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Publications

Showing 26841 – 26860 of 30315 publications

The anatomy of change in East Africa

The Historic Town and Archaeological Site of Gedi — 2013 — WHE3375F5F053

East Africa's urban development contrasts sharply with West Africa, lacking ancient metropolitan cultures until the rise of Islamic coastal city-states. The ruins of Gedi, near Malindi, Kenya, exemplify the achievements and vulnerabilities of this medieval urban civilization, which thrived despite external pressures from Portuguese seafarers and warlike tribes like the Galla. Town development in the interior only became feasible in the 19th century, following Arab expansion from Zanzibar, with Tabora emerging as one of the earliest inland settlements in 1852. This study highlights the delayed urbanization in East Africa, shaped by historical trade dynamics and geopolitical conflicts.

The ancient forests of La Gomera, Canary Islands, and their sensitivity to environmental change

Garajonay National Park — 2013 — WHEC2F54565AA

A rapid shift in forest composition occurred around 5500 years ago in Garajonay National Park, La Gomera, Canary Islands, coinciding with regional drying trends. This transition saw declines in hygrophilous species like the Canarian palm and willow, alongside an increase in Morella–Erica heath. Unlike other regions, human arrival between 3000 and 1800 years ago did not significantly alter vegetation dynamics, suggesting the park preserves a largely natural relict forest. The study used palaeoecological techniques—including pollen and charcoal analysis—to reconstruct environmental changes over the last 9600 years, highlighting its resilience to human impacts.

The Aqaba Marine Protected Area -- Integration of Marine Science and Resource Management in the Gulf of Aqaba-Red Sea

Aqaba Marine Reserve — 2013 — WHE3F847DF0F2

Jordan's Aqaba Marine Protected Area (MPA) serves as a model for integrating marine science and resource management, balancing industrial, trade, tourism, and conservation needs. The MPA conserves the region's rich biodiversity while supporting research on coral reefs and coastal ecosystems. By harmonizing coastal activities, it addresses conflicts over resource utilization and strengthens regional collaboration in environmental management. This approach lays the foundation for sustainable development in Jordan’s Gulf of Aqaba and fosters long-term partnerships among Red Sea countries.

The Archaeology of Greek and Roman Troy

Archaeological Site of Troy — 2013 — WHE455EA8AF08

Troy's evolution from a Bronze Age settlement to a Roman city and later a Homeric tourist destination is chronicled through comprehensive archaeological analysis. Charles Brian Rose reexamines the Trojan War's context, tracing social, economic, and religious developments in Troy and its surrounding region. The study synthesizes excavations from the 19th century to recent findings (post-1988), focusing on Greek and Roman-era settlements while also exploring how medieval Europe mythologized Trojan ancestry. By integrating historical records with material culture, Rose reconstructs Troy's transformation into a cultural symbol, offering new insights into its enduring legacy.

The Archaeology of Phrygian Gordion, Royal City of Midas

Gordion — 2013 — WHEACBB219BBC

Gordion, the Phrygian capital and royal city of Midas, has emerged as a pivotal site in Asia Minor's history, yet its significance is often overlooked due to its geographical position. Recent excavations, spanning 60 years under the University of Pennsylvania Museum, reveal dramatic shifts in the site's chronology, with discovery dates changing by up to a century. This interdisciplinary study reexamines Gordion's material culture and topography from the 10th century B.C. to Alexander the Great's arrival in 333 B.C., highlighting fluctuating interactions between inhabitants and the landscape. The research, led by experts in Near Eastern archaeology, historic preservation, paleobotany, and ancient furniture, fills a critical gap with a comprehensive assessment of Phrygian Gordion, supported by a new color phase plan. This work underscores the site's importance as a bridge between Greek and Assyrian influences during Midas' reign.

The Architectural Practice of Regeneration

City of Valletta — 2013 — WHEF1E2A26B7F

Successful urban regeneration requires integrating evolving societal needs with historical layers, ensuring dynamic adaptation while preserving heritage. This study highlights how architectural practices can drive such regeneration by engaging stakeholders and balancing design quality with policy requirements. Through case studies in Valletta's harbors, it demonstrates that regeneration must be contextually grounded, fostering creative processes inherent to urban evolution. The research combines theoretical exploration with aesthetic experimentation, offering a model for sustainable urban development that respects both historical significance and contemporary demands.

The aristocratic oikos on the Vrina Plain, Butrint c. AD 830–1200

Butrint — 2013 — WHEAE44AE9D55

Archaeological excavations at Butrint, Albania, have uncovered evidence of a mid-Byzantine aristocratic oikos—a central administrative hub—dating from around AD 830 to 1200. The study reveals the structure and function of this elite residential complex within the Roman suburb, offering insights into Byzantine social organization and power dynamics. Drawing on Paul Magdalino’s theoretical framework, the research integrates material remains with historical analysis to reconstruct daily life, governance, and architectural practices of the period. This work advances understanding of aristocratic influence in peripheral regions during the Byzantine Empire's later phases.

The Arts Festival of the Marquesas Islands

Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands — 2013 — WHE0154078171

A critical examination of the Marquesas Islands' cultural trajectory reveals that its indigenous traditions, once sacred symbols of nationalist identity in the 1970s, were later aestheticized and commodified into marketable art. This process, often framed as a 'cultural renaissance,' is instead part of a continuous trend toward Westernization. The study traces the evolution from symbolic nationalism to economic exploitation, highlighting the underlying continuity rather than distinct phases in this cultural transformation.

The Australian monsoonal tropics: An opportunity to protect unique biodiversity and secure benefits for Aboriginal communities.

Kakadu National Park — 2013 — WHE3A375D8496

Kakadu National Park, part of the Australian monsoonal tropics, is home to one of the planet’s largest intact tropical savannas with unparalleled biodiversity and deep Indigenous cultural significance. Recent research reveals a rich tapestry of endemic species and genetic diversity, underscoring the need for large-scale, interconnected conservation efforts to mitigate escalating anthropogenic threats. Over 40% of this landscape is under Aboriginal ownership or control, presenting a unique opportunity for Indigenous-led conservation that aligns with cultural aspirations and socio-economic development. The study advocates for expanded Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs) as a collaborative model for biodiversity protection, emphasizing the importance of Aboriginal leadership in sustainable management to ensure both ecological and community benefits.

The Authenticity of the Reconstructed Old Town of Warsaw: A Reflection

Historic Centre of Warsaw — 2013 — WHE0908EC41A2

A new perspective on the authenticity of reconstructed historical sites emerges from a case study of Warsaw's Old Town, now a UNESCO World Heritage Monument. The research challenges traditional notions by applying updated criteria from the Nara Document, which redefines authenticity beyond physical preservation to include cultural and spiritual significance. This approach reveals that Warsaw’s post-World War II reconstruction, while initially criticized for its deviation from original structures, holds substantial historical value through its symbolic and communal resonance. The study highlights how modern reconstructions can be authentic in their own right if they reflect contemporary understandings of heritage, blending material integrity with intangible cultural meaning.

The Baltic‐Adriatic corridor and the measures of the ÖBB to upgrade the Südbahn line / Die baltisch‐adriatische Achse und die Maßnahmen der ÖBB im Rahmen der neuen Südbahn

Semmering Railway — 2013 — WHE1539AFBE49

Austria's efforts to modernize the Baltic-Adriatic Corridor, a critical north-south transport route through Europe, are focused on addressing three major bottlenecks that hinder its efficiency. These include the Vienna hub, the Semmering crossing, and the Neumarkter Sattel, which bypasses Graz. Key projects such as the Vienna Central Railway Station, the Semmering Base Tunnel, and the Koralmbahn line aim to eliminate these constraints. The corridor, spanning 455 km in Austria, currently meets international long-distance transport requirements only in limited sections due to its alpine topography and outdated infrastructure from the Austro-Hungarian era. Additional upgrades, including the Terminal Inzersdorf and improvements to the Pottendorfer line, are also underway to enhance connectivity.

The Biological Underpinnings of Namib Desert Fairy Circles

Namib Sand Sea — 2013 — WHE907C057B81

Fairy circles, enigmatic patches of vegetation in the otherwise barren Namib Desert, are sustained by the activity of sand termites. Research reveals that these termites remove vegetation following intermittent rains, creating circles that collect water and support perennial plant growth at their edges. This long-term persistence of fairy circles is maintained through a feedback loop where termites thrive on the vegetation they help sustain, ensuring their survival in one of the harshest desert environments on Earth.

The Black San Pablo Paleosol of the Teotihuacan Valley, Mexico: Pedogenesis, Fertility, and Use in Ancient Agricultural and Urban Systems

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2013 — WHE8C076EFA1D

Recent research reveals that the ancient landscape of the Teotihuacan Valley, Mexico, was significantly altered by human-induced erosion and sedimentation processes from pre-Hispanic to Colonial periods. The Black San Pablo Paleosol (BSPP), a soil layer dating back to the Formative and Classic periods (approximately 400 B.C.–A.D. 650), has been identified under modern soil horizons, providing insights into past paleoenvironmental conditions and human activities. Analysis of maize pollen, phytoliths, diatoms, and micromorphology indicates that the BSPP was used for agriculture and irrigation practices. Despite its fertility, the BSPP's low water infiltration suggests challenges with seasonal water saturation. This study contributes to reconstructing regional paleoenvironmental history and understanding ancient agricultural and urban systems.

The Bonobo– D ialium Positive Interactions: Seed Dispersal Mutualism

Salonga National Park — 2013 — WHEE2F2F844DC

Research reveals that bonobos (Pan paniscus) play a crucial role as efficient seed dispersers for Dialium trees, a dominant genus in the LuiKotale rainforest within Salonga National Park. The study demonstrates that Dialium fruits, which constitute a significant portion of the bonobo diet during their 6-month fruiting season, are dispersed through endozoochory—where seeds pass through the bonobos' digestive system. This process enhances seed germination by removing protective layers and increasing seed size via water uptake. The findings highlight a mutualistic relationship where bonobos benefit nutritionally from Dialium fruits while ensuring their dispersal over an average distance of 1.25 km, thereby supporting forest regeneration. The study underscores the ecological importance of bonobos in maintaining the biodiversity of the Congo basin rainforest.

The Buddhakṣetra of Bodhgaya: Saṅgha, Exchanges and Trade Networks

Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya — 2013 — WHE61DCA669FE

Archaeological evidence from the Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya reveals the critical role of trade networks and monastic institutions (saṅgha) in shaping the sacred landscape of Buddhakṣetra. The study demonstrates how Bodhgaya emerged as a pivotal site for Buddhism, facilitating its localization and expansion in ancient South Asia through complex exchanges and transformations within religious orders. By analyzing archaeological data, the research unravels the processes that consolidated Bodhgaya's significance, offering insights into the interplay between trade, monastic institutions, and the development of Buddhist religious practices.

The Celsus Library at Ephesus: Spatial Rhetoric, Literacy, and Hegemony in the Eastern Roman Empire

Ephesus — 2013 — WHE7615A0E0A4

The Celsus Library at Ephesus served as a powerful symbol of Rome's cultural and political dominance during the early second century CE. While its elite patrons benefited from its instrumental functions, passersby from all social strata were exposed to its hegemonic display, reinforcing Roman authority. The study reconstructs the library's original appearance and spatial relationships using architectural analysis and historical records, offering insights into its rhetorical and literacy dimensions. This approach reveals how the library functioned not only as a repository of knowledge but also as a tool for asserting Roman power in the Eastern Empire.

The Challenges of Managing an Archaeological Heritage Site in a Declining Economy: The Case of Khami World Heritage Site in Zimbabwe

Khami Ruins National Monument — 2013 — WHE2851F831C7

Local communities' degradation of the Khami archaeological site in Zimbabwe is linked to socio-economic challenges stemming from the country's economic decline and colonial history. The study finds that poverty and economic constraints have led to a lack of respect for cultural heritage protection among residents, exacerbating the site's deterioration. Researchers analyzed Khami's history, architecture, and the surrounding landscape, arguing that the negative attitude toward heritage management is deeply rooted in historical and current socio-economic factors. This case highlights the critical need for sustainable economic strategies to preserve archaeological sites in declining economies.

The Chronology of Monks Mound

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site — 2013 — WHE271E6D0F94

Monks Mound, the largest Native American construction in North America and a central feature of Cahokia, was likely built in two rapid phases spanning fewer than twenty years, contradicting earlier assumptions about its prolonged construction. Using a Bayesian computer model that integrated archaeological data and radiocarbon dates, this study challenges the notion that Monks Mound was one of the oldest and longest-lived monuments at Cahokia. The findings suggest that Cahokian society could mobilize vast labor forces for short durations, potentially inhibiting the development of institutionalized, transgenerational sociopolitical hierarchies.

The City of Lübeck and the Internationality of Early Hanseatic Trade

Hanseatic City of Lübeck — 2013 — WHE16EF08906A

Early Hanseatic trade in the Baltic region reached significant internationalization, with Lübeck playing a pivotal role. This study reveals how the city's strategic position and economic policies facilitated the expansion of long-distance commerce, integrating Northern European markets. By analyzing historical records, archaeological evidence, and trade documents, researchers trace the development of Lübecks infrastructure and its influence on the Hanseatic League's growth. The findings highlight Lübeck's importance in connecting regional economies, shaping medieval European trade networks.

The Conservation and Strengthening Intervention on the Wooden Floors of the Ducal Palace in Sabbioneta (MN-Italy)

Mantua and Sabbioneta — 2013 — WHE1A214901EB

A meticulous conservation and strengthening intervention on the sixteenth-century wooden floors of the Ducal Palace in Sabbioneta, Italyrevealed critical challenges in preserving such historically significant structures. The study highlights the necessity for expert restoration techniques, continuous oversight by architectural heritage authorities, and a phased approach to address structural integrity without compromising decorative elements. Conducted under the supervision of the Director of Works, Manager of Procedure, and Superintendence for Architectural Heritage and Landscape of Mantua, this intervention underscores the complexities of maintaining high-value cultural assets while balancing technical precision with historical authenticity.