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Publications

Showing 24161 – 24180 of 30345 publications

The Mute Stones Sing: Rigoletto Live from Mantua

Mantua and Sabbioneta — 2015 — WHE39243AC44C

Live opera broadcasts that align with the time and location of their libretto challenge traditional notions of authenticity and performance. The study examines how these 'overdetermined' productions, such as Rigoletto Live from Mantua, blend opera's historical narrative with real-time broadcasting, creating a unique mediatized experience. By analyzing this intersection, researchers reveal how material spaces (like UNESCO-listed Mantua) and performative elements interact to redefine audience engagement, merging theatrical tradition with contemporary media dynamics.

The Myhrr-exuding tomb of St Symeon of Serbia at Studenica: A fresh look

Studenica Monastery — 2015 — WHEFFE544579F

New evidence from the royal tombs at Studenica Monastery, Serbia, suggests that the sarcophagus of Stefan Nemanja was part of the original church design and housed the relics of St Symeon, whose remains were said to exude myrrh. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the monastery's burial practices and provides insight into Byzantine cult traditions, particularly the phenomenon of myrrh-exuding relics. The study combines architectural analysis with comparative material culture research to reconstruct the historical context and significance of these tombs.

The Natural and Anthropogenic Transformation of the Landscapes of Curonian and Vistula Spits

Curonian Spit — 2015 — WHE3953451100

Research reveals significant anthropogenic impacts on the landscapes of Curonian and Vistula Spits, with 55% and 52% of areas respectively showing the first stage of digression from natural conditions. The study employed a complex component-wise analysis using 15 categorized indicators to assess landscape transformation due to both natural and human activities. Findings indicate that while some areas remain relatively intact (I stage), others exhibit more pronounced alterations, with 6% and 20% of the spits showing advanced stages of digression (III-V). This research underscores the need for targeted conservation efforts to mitigate further degradation of these unique coastal-marine landscapes.

The naval city of Karlskrona and its Jewish entrepreneurs

Naval Port of Karlskrona — 2015 — WHECC642EC383

A unique social history emerges from Karlskrona, Sweden's naval city, revealing the pivotal role of Jewish entrepreneurs within its distinctive maritime environment. This study sheds light on how the Jewish parish of Karlskrona contributed to shaping perceptions and ideas in a Swedish iteration of the international naval city phenomenon. By analyzing historical records and community dynamics, the research uncovers the intersection of cultural, economic, and social factors that defined this coastal urban landscape during its formative years.

The need for a consistent fire policy for Cerrado conservation

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2015 — WHE4EC0440A78

A critical fire management policy is essential for the conservation of the Cerrado, Brazil's unique savanna ecosystem. Current fire suppression practices, driven by concerns over global warming and deforestation, have inadvertently transformed savannas into forests, leading to biodiversity loss and disrupted ecological processes. The study highlights that the Cerrado depends on historical fire regimes to maintain its structure and functioning. Urgent implementation of a national fire policy, incorporating prescribed burning, land manager training, research incentives, and public awareness campaigns, is proposed as a solution. This approach leverages existing knowledge from indigenous peoples and scientists to ensure the long-term survival of the Cerrado's biodiversity.

The nutrient economy of Lodoicea maldivica, a monodominant palm producing the world's largest seed

Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve — 2015 — WHEBD257594E4

Lodoicea maldivica, the palm producing the world's largest seed, demonstrates remarkable nutrient efficiency to support its high reproductive output despite growing in nutrient-poor soils. Research at the Vallée de Mai UNESCO Site revealed that male and female palms allocate significant amounts of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) to reproduction, with P costs far exceeding those for vegetative growth. A unique leaf structure acts as a funnel, intercepting particulate material—particularly pollen—which is flushed to the base of the trunk during rainfall, enhancing nutrient supply for both the palm and its dispersal-limited offspring. This study highlights shared traits with other monodominant tropical trees while emphasizing Lodoicea's distinctive features, suggesting an evolutionary history under stable conditions.

The Old Fire God and his Symbolism at Teotihuacan

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2015 — WHED6B34366C3

Research on Teotihuacan reveals that the ancient city's worship of the fire god, Huehueteotl, was intricately linked to rain deities, forming a complex ritual symbolism. While anthropomorphic representations of Huehueteotl are rare, graphic signs and symbols associated with him were prevalent in Teotihuacan's art. The study identifies a composite sign—the group of the four elements—and suggests it may represent an early attempt at mnemonic prayer formulas, indicating the development of a partial writing system. Despite the later prominence of rain deity imagery, Huehueteotl's significance persisted, though its understanding was obscured due to symbolic misinterpretation. The research re-evaluates these symbols through iconographic analysis and manuscript interpretations.

The Oldest Portable Art: the Aurignacian Ivory Figurines from the Swabian Jura (Southwest Germany)

Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura — 2015 — WHE2BD7AFAD93

Among the earliest known representational artifacts in Europe, Aurignacian ivory figurines from four caves in the Swabian Jura—Hohle Fels, Geißenklösterle, Vogelherd, and Hohlenstein-Stadel—reveal insights into Ice Age human creativity and social structures. These objects, approximately fifty in total, were unearthed alongside musical instruments (flutes) and early paintings, suggesting a sophisticated cultural context. Recent research, combined with archival excavation records, addresses key questions about raw materials, iconography, dating, and the potential social significance of these artifacts. The study employs a question-and-answer format to reinterpret Aurignacian portable art, offering a fresh perspective on its production and use during this pivotal period.

The Painted Angels from the central drum of Convent of Christ Rotunda in Tomar - first results of the material and technical comparative study

Convent of Christ in Tomar — 2015 — WHE4790E97507

A comparative analysis of artificial yellow pigments used in the 15th-century paintings of the Convent of Christ's Rotunda in Tomar, Portugal, reveals distinct differences in stoichiometric ratios, melting temperatures, and color hue among lead-tin yellow (type I and II), lead antimonate yellow, and lead-tin-antimony yellow. The study employed micro-Raman spectroscopy alongside X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, and differential thermal analysis to characterize these pigments under varying experimental conditions. Findings highlight correlations between chemical composition, melting processes, and the resulting color properties, offering new insights into the material techniques of Renaissance artists.

The Palace of Westminster

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church — 2015 — WHEE54D09F04A

The Palace of Westminster, designed by Charles Barry following the devastating fire of 1834 that destroyed the old Westminster Palace, stands as a enduring symbol of British democracy and parliamentarian rule. The fire left only four structures intact: Westminster Hall, the Cloisters of St Stephen’s, the undercroft of the Chapel of St Mary, and the Jewel Tower. In response, a commission was formed to organize an architectural competition, which Barry won after reviewing 97 entries. His design for the new Palace of Westminster not only provided functional legislative space but also established a lasting architectural representation of democratic governance in Great Britain.

The Palmeral of Elche: an urban irrigation landscape

Palmeral of Elche — 2015 — WHE9BB5249F3F

The Palmeral of Elche, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Southeast Spain, exemplifies the ingenious integration of Arab agricultural techniques to create a sustainable urban oasis. This study reveals that the 10th-century palm grove was designed not only for aesthetic beauty but as a functional system to stabilize soil, reduce water evaporation through shading, and shield crops from wind, thereby enhancing irrigation efficiency—a critical innovation for local agriculture and urban development. The research reexamines the grove's evolution, from its Arab origins through Christian conquest in the 13th century to modern transformations that shifted its focus away from agriculture. It also addresses contemporary challenges in preserving this unique landscape, particularly since its UNESCO designation in 2000, highlighting the need for adaptive conservation strategies to balance heritage protection with ecological and cultural sustainability.

The Parabolic Discourse Window and the Canterbury Roll: Social Change and the Assertion of Elite Status at Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church — 2015 — WHEDBB9A4E055

A striking parallel emerges between the reactions of 12th-century Benedictine monks and 17th-century Parliamentarians to Canterbury Cathedral's artistic opulence. Theophilus Presbyter's 12th-century manual described an idealized viewer overwhelmed by the cathedral's intricate art, while Parliamentarians in the English Civil War struggled similarly with its abundance, ultimately targeting Archbishop Thomas Becket's shrine. This juxtaposition reveals how elite status and social change were asserted through monumental ecclesiastical art, enduring across centuries despite differing ideological contexts. The study employs a comparative historical analysis of textual sources to illuminate the intersection of art, power, and religious identity.

The Phantasm of the Opera: The Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House — 2015 — WHE7B5CB3E886

The Sydney Opera House, a landmark of modern architecture, emerged from a 1955 competition won by Jørn Utzon, whose innovative design inspired by waves and yacht sails became a symbol of Australia's cultural ambition. Despite its visionary potential, the project faced decades of construction delays, political turmoil, and Utzon's resignation, as documented in John Weiley's film Autopsy on a Dream (2013). Beyond its architectural significance, the Opera House also served as a formative site for aspiring filmmakers during its construction, linking its cultural legacy to both performing arts and cinema. This study highlights the complex interplay between architectural innovation, political challenges, and creative evolution in shaping one of the world's most iconic structures.

The physical, chemical, and microscopic properties of masonry mortars from Alhambra Palace (Spain) in reference to their earthquake resistance

Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada — 2015 — WHEA19A2229B3

Research reveals that the earthquake resistance of the historic Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, can be attributed to its unique masonry mortars. These ancient lime-based mortars, known as Al-Andalus mortars, exhibit high mechanical strength due to their chemical composition, which includes significant amounts of SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3. This finding suggests that the hydraulicity and cementation indices of these mortars play a crucial role in enhancing structural resilience against seismic activity. The study employed scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction analyses on eight mortar types to identify minerals such as calcite, gypsum, quartz, muscovite, and organic fibers. Chemical analyses further corroborated the relationship between mineral content and mechanical strength, providing insights into the durability of historic structures built with these mortars.

The Pillars of the Earth and the Sky

Hattusha: the Hittite Capital — 2015 — WHED64F4DA109

Ancient cities were strategically designed to align with cosmic order, particularly the sun's solstitial movements. A comparative study of four 'solstitial' cities—Thebes (Egypt), Hattusha (Hittite Empire), Carthago Nova (Carthaginian dominions in Iberia), and Petra (Nabataean Kingdom)—reveals a shared pattern: their geographical positions, orography, and monumental orientations were deliberately linked to solar benchmarks. This suggests that Mediterranean societies with strong solar cults or symbolism employed similar urban planning principles, connecting sacred spaces with solstitial orientations. The research uses archaeoastronomy to analyze how these cities integrated astronomical observations into their layouts, offering insights into the religious and cultural significance of solar hierophanies in ancient urban development.

The Plan and the Porcupine: Dynamism and Complexity in the Landscape of St Kilda

St Kilda — 2015 — WHECCDDC94741

A 19th-century plan of St Kilda’s principal settlement, created during HMS Porcupine’s bathymetric survey, reveals the archipelago’s landscape as dynamic and complex, contradicting popular narratives about Hebridean life. The study contextualizes this plan within naval interests in archaeology and ethnography, distinguishing it from contemporary estate surveys. By analyzing the plan alongside family history and archaeological evidence, researchers argue that St Kilda’s landscape was far more fluid than previously understood, challenging simplistic views of its agricultural and architectural development.

The Planet Venus and Temple 22 at Copán

Maya Site of Copan — 2015 — WHE91B9D9A721

Venus held profound significance in Maya mythology, with its celestial appearances influencing architectural and iconographic elements. This study reveals Venus's cosmological-mitical role by analyzing the orientation of Temple 22 at Copán and its unique western window, which frames Venus's transits. The research integrates astronomical data, iconography, ethnohistoric records, and agricultural cycles to demonstrate how Venus's movements were intricately linked to Maya religious practices and agricultural rituals. By synthesizing diverse sources through the lens of Temple 22, the study highlights Venus's pivotal position in the Maya worldview.

The Politics and Power of Tourism in Palestine

Palestine: Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir — 2015 — WHE3DA8385496

Palestine's tourism landscape, particularly around UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Battir, is shaped by complex political and social dynamics that both empower local communities and reflect broader struggles for recognition. The study reveals how alternative forms of tourism, such as solidarity and eco-tourism, serve as tools for resistance and cultural preservation, while also highlighting the challenges posed by international boycotts and restricted mobility. Research approaches include case studies on community-based rural tourism, pilgrimage, and the Gaza Virtual Museum Project, which collectively underscore the potential of tourism to foster resilience and identity amid political constraints. The findings emphasize the need for sustainable models that balance economic development with cultural heritage conservation in conflict-affected regions.

The Politics of Natural Resource Enclosure in South Africa and Ecuador

iSimangaliso Wetland Park – Maputo National Park — 2015 — WHE3BC5244934

State-led enclosures of natural resources, while intended to promote development and environmental sustainability, often introduce significant changes to property regimes that redefine access and control for tribal and indigenous communities. This study compares two such projects: the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in South Africa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Ecuador's Socio Bosque conservation program. By analyzing these cases, researchers highlight the challenges posed by enclosures as a strategy for balancing development goals with environmental protection, particularly for marginalized communities.

The Power of Huacas: Change and Resistance in the Andean World of Colonial Peru

Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture — 2015 — WHEF5E84AC7A3

Claudia Brosseder's monograph reveals the enduring influence of Andean religious practices, particularly those centered around huacas (sacred objects), during colonial Peru. It highlights how these practices evolved and resisted European influences, shifting from soul-saving concerns to demonic and social harmony-related persecutions by the 18th century. Brosseder's analysis, drawing on idolatry proceedings and interactions with Jesuits, explores themes like mountain worship, fertility rituals involving conopas (stone figurines), and the significance of color, stone, and toads. Her work situates Andean beliefs within the broader context of Enlightenment ideas and the discourse on magic, distinguishing between creole Catholic, Andean Christian, and indigenous practices. While it lacks depth on ancestor worship and occasionally broadens the definition of huaca, this meticulously documented study offers profound insights that surpass existing literature on Andean religions.