World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 30141 – 30160 of 30315 publications

The 'Ella' stone platforms in Mursiland, Lower Omo Valley, south-western Ethiopia

Lower Valley of the Omo — 2010 — WHE50AB859562

Research in the Lower Omo Valley, Ethiopia, reveals the presence of 'Ella' stone platforms, challenging assumptions about the minimal architecture of transhumant groups. These structures suggest a more permanent and substantial past than previously thought, prompting further investigation into their significance within Mursi landscape practices. The study employs an interdisciplinary approach, correlating oral histories with archaeological evidence to explore the construction of memory and place-making among the Mursi ethnic group. Oral narratives indicate aggressive colonization around 200 years ago, while fluid social boundaries characterize earlier inhabitants. This research bridges gaps in our understanding of later periods in the region's archaeology, offering insights into cultural continuity and landscape interaction.

The 'Genius of Place': Mitigating Stench in the New Palace of Westminster before the Great Stink

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church — 2010 — WHEAAF7197DAE

A re-examination of London's Great Stink of 1858 reveals that the Palace of Westminster's initial ventilation systems, designed to mitigate miasma using metabolic concepts, actually contributed to the stench crisis. These systems, intended to protect MPs from environmental pollution, failed due to construction challenges and a shift in ventilation philosophy, leaving them vulnerable when degradation peaked in 1858. The study highlights the complex interplay between technoscience, socio-political factors, architecture, and nature, underscoring how these elements collectively shaped the event.

The (failed) production of Hindu nationalized space in Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Historic City of Ahmadabad — 2010 — WHEE5B8E6F86B

Despite decades of intense efforts by India's largest Hindu nationalist organization, the RSS, and its women's wing, the Samiti, to create a homogenized Hindu space in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, their attempts have consistently failed. The city's inherent heterogeneity in terms of its population, architecture, and social dynamics resists such homogenizing projects. While religious difference is often emphasized by Hindu nationalists, gender and sexuality play equally crucial roles in their constructions, violations, and eliminations of subjects, structures, and territories. The study analyzes RSS and Samiti practices aimed at transforming the city, including paramilitary training, economic boycotts against Muslims, and anti-Muslim violence, drawing from primary sources such as RSS publications, counter-Hindu nationalist materials, and extensive fieldwork data collected between 1987 and 2008. The research highlights the disconnect between Hindu nationalist discourse and practice, while also noting resistant transformations of the city by its inhabitants.

The 24 July 2008 outburst flood at the western Zyndan glacier lake and recent regional changes in glacier lakes of the Teskey Ala-Too range, Tien Shan, Kyrgyzstan

Western Tien-Shan — 2010 — WHE67ABB57B61

A rapid-forming glacier lake in the western Zyndan region of Kyrgyzstan's Teskey Ala-Too range caused a devastating outburst flood on 24 July 2008, discharging 437,000 m³ of water and reducing the lake area by over 80% within hours. This short-lived, high-hazard lake formed in just two and half months due to trapped snow and glacier meltwater, contrasting with slower regional glacier-lake expansions. Satellite data (Landsat 7 ETM+, ALOS/PRISM, and ALOS/AVNIR-2) revealed its rapid development and post-flood morphology, while RTK-GPS measured the extent of damage. The study highlights the unpredictability and danger of such lakes in Central Asia's high mountains, emphasizing the need for resident education, updated hazard maps, and strategic land-use planning to mitigate risks.

The a to Z of the Gulf Arab States

Al Zubarah Archaeological Site — 2010 — WHE1D7D5DC745

Recent archaeological investigations in the Gulf Arab States—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates—have uncovered extensive evidence of an ancient civilization dating back to the time of Egypt's Pharaohs or Babylon. This revelation challenges previous limited knowledge, which relied solely on rare references from other civilizations. The book 'The A to Z of the Gulf Arab States' compiles this newfound historical and cultural significance through a structured format, including chronologies by country, acronyms, an introductory essay, bibliography, and cross-referenced dictionary entries covering key figures, places, and events. This essential reference provides a comprehensive overview of a region critical for its vast oil reserves and rich heritage.

The Acontiinae and Eustrotiinae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park — 2010 — WHE565A8FE041

A comprehensive survey of the moth subfamilies Acontiinae and Eustrotiinae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park reveals a total of 14 species, with detailed documentation for each. Species identification includes adult images, descriptions, flight periods, park distribution, abundance, elevational range, general distribution, and larval hosts. Using species accumulation curves and estimators (Chao 1, ACE, Chao 2, ICE), the study suggests that the observed species likely represent the full diversity of these subfamilies within the park, indicating minimal likelihood of additional undiscovered species.

The Alhambra in Britain. Between Foreignization and Domestication

Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada — 2010 — WHEB69A253A31

British representations of the Alhambra in the 19th century reveal a complex interplay between foreignization and domestication, offering insights into cultural interactions between Europe and the Orient without direct colonial agendas. The study demonstrates that British artists transformed Nasrid architecture into idioms understandable to domestic audiences through literature, paintings, prints, models, and reconstructions. This process, metaphorically described as 'translation,' was not uniform but varied in motivations and uses, reflecting diverse influences on artists, architects, and the public.

The Alpine Vegetation of the Khangchendzonga Landscape, Sikkim Himalaya

Khangchendzonga National Park — 2010 — WHECD6C9FE7D5

Alpine vegetation in Khangchendzonga National Park, part of the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, exhibits distinct patterns shaped by rainfall, elevation, and soil conditions. The study identifies 11 alpine vegetation types, including dominant scrub and sedge meadows, with a notable absence of extensive grassy meadows compared to the Western Himalaya. Numerical classification revealed that this region's alpine zone is narrower, more fragmented, and depauperated, contributing to lower alpha species diversity. Environmental gradients were primary determinants of vegetation distribution, highlighting the unique ecological dynamics of this third-highest landscape in the world.

The Ancient Khmer's Dimensional Planning at the Prasat Pram in Koh Ker

Koh Ker: Archaeological Site of Ancient Lingapura or Chok Gargyar — 2010 — WHE71A10BD657

A new analysis of the Prasat Pram temple at Koh Ker, Cambodia, reveals that its architectural planning follows a consistent dimensional system also used across other temples in the site. This study confirms a previously proposed construction measure and provides insights into the scale and layout features unique to Khmer temples in Koh Ker. By focusing on this small but representative structure, researchers have uncovered patterns that likely apply to the broader archaeological landscape of the ancient city.

The Ancient Khmer's Dimensional Planning at the Prasat Thom in Koh Ker

Koh Ker: Archaeological Site of Ancient Lingapura or Chok Gargyar — 2010 — WHEB69AAAA945

Research at the Prasat Thom temple in Koh Ker reveals intricate dimensional planning and expansion phases of the ancient Khmer structure. The study deciphers the original plan and subsequent modifications, excluding the pyramid-temple (Prang), by analyzing measured dimensions and comparing them with previous findings from Prasat Pram. This approach allows for the reconstruction of the temple's evolution, highlighting its complex design and multiple expansion stages. The findings contribute to understanding the sophisticated architectural strategies employed by ancient Khmer civilizations.

The arboreal ant community visiting extrafloral nectaries in the Neotropical cerrado savanna

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2010 — WHE9DE78F7939

A study reveals that the prevalence of ants on Cerrado savanna foliage is driven by abundant, predictable liquid food sources such as extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) and insect honeydew, which significantly promote ant activity. The research demonstrates that while EFN-gathering ants benefit certain plant species by reducing herbivory and enhancing plant fitness, the presence of EFNs does not influence overall ant species richness or composition on a given tree. Contrary to expectations, plants with EFNs attract more ant individuals but do not exhibit lower herbivore numbers at the community level. The study also highlights the role of stem galleries and cavities created by beetles in providing nesting space for arboreal ants. By integrating findings from ant-plant-herbivore interactions, the research suggests new avenues to explore how community-level dynamics shape ant-plant associations in this unique Neotropical ecosystem.

The Archaeological Landscape of Koh Ker, Northwest Cambodia

Koh Ker: Archaeological Site of Ancient Lingapura or Chok Gargyar — 2010 — WHE661551343F

Recent archaeological research at Koh Ker, Cambodia, has uncovered a sophisticated hydraulic engineering system dating back to the 10th century, drawing parallels with the more extensive network at Angkor. Aerial and ground-based surveys revealed evidence of intensive agriculture during the Angkorian period, challenged previous interpretations of 'roadways' and 'city enclosures,' and identified domestic habitation and stone-working sites. The study also found indications of continuous occupation from early historic to post-Angkorian periods, along with signs of a collapsed water management system and significant environmental changes affecting river flows. This research sheds new light on the complexity and resilience of Koh Ker's archaeological landscape.

The Archaeology of Pilgrimage: Abu Mina and Beyond

Abu Mena — 2010 — WHE585CA81BCE

Abu Mena, a renowned Christian pilgrimage site in Egypt, offers unprecedented insights into Late Antique piety through its dense archaeological remains. Unlike other sites, Abu Mena stands out for the variety and volume of pilgrim souvenirs found, alongside architectural structures. However, this study challenges the assumption that Abu Mena represents a universal model by comparing it with other major eastern Mediterranean pilgrimage sites. The research reveals no consistent pattern in site organization or souvenir production across these locations, highlighting the diversity of late antique pilgrimage practices.

The Armada Paintings in the New Palace of Westminster

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church — 2010 — WHE998C550165

A significant historical restoration project was completed in the Palace of Westminster, reviving the original decorative scheme for the House of Lords with a series of Armada mural paintings. These murals, inspired by 17th-century tapestries destroyed in an 1834 fire, were part of a broader initiative launched by the Royal Commission on Fine Arts (1841–1842), chaired by Prince Albert and aimed at promoting British fine arts through interior decoration. The two-year project, undertaken between 2008 and 2010, not only reconnected the House of Lords to its historical association with the Armada but also documented innovative methodologies for recreating these celebrated works on a monumental scale.

The Armada Tapestries in the Old Palace of Westminster

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church — 2010 — WHEF0E875C502

A surviving tapestry from the 'Defeat of the Spanish Armada' series, which adorned the old Palace of Westminster from the 17th century until its 1834 fire, offers rare insight into how these national treasures were displayed. The study reconstructs their likely arrangement in the Parliament Chamber and Lords' Chamber using historical illustrations and John Pine's 1739 engravings, despite the absence of surviving records. It also explores the physical support mechanisms used for these tapestries, providing a unique glimpse into parliamentary decorum and artistic preservation during the late Tudor period.

The Aryan Jesus: Christian Theologians and the Bible in Nazi Germany (review)

Wartburg Castle — 2010 — WHE610216A1BA

A review of Susannah Heschel's The Aryan Jesus reveals the entanglement of anti-Judaism and antisemitism within Nazi Germany, particularly through the Institute for the Study and Eradication of Jewish Influence on German Church Life. Established in 1939 at Wartburg Castle—a site significant to Martin Luther—this institute sought to purge Judaism from Christian doctrine, portraying Jesus as a Gentile and St. Paul as a misrepresentative Jew. It published sanitized biblical texts and hymnals, aligning with Nazi ideological goals. The review highlights key figures like Walter Grundmann, a theologian whose career exemplified the fusion of academic scholarship and Nazi propaganda, later becoming influential in postwar German Protestant circles.

The Aulacostephanidae (Ammonoidea) of the Oxfordian/Kimmeridgian boundary beds (Upper Jurassic) of southern England

Dorset and East Devon Coast — 2010 — WHE5A0D56C8FC

A comprehensive analysis of Aulacostephanidae ammonites from the Oxfordian/Kimmeridgian boundary beds in southern England reveals significant insights into the fossil record. The study confirms the established subdivision of the Late Oxfordian Pseudocordata Zone, while also identifying an incomplete sequence in the Early Kimmeridgian Baylei Zone, with only one faunal biohorizon present. This finding contrasts with more complete sequences found elsewhere, such as on the Isle of Skye. The research focuses on well-preserved ammonites from four key areas, including Swindon, Westbury, Bourton, and the Dorset coast near Weymouth, providing systematic descriptions of genera like Ringsteadia, Pictonia, Microbiplices, and Prorasenia. This study enhances our understanding of Jurassic paleontology and stratigraphy.

The Bible of Amiens. Further Illnesses (1880–1882)

Amiens Cathedral — 2010 — WHE5C4AD2E156

Amiens Cathedral served as a source of inspiration and therapeutic relief for the renowned art critic John Ruskin during his travels in Northern France (1880–1882). Ruskin's revisit to Amiens, documented in 'The Bible of Amiens,' revealed its profound impact on his mental state, alleviating depression and irritability. His observations and sketches from this period, including an impressionist-style drawing, offer a unique artistic perspective on the cathedral's architecture. This study provides insight into Ruskin's creative process and his deep connection to Amiens Cathedral, contributing to our understanding of its cultural significance during the 19th century.

The Cahokia Mounds:

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site — 2010 — WHE1EFDB637C8

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, the largest prehistoric mound center in North America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was confirmed by Warren K. Moorehead's 1921–1927 excavations to be constructed by indigenous peoples between A.D. 1050 and 1350. Originally containing over 100 mounds used for rituals, elite residences, or tombs, the site faced destruction from urban development before Moorehead's work. His investigations, blending 19th-century techniques with contemporary methods, preserved the legacy of Cahokia while navigating social pressures. Reissuing his findings provides insight into this critical archaeological effort and the prehistoric civilization that built it.

The challenges to urban agriculture in the Sydney basin and lower Blue Mountains region of Australia

Greater Blue Mountains Area — 2010 — WHEB83F1AC1BD

A four-year project identified critical tools to bolster the economic and environmental resilience of urban agriculture in the Sydney basin and lower Blue Mountains region, acting as a buffer between urban expansion and the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. The study developed an integrated bio-system approach for organic waste conversion and landscape function analysis to tackle erosion, nutrient loss, and water inefficiency. By collaborating with representative landholders, the research addressed regulatory, economic, and environmental sustainability challenges, offering practical solutions to sustain vulnerable farming communities amid rapid urban development.