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The Role of Poetics at a Tense World Heritage Site: Pasargadae, Islamic Republic of Iran

Pasargadae — 2012 — WHE86289B9093

Poetics emerges as a viable interpretive strategy for UNESCO World Heritage Sites facing political sensitivities, such as Pasargadae in Iran. This study demonstrates that poetics can bridge personal and shared experiences while adhering to official narratives, unlike conventional approaches like chronological or provocative interpretations, which may face disapproval. By focusing on historical, environmental, and architectural values, poetics offers a flexible framework that preserves site specificity without aligning with regional themes, thus avoiding repetition. The research suggests adopting this approach for Western sites as well, highlighting its potential to enhance interpretive richness while navigating complex political landscapes.

The Royal Inscriptions of Sennacherib, King of Assyria (704–681 BC), Part 1

Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat) — 2012 — WHEC1F377E388

A comprehensive compilation of 195 royal inscriptions from the reign of Sennacherib, King of Assyria (704–681 BC), alongside 28 additional Neo-Assyrian texts, provides unprecedented access to historical and architectural records. These inscriptions, sourced from Nineveh, Ashur, Tarbisu, and other sites under Assyrian rule, include colossal bull and lion reliefs, rock carvings, stone prisms, clay cylinders, and epigraphs on everyday objects like bricks and metalwork. Each text is meticulously edited with English translations, supported by introductory context, catalogues, detailed commentaries, and extensive bibliographies. The volume also features photographs of inscribed artifacts, indices for names and references, and a broad analysis of Sennacherib's construction projects, particularly in Ashur. This work offers a robust framework for understanding Neo-Assyrian governance, artistry, and historical documentation.

The Royal Menageries of Louis XIV and the Civilizing Process Revisited

Palace and Park of Versailles — 2012 — WHEF6C1D92537

The Royal Menageries of Louis XIV, originally characterized by violent animal combat at the Vincennes menagerie, underwent a significant transformation during his reign. By 1662, the focus shifted to the peaceful display of graceful birds in the first pavilion constructed in the Versailles park. This change is interpreted as both a royal claim of absolute authority and a model of aristocratic civilité, drawing on theoretical frameworks by Norbert Elias and Michel Foucault. The menagerie served as a living metaphor for Louis XIV's absolutism and the court society of Versailles, rather than functioning as a modern zoo.

The scenic rim of southeastern Queensland, Australia: A history of mid Cenozoic intraplate volcanism

Gondwana Rainforests of Australia — 2012 — WHEE08603EB3A

A study of the Scenic Rim in southeastern Queensland, Australia, reveals a detailed history of mid Cenozoic intraplate volcanism linked to significant changes in the Australian plate's velocity. The research indicates that a major slowdown in plate movement began around 26 million years ago and lasted until 23 million years ago, coinciding with the collision of the Ontong Java plateau with the northern subduction margin of the Australian plate. Trace element and isotopic analyses show minimal contamination for most volcanic units, except rhyolites formed during the slow plate velocity period. The study also highlights the presence of highly evolved rocks, such as comendites, with extreme concentrations of incompatible elements, and provides insights into the melting and mixing processes in the upper mantle and lower crust. The region's diverse landscapes and wildlife habitats, including parts of the World Heritage listed Gondwana Rainforests, offer excellent exposures of subsurface magmatic architecture.

The search for World Heritage brand awareness beyond the iconic heritage: a case study of the Historic Centre of Macao

Historic Centre of Macao — 2012 — WHE99A0696FB7

A study on the Historic Centre of Macao, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS), reveals that while visitors show strong interest in cultural heritage and iconic landmarks like St Paul's Ruins, awareness of the WHS designation itself is minimal. Despite promotional efforts by UNESCO and tourism industries, the 'WHS brand' fails to resonate with tourists, suggesting that its economic and cultural value may be underutilized. Researchers employed intercept surveys and participant observation to assess visitor perceptions, finding that cultural themes drive engagement more effectively than the WHS label alone.

The Shi‘a of Samarra

Samarra Archaeological City — 2012 — WHEE6CAEF23CB

The destruction of the al-Askariyya shrine in Samarra on 22 February 2006, a symbol of Iraq's sectarian conflict, underscores the city's role as a microcosm for broader socio-political tensions. This study examines the cultural, architectural, and political heritage of Shi'a identity in Samarra and the Middle East, providing critical insights into the historical and contemporary dynamics shaping modern Iraqi state-building efforts. By analyzing the socio-political context of the Shi’a/Sunni divide, it offers a nuanced perspective on the complexities of post-invasion Iraq, relevant to scholars and researchers in history and politics.

The Sigiriya Royal Gardens. Analysis of the Landscape Architectonic Composition

Ancient City of Sigiriya — 2012 — WHEB6B14B6742

A technical-analytical approach to the 5th-century Sigiriya Royal Gardens reveals its complex landscape architectonic design, characterized by multiple layers of material-spatial-metaphorical-functional coherence. This study, utilizing a methodology developed at Delft University of Technology, identifies both general and unique elements that contribute to its architectural value. The findings underscore the site's significance for conservation policies, heritage presentation, and green monument management in Sri Lanka. Additionally, the methodology provides a framework for studying other historical gardens and landscapes, offering insights into potential Sri Lankan landscape design traditions.

The size of plume heterogeneities constrained by Marquesas isotopic stripes

Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands — 2012 — WHE46B4DBAC10

A groundbreaking study reveals that the Marquesas Islands, part of Polynesia's UNESCO World Heritage Site Te Henua Enata, are composed of two distinct isotopic stripes with significantly different chemical and isotopic compositions. These stripes, identified through new Sr, Nd, Pb, Hf isotopes, and trace element data from lavas across several islands, suggest that the isotopic heterogeneity originates within the plume itself rather than the ambient mantle. The research proposes that these stripes stem from partial melting of two adjacent filaments in small 'plumelets' originating from a large dome structure deep in the mantle. This finding contrasts with more productive hotspots like Hawaii or Réunion, where higher degrees of melting obscure such isotopic variability.

The Social Context and Political Complexities of Goscelin's Sermon for the Feast of Saint Augustine of Canterbury, the "Apostle of the English"

Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church — 2012 — WHEB8C55106F8

A twelfth-century sermon by Goscelin of Canterbury, commissioned by Abbott Wido around 1090, reveals the political and social complexities underlying medieval hagiography. The Sermo in festiuitate sancti Augustini Anglorum apostoli, preserved in two manuscripts from St. Augustine's Abbey, constructs Saint Augustine's sanctity not only for religious but also for political purposes. This strategic narrative was likely intended to restore the abbey’s reputation after internal conflicts and the establishment of a rival institution, Christ Church, by Lanfranc. The study highlights how medieval texts could serve dual roles—spiritual and political—challenging traditional hagiographical interpretations.

The Special Case of Herculaneum

Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata — 2012 — WHE4E3D92B563

Herculaneum's Greek library, discovered as papyrus rolls in a villa, stands uniquely preserved among ancient archives. Excavations began in 1709 when workers uncovered a theater beneath Resina, later taken over by the Spanish under Charles III, who sought decorative artifacts for his palace. The project faced closure due to 'mephitis,' a noxious gas, but Swiss engineer Karl Weber was appointed in 1750 to oversee the digs. This historical account highlights Herculaneum's significance as a rare source of Greek texts and a pivotal chapter in archaeology, blending scientific recovery with political influence.

The Spectacular City, Mexico, and Colonial Hispanic Literary Culture

City of Potosí — 2012 — WHEA68C84D0C3

Colonial Hispanic literary culture, particularly in Spanish American cities, is characterized by a complex interplay of moral, racial, and sexual coding that reflects both the imperial dream of order and the heterogeneous reality of urban spaces. Stephanie Merrim's study reveals how writers such as Hernán Cortés, Bernardo de Balbuena, and Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, among others, engaged with this duality through their depictions of cities like Mexico City, Potosí, and Lima, using classical, biblical, European, and Amerindian sources to craft their narratives. The research contrasts Renaissance and Baroque visions, demonstrating that creole writers sought to assert their cultural nationalism while navigating the complexities of colonial society. Merrim's analysis also highlights an epistemological aperture within Western-based texts, exemplified by Sor Juana's critical engagement with Athanasius Kircher's works, which underscores the limits of knowledge during this period.

The status of Cecropia (Urticaceae) introductions in Malesia: addressing the confusion

Singapore Botanic Gardens — 2012 — WHEA96E116685

Research confirms that two species of Cecropia (C. peltata and C. pachystachya) have naturalized and become invasive in parts of Malesia, including Singapore, Java, Indonesia, and Peninsular Malaysia, challenging previous assumptions about the region's introduced flora. While C. peltata was first documented in 1862–1868 at Buitenzorg (Indonesia), its exact source remains uncertain. The study also debunks earlier claims about a third species, C. palmata, which is not extant in Malesia. Using historical records and botanical documentation, the authors clarify the status of these invasive plants, providing critical insights for conservation efforts.

The Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2012 — WHEEBDD111380

The Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project has revealed significant previously unknown features surrounding the iconic Stonehenge monument, challenging the notion of its 'blank' landscape. Using advanced ground-based geophysical techniques, researchers mapped and visualized landscape-scale data within a three-dimensional data cube, uncovering ritual elements and symbolic structures that provide new insights into the site's development over time. This approach shifts focus from studying Stonehenge itself to examining its broader environmental context, offering a more comprehensive understanding of its cultural significance.

The strength of a cultural system: Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons), Mali

Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons) — 2012 — WHEE6AD060542

The Cliff of Bandiagara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mali, stands out as one of the largest mixed (cultural and natural) sites globally, spanning 4,000 km². This region, also known as the Land of the Dogons, is home to 289 villages and showcases a unique cultural system that has thrived for centuries. The site's significance lies in its vast landscape, which includes plateaus, cliffs, and plains, providing insights into the resilience and adaptability of the Dogon people. The study highlights the interplay between human settlement patterns and natural geography, offering a rare glimpse into a traditional society deeply connected to its environment.

The study of biogenic silica in animal dung deposits from the Moscow Kremlin, Russia

Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow — 2012 — WHE0093A00432

A study of biogenic silica in animal dung deposits from the Moscow Kremlin reveals significant changes in the diet and living conditions of animals over time. The earliest sample, dating to the beginning of the 15th century, showed indicators of open waters, suggesting that animals had access to natural water sources. By the late 15th and early 16th centuries, phytolith complexes indicated a shift towards cereal straw in the animals' diet, likely due to political and economic changes. The presence of moss and reed phytoliths suggests these plants were used as bedding, while unformed silica particles indicate that grasses and herbs were mowed during their peak growth season. This research, conducted through microbiomorphic analysis, provides insights into historical practices and environmental conditions within the Kremlin, aligning with archaeological and historical records.

The subclassification of Songhay and its historical implications

Timbuktu — 2012 — WHE190FDD7D38

A groundbreaking cladistic analysis reveals that Northern Songhay languages, including those spoken around Timbuktu and Djenné, form distinct subfamilies with shared innovations. This finding suggests a historical spread from either an oasis northeast of Gao or the Timbuktu region, challenging previous assumptions about linguistic diffusion in West Africa. The study also indicates early contact between Proto-Northwestern Songhay and Berber/Arabic, while Proto-Songhay likely interacted with Gur languages, hinting at its southerly origins. Fieldwork is proposed to resolve competing hypotheses about the language's expansion.

The synergetic effects of inbreeding and temperature variability on biotic potential of Walia Ibex (Capra walie)

Simien National Park — 2012 — WHE8B61C4EA82

A study on the Walia ibex (Capra walie) in Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, reveals that the synergistic effect of inbreeding and temperature variability significantly reduces the species' biotic potential more than either factor alone. The research used census data and models to quantify these effects, finding a strong negative correlation (r = 0.709, p < 0.05) between the combined impact of inbreeding coefficients and temperature fluctuations on population growth rates. Specifically, increases in inbreeding or temperature variability by one unit per year led to decreases in biotic potential by -0.659 and -0.331 units, respectively. This suggests that environmental stress and genetic factors interact to pose a greater threat to the Walia ibex than either challenge individually.

The Theatre of the Bauhaus: The Modern and Postmodern Stage of Oskar Schlemmer (review)

Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau — 2012 — WHE26D22DA7D9

Oskar Schlemmer's contributions to the Bauhaus theatre, often overshadowed by his visual art, are re-evaluated in Melissa Trimingham's study. The book challenges perceptions of Schlemmer's work as sterile or outdated, demonstrating its significant influence on later artists like Allan Kaprow and Robert Wilson. Trimingham employs a phenomenological method to interpret Schlemmer's stage works, emphasizing their focus on states and objects of consciousness. She also highlights the profound impact of Gestalt thinking on Bauhaus theatre, countering the prevailing association with rational modernism. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of Schlemmer's theatrical oeuvre across Weimar, Dessau, and Berlin periods, restoring the richness and complexity of his contributions.

The thermal structure of continental crust in active orogens: insight from Miocene eclogite and granulite xenoliths of the Pamir Mountains

Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs) — 2012 — WHED6E54DAF99

Rare Miocene eclogite and granulite xenoliths from the Tajik National Park (Pamirs) reveal that crustal material subducted beneath Earth's largest collisional orogen reached ultrahigh-temperature–(near)ultrahigh-pressure conditions, with temperatures exceeding 1000 °C at depths of up to 33 kbar. These findings suggest an average thermal gradient of ∼12–13 °C km⁻¹, indicating that the rocks were introduced to mantle depths via subduction or gravitational foundering rather than post-thermal relaxation. The study combines oxygen-isotope thermometry, major-element thermobarometry, and pseudosection analysis to reconstruct the thermal structure of continental crust in active orogens.

The Urban Development in Nakhon Si Thammarat (Peninsular Thailand). Based on Preliminary Results of Excavations

Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Nakhon Si Thammarat — 2012 — WHEDDFF18F7E6

Preliminary excavations at Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, reveal significant insights into the urban development of the region during a critical period of its history. The study highlights the presence of structured urban planning and architectural innovations, suggesting advanced societal organization in Peninsular Thailand. Researchers employed stratigraphic excavation techniques to analyze soil layers, artifacts, and architectural remains, providing evidence of continuous settlement and development from early periods through the Dvaravati era (6th–11th centuries CE). These findings challenge previous assumptions about the region's urbanization process, indicating a more complex and sustained trajectory than previously recognized. The study underscores the importance of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan as a key site for understanding the cultural and political dynamics of ancient Southeast Asia.