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The Playfulness of Resistance: Articulations of Urban Grassroots Activism in Post-Socialist Vilnius

Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar — 2016 — WHE89AA9880D4

A critical analysis of urban grassroots activism in post-socialist Vilnius reveals that the recent wave of movements, particularly those advocating for 'right to the city' and public space access, marks a significant shift from earlier activist initiatives. Unlike past protests predominantly rooted in cities, this new activism explicitly centers on urban identity and goals, challenging the long-standing discourse of urban superiority over rural or peasant cultures. The study highlights how industrialization and urbanization during socialism, followed by population movements due to wars, contributed to this urban-centric perspective, culminating in the concept of 'urbicide'—the deliberate destruction of urbanity—as seen in the siege of Sarajevo and the damage to Stari most (Old Bridge) in Mostar. The research employs discursive analysis to explore these dynamics, offering insights into the evolving nature of activism in post-socialist contexts.

The political map of Arabia and the Middle East in the third century AD revealed by a Sabaean inscription

Site of Palmyra — 2016 — WHE11474F89B3

A newly discovered Sabaean inscription from Jabal Riyām, Yemen, offers the earliest detailed account of a diplomatic journey across Arabia and the Middle East, dating to approximately 260–280 AD. The text, likely authored by a Ḥumlān tribal dignitary, maps territories traversed during this mission, extending from western and northern Arabia to Palmyra and Mesopotamia. This rare inscription provides unprecedented insights into the political landscape of the region, illuminating the interactions and territorial divisions of the time. The study leverages epigraphic analysis to reconstruct historical movements and geopolitical dynamics, contributing significantly to our understanding of third-century AD Arabia.

The position of the ‘master mason’ (‘magister lapidum’, ‘magister laterum’, ‘steinmeister’, ‘czygelmeyster’, ‘muwermeister’) in the Teutonic Order’s state in Prussia in the 14th and in the first half of the 15th centuries

Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork — 2016 — WHEF0C70F0872

Research reveals that the position of 'master mason' within the Teutonic Order's state in Prussia, spanning the 14th and early 15th centuries, played a pivotal role in coordinating brick castle construction. This role, held by knights for specified periods, involved overseeing labor, materials procurement, and work execution, thereby enabling the precise dating of several castles. Notably, the high castle in Ragnit was completed before 1406, while Marienburg (Malbork) underwent development in two phases during the 1340s and 1370s. Additional findings include the construction timeline for castles in Gdańsk, Schlochau, Tuchel, Lauenburg, Barten, Labiau, Neidenburg, and Memel, corroborating historical claims about their erection periods.

The Potential and Preparedness of Local Products in the Brand Building for Tourist Souvenirs, Luang Prabang, Laos PDR.

Town of Luang Prabang — 2016 — WHE0F2307E691

Luang Prabang’s UNESCO World Heritage status and rich cultural heritage provide a strong foundation for developing local souvenir brands, as producers leverage indigenous knowledge to enhance authenticity. The Night Market serves as a key platform for showcasing diverse, locally invented products. However, brand development faces significant constraints, including limited innovation, weak marketing skills, lack of financial support, and conservative business practices. Qualitative research involving 40 in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and secondary data analysis revealed that while local producers possess skill and experience, their potential is hindered by resource gaps and outdated family-based operations. Collaboration among government agencies, associations, and financial institutions is essential to overcome these barriers and foster sustainable brand growth.

The Production, Distribution and Consumption of Metals and Alloys at Great Zimbabwe

Great Zimbabwe National Monument — 2016 — WHE98A2B32985

Residents of Great Zimbabwe engaged in localized metal craft production and consumption, with evidence suggesting homestead-level metallurgy activities. The study reveals that metals sourced from local and regional areas fueled long-distance trade with the Indian Ocean rim, challenging previous assumptions about the site's economic organization. This research integrates archival, chronological, fieldwork, and laboratory-based analyses to reconstruct the metallurgical practices of Great Zimbabwe, providing new insights into its material culture and trade networks.

The Promise and Peril of Gold Mining on Spanish and Portuguese Imperial Frontiers

Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos — 2016 — WHE1E72590655

Gold mining in the Chiquitos region, formerly under Jesuit missions and located on the ambiguous frontier between Spanish and Portuguese territories, sparked diverse pro- and anti-mining discourses from 1796 to 1809. The study reveals that these debates were deeply influenced by geographical factors and colonial beliefs about territorial characteristics, rather than solely economic or political motivations. By analyzing archival records and historical texts, the research demonstrates how the region's transimperial jurisdictional status shaped arguments for and against mining, highlighting the complex interplay between geography, imperial power dynamics, and local perceptions during this period.

The Prospects for the Development of Geotourism in the Area of the Wadi Rum Desert

Wadi Rum Protected Area — 2016 — WHE789FD7AE58

Geotourism is identified as a significant driver for economic development and job creation in the Wadi Rum Protected Area. The study highlights that local Bedouin communities perceive geotourism positively, emphasizing its potential to enhance the region's competitiveness while preserving geological heritage. Key challenges include attracting tourists to the area's natural and cultural values and fostering collaboration among scientific, business, government, and non-governmental sectors. The research involved observations of tourism activities, diagnostic tests with local Bedouin tribes, and an analysis of current tourism practices in Wadi Rum.

The Protection of Forest Biodiversity can Conflict with Food Access for Indigenous People

Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park — 2016 — WHEF1AA31A1BB

International protected area (PA) policies, while recognizing Indigenous rights, often conflict with traditional food access for Indigenous communities. A study at La Amistad Biosphere Reserve, Costa Rica, found that PA regulations restricting shifting agriculture and hunting negatively impact the health, nutrition, cultural identity, and social cohesion of the Bribri people. These restrictions also affect the transmission of cultural teachings to youth and the relationship with non-human beings. The research analyzed land management documents and engaged with the Bribri community to identify these impacts. To mitigate such conflicts, the study proposes integrating a right-to-food framework into PA management, allowing communities to define sustainable harvesting practices, and ensuring clear communication of regulations to resource users.

The Prussian Cap ceiling of the Cologne Cathedral - non-destructive investigations for the state of preservation

Cologne Cathedral — 2016 — WHED7C9B1CC5C

Non-destructive investigations of the Prussian Cap ceiling in Cologne Cathedral reveal critical design flaws that compromise its structural integrity. The study found that the 19th-century construction, intended to meet strict fire protection standards using industrially manufactured steel girders, was only designed to support its own weight without accounting for additional loads. This discovery underscores potential risks associated with the ceiling's stability, particularly in the challenging-to-access choir chapels. The research combined extensive damage analysis with historical static calculations to identify execution errors and structural vulnerabilities, providing critical insights for preservation efforts.

The Pyu Ancient Cities World Heritage application: lessons from Myanmar on transnational advocacy networks

Pyu Ancient Cities — 2016 — WHE909822BD13

The World Heritage listing of Pyu Ancient Cities in Myanmar marked the country's first site on the UNESCO list, achieved through a transnational advocacy network. This study reveals how such networks can effectively mobilize support across borders to advance conservation efforts against governmental challenges. By analyzing the Pyu case, researchers developed a model demonstrating the efficacy of these networks in advocating for cultural heritage protection. The approach involved examining the convergence of local and international forces, highlighting the role of transnational collaboration in securing global recognition for significant archaeological sites.

The Quintessential Features of Iranian Art in Saljuq Period

Masjed-e Jāmé of Isfahan — 2016 — WHEEF920E21B5

The Saljuq period (11th–12th centuries) marked a transformative era for Iranian art, blending Islamic and Persian influences to shape enduring artistic traditions. Research highlights that Saljuq architecture, exemplified by the Masjed-e Jāmé of Isfahan, adopted innovations like nave-dome structures and four-porch courtyards, derived from Khorasan designs. This period also saw advancements in pottery, including under-glaze painting and redware with white slip, as well as intricate metalwork featuring embossed animal motifs, plant designs, and Kufic script. Textiles, such as the Ordaki silk, showcased blue Kufic calligraphy, reflecting both craftsmanship and cultural symbolism. The study employs a descriptive-analytical approach to identify these quintessential features, demonstrating their foundational role in subsequent Iranian artistic development.

The radio sky (Chapter 7)

Jodrell Bank Observatory — 2016 — WHEE3B03B88DF

Radio astronomy, pioneered by Karl Jansky's discovery of cosmic radio waves in 1932 and advanced post-World War II with innovations from scientists like Bernard Lovell and Martin Ryle, has unlocked profound insights into the universe. Single-dish antennas, such as the Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank Observatory, remain pivotal tools, while interferometry—combining multiple antennas—enhances angular resolution, revealing quasars, supermassive black holes, pulsars, and neutron stars. This chapter traces the evolution of radio technology and its transformative impact on our understanding of cosmic phenomena.

The Recent Archaeological Survey of Tilaurakot

Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha — 2016 — WHE7454ADF575

Recent archaeological survey at Tilaurakot, Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, reveals significant insights into its morphological and chronological structure. The UNESCO/JFIT project, led by Professor Robin Coningham (Durham University) and Kosh Prasad Acharya (Department of Archaeology), employed an international team to investigate the site's layers through excavation and analysis. Findings contribute to understanding Tilaurakot's historical significance, shedding light on its development over time. The study combines expertise from Durham University, Lumbini Development Trust, Department of Archaeology, and National Geographic, aiming to strengthen conservation efforts at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Reconstruction of the Old Bridge in Mostar

Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar — 2016 — WHE13D509C76A

The reconstruction of the Old Bridge in Mostar stands as a testament to historical engineering and cultural preservation. Originally built in 1566 by Mimar Hayrudin, a pupil of the renowned Turkish architect Sinan, the bridge spans 28.70 meters with an arch thickness of 80 cm and a width ranging from 392 to 397 cm. Constructed from local stone called Tenelija, the bridge has inspired numerous artistic works across various disciplines. The study delves into the archaeological investigations, centering techniques, design intricacies, and materials used during its reconstruction, alongside the historical context of Halebija and Tara towers, which were also reconstructed in tandem with the bridge. This project underscores the significance of preserving such architectural marvels while maintaining their original integrity.

The rediscovery of Palmyra and its dissemination in Philosophical Transactions

Site of Palmyra — 2016 — WHE0D43815D54

The first documented Western encounter with the ancient city of Palmyra, described by British merchants in the late 17th century, was published in Philosophical Transactions (mid-1690s), marking a pivotal moment for early modern archaeology and the dissemination of Palmyra's archaeological legacy. This study reveals how merchant accounts, featuring drawings and reports, were instrumental in introducing Palmyra to the scientific community, establishing Philosophical Transactions as a foundational platform for its study. The paper traces the origins and impact of these accounts, highlighting their enduring influence on subsequent research and the development of early archaeological practices within the Royal Society.

The Reformation in Eastern and Central Europe

Churches of Moldavia — 2016 — WHE2CF3A4182E

The Reformation in Eastern and Central Europe significantly reshaped religious, social, and political landscapes. This volume reveals how Protestant movements interacted with local cultures, particularly in regions like Bohemia, Hungary, Transylvania, and Moldavia, where Calvinism became intertwined with estate liberation movements. It highlights the role of private libraries in spreading Protestant literature, the influence of mural painting on religious identity, and the complex negotiations between Protestant theologians and Eastern Orthodox Churches. The study also explores the impact of patronage and recatholicization efforts by nobility, contrasting with the confessionalization of urban centers in royal Prussia. By analyzing church building practices, morals courts, and national historical writing, it provides a nuanced understanding of how Reformation dynamics varied across regions.

The Relationship between World Heritage Designation and Local Identity

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu — 2016 — WHEA472F4DEA5

World Heritage designation significantly enhances local identity among communities near UNESCO sites, as demonstrated by the case of Machu Picchu. The study reveals that recognition as a World Heritage Site fosters a stronger sense of pride and connection to cultural heritage, particularly through tourism-driven experiences. Researchers analyzed the interplay between immediate tourist engagement—such as photography—and long-term memory formation, showing how these interactions shape collective identity. By combining qualitative interviews with visual analysis of tourist behavior, the study highlights the dual role of World Heritage status: preserving historical significance while simultaneously influencing local narratives and self-perception.

The Renovation of Northern Italian Cathedrals during the Eleventh and Twelfth Centuries: The State of Current Research and Some Unanswered Questions

Cathedral, Torre Civica and Piazza Grande, Modena — 2016 — WHEC560CE5714

Research on northern Italian Romanesque cathedrals, particularly Modena Cathedral, reveals significant advancements in understanding their architectural evolution and the influence of Classical inspiration. The study highlights the wealth of documentary evidence for Modena, including the names of key architects and artisans, providing a detailed context for its renovation during the 11th and 12th centuries. By comparing Modena with other cathedrals in Emilia Romagna—such as Ferrara, Parma, and Reggio Emilia—the research identifies new findings that shed light on regional architectural trends. Additionally, it explores the mutual relationships between Cremona and Piacenza cathedrals while noting the preservation of pre-Romanesque structures in Vercelli, Pavia, and Bergamo. The article advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to fully analyze these complex monuments.

The Repeating City: Urban Space in Hispanic Caribbean Literature

Colonial City of Santo Domingo — 2016 — WHE81215E6EA8

Hispanic Caribbean literature reveals the city as a dynamic, multifaceted entity that transcends its historical roles as fortress or port. Twentieth- and twenty-first-century works on Havana (Cuba), San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) depict urban spaces as sites of Utopian imaginaries, lived communities, and complex power negotiations, reflecting unequal development and cultural intersections with memory, desire, and national history. The study examines how these representations challenge totalizing narratives, offering nuanced accounts of urban cultures shaped by isolation and historical contexts.

The Representation of Heart in Sheikh Abd El Qurna Private Tombs during the 18th Dynasty

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis — 2016 — WHE1F6F245E74

Preliminary findings from Sheikh Abd El Qurna private tombs reveal that the heart held significant religious symbolism during the 18th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt. The study highlights its representation across various locations, including walls of halls, inner rooms, burial chambers, and passages, in both funerary scenes (e.g., purification and opening of the mouth) and daily life depictions (e.g., offering food to the deceased). The research also emphasizes the symbolic meaning behind different colors and numbers of hearts, as well as their specific placements within tomb scenes. Additionally, it explores chapters dedicated to heart protection in the Book of the Dead, providing insights into Ancient Egyptian conceptions of the heart's role.