of the Madeira Archipelago: species diversity, distribution and identification (Diptera, Calliphoridae s. l.)

Laurisilva of Madeira — 2016 — WHE3E489549D3

A recent study updates the knowledge on blowfly diversity and distribution within the Madeira Archipelago, revealing seven species, including five new records for Porto Santo and three for the Desertas Islands. Notably, the presence of Calliphora loewi in the Laurisilva forest was confirmed, with its first instar larva redescribed, highlighting significant differences from earlier descriptions. The research also provides the first identification key for adult Madeiran blowflies, contributing to a broader understanding of Macaronesian Calliphoridae diversity.

The borehole dilatometer network of Mount Etna: A powerful tool to detect and infer volcano dynamics

Mount Etna — 2016 — WHEAAB6CC7D08

A network of four borehole dilatometers on Mount Etna provides unprecedented precision in measuring volcanic strain, enabling the detection and analysis of magma dynamics during eruptions. Installed between 2010–2011 and 2014 at depths exceeding 100 meters, these instruments record volumetric strain with a nominal precision up to 10−11 across a wide frequency range (10−7–25 Hz). The study demonstrates their capability to capture short-term strain changes during lava fountains (2011–2013 and December 28, 2014), while analytical and numerical models constrain eruption source depth and magma volume. This tool offers potential for long-term monitoring of volcanic activity phases, bridging gaps in understanding Etna's dynamic behavior.