World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 28061 – 28080 of 30315 publications

Ten Years of Search and Rescue in Yosemite National Park: Examining the Past for Future Prevention

Yosemite National Park — 2012 — WHE45A268F650

A decade-long analysis of search and rescue incidents in Yosemite National Park reveals that 55% of patients were male, with hiking being the most common activity (46%) and extremity pain the primary complaint (53%). Patient surveys indicated that 79% of incidents occurred on clear days, while 14.4% of patients felt underprepared. Most respondents believed appropriate footwear and sufficient water could have prevented or minimized injuries. Surprisingly, 54% reported being experts at their activity, suggesting a need for targeted education on gear, trail conditions, and patient demographics to reduce future incidents.

Teotihuacan and the Epiclassic in Central Mexico

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2012 — WHE3703B15E0B

A significant shift occurred in Central Mexico following the collapse of Teotihuacan around 600–900 AD, marking the Epiclassic period. This study synthesizes four decades of archaeological research to reveal how this transition reshaped Mesoamerican polities and economies. By analyzing regional studies, it provides a comprehensive assessment of the changes that followed Teotihuacan's decline, offering new insights into the dynamics of post-collapse societies in the region.

Thanksgiving Day Sermon

Independence Hall — 2012 — WHEAA1B98D3AD

A sermon by Morais during the Franco-Prussian War reveals shifting American public opinion, highlighting France's cultural significance and its association with Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The analysis demonstrates how Morais portrays Prussia as a dominant military threat while expressing pride in America's early recognition of the French Republic. He laments the lack of American intervention to protect Paris, reflecting growing sympathy for France post-Sedan. This study provides insight into historical rhetoric during wartime and its connection to transatlantic relations.

The ‘Garden of the Virgin Mary’ meets the Twenty-First Century: the Challenge of Technology on Mount Athos

Mount Athos — 2012 — WHE56EAB72935

Mount Athos, a centuries-old monastic community, faces modern challenges, particularly from technology, which has been gradually integrated into its traditional way of life. This study reveals that while technological advancements like computers, cellphones, and solar power stations are being adopted, they provoke diverse attitudes among monks, reflecting broader tensions between Orthodox Christianity and modernity. The research examines this modernization process, highlighting how these changes challenge monastic principles of silence, meditation, and manual labor, while also offering practical solutions to contemporary needs.

The “Western Wall” Riots of 1929: Religious Boundaries and Communal Violence

Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town — 2012 — WHEA04D7C1143

The 1929 riots in Palestine, particularly in Jerusalem, Safad, and Hebron, revealed how communal boundaries—rooted in religious, economic, and political dynamics—were both reinforced and eroded during periods of violence. The study argues that these outbreaks were not spontaneous but rather attempts to redraw or reestablish social divisions, shaped by long-standing tensions and the rising influence of Zionist movements and Palestinian nationalism. By analyzing patterns of violence across the three cities, the research offers insight into how historical boundaries evolved and how external forces disrupted traditional structures. The findings underscore the interplay between religious identity, political change, and communal conflict in shaping collective memory and spatial organization within UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town.

The 27–year decline of coral cover on the Great Barrier Reef and its causes

Great Barrier Reef — 2012 — WHEA3BA038109

A 27-year decline in coral cover on the Great Barrier Reef, from 28.0% to 13.8%, was driven primarily by tropical cyclones (48%), crown-of-thorns starfish predation (42%), and bleaching (10%), resulting in a mortality rate of 3.38% per year. Despite this decline, the northern region remained stable, and reefs demonstrated substantial recovery potential at 2.85% per year without these stressors. Reducing crown-of-thorns starfish populations through improved water quality and alternative control measures could mitigate further decline, but only if climate conditions are stabilized to curb increasing losses from bleaching and cyclones.

The Aleijadinho at Home and Abroad: “Discovering” Race and Nation in Brazil

Historic Town of Ouro Preto — 2012 — WHE93CA014EA2

Recent research challenges the portrayal of Antônio Francisco Lisboa, known as Aleijadinho, as an emblem of Brazil's racial harmony. By analyzing depictions from four authors—Stefan Zweig, Rodrigo José Ferreira Bretas, Waldo Frank, and Manuel Zapata Olivella—the study reveals how ideologies of race and nation have shaped perceptions of the artist in Brazilian history and Latin American studies. The analysis highlights that most interpretations were influenced by limited regional experience and archival access, with only Bretas offering insights as a native Brazilian. The findings reinterpret Aleijadinho's legacy through contemporary historical research on race in Ouro Preto and neighboring regions, providing new perspectives on Brazil's national identity.

The altarpiece of the Transit of the Soul of Saint Bernard of the Real Monastery of Saint Mary of Alcobaça: history, execution and conservation

Monastery of Alcobaça — 2012 — WHE56709264C1

Research on the altarpiece of the Transit of Saint Bernard at Alcobaça Monastery reveals evidence for at least two distinct workshops, likely involving converso brothers and possibly secular artists, operating within the monastery during the late 17th century. These workshops not only produced sculptures for the monastery but also worked on external commissions outside its precincts. The study employs a detailed analysis of sculptural techniques, particularly in polychrome fired clay, to distinguish between these workshop practices. Conservation efforts followed minimal intervention principles, building upon prior treatments conducted by the Instituto José de Figueiredo (1969–1973) while updating methodologies to ensure long-term preservation.

The application of COSI‐Corr to determine dune system dynamics in the southern Namib Desert using ASTER data

Namib Sand Sea — 2012 — WHE8404E240BE

A novel application of the COSI-Corr algorithm to ASTER satellite imagery has revealed critical insights into dune migration and sand flux dynamics within the Namib Sand Sea. The study identified distinct pathways of sand transport, feeding the southern region from coastal sources and deflationary basins in the Sperrgebiet. By refining cross-correlation window parameters, researchers achieved sub-pixel precision in dune movement measurements at both individual dune and field scales. Validation through GIS digitization and WMFI imagery, complemented by multispectral analysis, provided robust contextual understanding of sand transport pathways. This interdisciplinary approach not only advances the methodological rigor of dune system studies but also sets a precedent for future comparisons with other dune fields globally.

The Archaeology of the HolyLand

Masada — 2012 — WHE98AAD75736

A comprehensive archaeological and historical analysis of ancient Palestine from the destruction of Solomon's Temple (586 BCE) to the Muslim conquest (640 CE), with a focus on Jerusalem during the Second Temple period, including Herod the Great's reign. The study examines major sites such as Masada, Caesarea Maritima, and Petra, providing detailed insights into their material culture—including coins, pottery, glass, and stone vessels—while contextualizing these findings within broader Mediterranean and Near Eastern historical frameworks. This work offers a thorough overview of the region's vibrant archaeological landscape.

The Architecture of the Scottish Medieval Church, 1100-1560 (review)

Durham Castle and Cathedral — 2012 — WHE5E99972F8C

Richard Fawcett's seminal work, The Architecture of the Scottish Medieval Church, 1100-1560, revolutionizes understanding of medieval church architecture in Scotland by integrating meticulous analysis with a broad European context. The book demonstrates that while Scottish churches drew inspiration from English models—such as Durham Cathedral and Lincoln Cathedral—they were far from provincial copies, showcasing unique regional adaptations, particularly in the Northern Isles' Romanesque designs linked to northern Germany and Ireland. Fawcett's research highlights innovative spatial innovations, like Glasgow Cathedral's crypt vault patterns, and intricate tracery designs influenced by French and Low Countries traditions, including striking parallels with Amiens Cathedral and Vincennes Castle Chapel. The study also underscores Scotland's diplomatic and commercial ties with Europe, exemplified by the Paris-born mason John Morow's oeuvre. A masterpiece of architectural history, this volume sets a new standard for research on Scottish ecclesiastical architecture.

The Bashkirian Stage of Southwestern Darvaz, the Pamir Mountains: Stratigraphy and paleotectonics

Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs) — 2012 — WHEF0BD564FEE

A comprehensive stratigraphic analysis of the Bashkirian Stage in Southwestern Darvaz, Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs), reveals the presence of all four Bashkirian substages, identified through fusulinid fossils. This study highlights a significant transgressive sequence where Bashkirian beds overlie Lower Carboniferous clastic-volcanic series and are conformably overlain by Moscovian (Vereian) deposits. Notably, an unconformity within the Bashkirian Stage is inferred due to missing lower strata in certain sections, while another unconformity is observed between Upper Kashirian beds and underlying formations. The absence of synsedimentary volcanism in these beds suggests its cessation by the end of the Early Carboniferous. This research provides critical insights into the paleotectonic evolution of the region during the Carboniferous period.

The Bazaar in the Islamic City

Old City of Sana'a — 2012 — WHEAD403B75B0

The bazaar, a cornerstone of Islamic cities, serves as more than just a commercial hub; it is a dynamic forum for cultural exchange and social interaction that reflects historical evolution, political conditions, and urban morphology. This interdisciplinary study examines the unique histories, traditions, and structures of bazaars across North Africa and the Middle East, including those in Cairo, Damascus, Aleppo, Nablus, Bursa, Istanbul, Sana'a, Kabul, Tehran, and Yazd. Despite shared contextual and functional characteristics, each bazaar exhibits distinct cultural practices and a continuity from past to present, highlighting its enduring role as a space for goods exchange and societal interaction—a ritual as old as human history. The research approach combines historical, architectural, sociological, and anthropological perspectives to explore these dynamics comprehensively.

The Bedouin Know: Using Local Knowledge to Understand the Effects of Development at the Wadi Rum Protected Area in Southern Jordan

Wadi Rum Protected Area — 2012 — WHEC9AF718E2F

Development initiatives at the Wadi Rum Protected Area (WRPA) in southern Jordan, despite aiming to be people-centered and environmentally sustainable, have largely failed to deliver promised benefits to local Bedouin communities. A decade-long analysis reveals that these projects, designed to foster conservation and tourism, have instead marginalized the Bedouin, stripped them of control over their lands and tourism industry, increased clan divisions, and prioritized tourism over environmental protection. The study leverages Bedouin perspectives and experiences to critique development processes, demonstrating how local knowledge exposes the disconnect between stated goals and actual outcomes. This research underscores the need for inclusive, equitable approaches in conservation and development that center on the voices and needs of intended beneficiaries.

The biogeochemical role of Actinobacteria in Altamira Cave, Spain

Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain — 2012 — WHEEAF02DB5BE

A previously unrecognized species of Actinobacteria plays a significant biogeochemical role in the formation of grey spots on the walls and ceiling of Altamira Cave, Spain. These spots, composed of bacteria and bioinduced CaCO3 crystals, exhibit a distinct radial and dendritic structure. Molecular analysis identified Actinobacteria as the primary component, while CO2 efflux measurements confirmed that these microorganisms promote CO2 uptake from the cave atmosphere, dissolving the rock and generating CaCO3 crystals during periods of lower humidity or CO2 levels. The study combines electron microscopy techniques with geochemical data to propose a model for spot formation, shedding light on microbial contributions to cave mineralization processes.

The birth of the Gods at Palenque

Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque — 2012 — WHEA732CDC6F9

A groundbreaking analysis of the Temples of the Cross, Foliated Cross, and Sun at Palenque reveals that their inscriptions depict the births of well-known Mesoamerican deities. Building on Heinrich Berlin's 1963 hypothesis, which linked specific glyphs to these temples and suggested their involvement in unknown cycles, this study provides substantial supporting evidence. The research identifies the deities referenced through detailed glyphic analysis, offering new insights into the religious and astronomical significance of Palenque's architecture.

The Buddhas of Bamiyan

Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley — 2012 — WHE4CAED74887

The Buddhas of Bamiyan, standing for 1,400 years as symbols of cultural and religious fusion on the Silk Road, were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001. These colossal figures, carved in the sixth and seventh centuries, represented a confluence of artistic traditions from India, China, Central Asia, Iran, and even Greek influence from Alexander the Great's campaigns. Their destruction sparked international outrage, but their legacy persists as a paradoxical symbol for Afghanistan's fractured history. Llewelyn Morgan's work reveals how these Buddhas were venerated by the Hazara people—descendants of Genghis Khan's Mongol hordes—as symbols of their distinct religious identity, despite Islam's dominance in the region. The study traces the Buddhas' historical significance from their creation to their eventual destruction, incorporating narratives from holy men, adventurers, and hostages throughout history.

The Byzantine (Early Christian) Period (313–640 C.E.)

Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem — 2012 — WHE175156F061

Palestine underwent a dramatic transformation during the Byzantine period (313–640 C.E.), transitioning from a remote Roman province to a pivotal Christian center after Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity. This shift led to an influx of pilgrims, economic growth, and the construction of hundreds of religious sites, including the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem—a key pilgrimage destination built by Constantine. The study highlights how this period reshaped Palestine's landscape, with towns expanding and new settlements emerging, particularly around marginal areas like the Negev desert. Archaeological evidence from Byzantine remains across Palestine underscores the profound impact of Christianity on the region's development.

The career of engineer Vladimir Bodiansky

The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement — 2012 — WHE039349166F

Vladimir Bodiansky, a Russian-born engineer (1894–1966), played a pivotal role in the intellectual property rights debate for company-employed engineers during France's 1930s and post-World War II era. His career transition from civil to aeronautical engineering, then to architecture, was marked by collaboration with Marcel Lods and Le Corbusier, culminating in his work as technical director of Atelier de Bâtisseurs, a design office founded in 1945. This study highlights Bodiansky's lesser-known but significant contributions to French architectural and engineering history, emphasizing his pursuit of industrializing the construction industry. The research approach involves examining Bodiansky's career trajectory, professional collaborations, and architectural achievements through historical analysis.

The case study of the Pátio dos Carrascos at the Convent of Christ. Archaeological record of the recovery project

Convent of Christ in Tomar — 2012 — WHE3748E5A8D6

Archaeological excavations at the Pátio dos Carrascos, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Convent of Christ in Tomar, revealed significant insights into the site's construction and reuse phases. The study, conducted in July 2010 as preliminary work for a restoration project, utilized advanced methodologies including traditional drawings, rectified photography, and point cloud extractions to document all excavation stages with precision. These techniques enabled the post-production of detailed records, capturing the evolution of the site's architecture across multiple phases. The findings contribute valuable data for conservation efforts and computational analysis, enhancing our understanding of this historic monument's architectural history.