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Showing 3061 – 3080 of 15962 publications

The brick material culture of Urbino (UNESCO World Heritage, Central Italy) as inferred from a multidisciplinary archaeometric study on the historic architecture

Historic Centre of Urbino — 2025 — WHEA8D6860BDC

A multidisciplinary archaeometric study on the brick material culture of Urbino, Italy, reveals that the city's historic architecture, from Roman to Modern times, relied consistently on raw materials sourced from nearby deposits. Thermoluminescence (TL) dating confirms the prolonged construction periods of key structures, including the Cathedral, which spanned over three centuries. The study highlights a progressive improvement in brick quality and preparation techniques, with firing temperatures reaching at least 850–900°C, though incomplete calcite breakdown due to inconsistent pyrotechnological processes. Uniaxial Compressive Strength of historic bricks aligns with modern standards, underscoring the enduring significance of Urbino's brick material culture, which continued seamlessly until the mid-20th century.

The Bridge to Transition: Post-conflict Heritage as a Tool of Development in Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar — 2025 — WHE1647B6D51C

Despite the symbolic significance of Mostar's Old Bridge, reconstructed through international cooperation and later inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the project did not address the city's division or foster long-term reconciliation. This study reveals that while heritage reconstruction aimed for peace and development, it was instead instrumentalized by political elites to perpetuate social divisions, with economic neoliberal logics reshaping the historical landscape without resolving post-conflict challenges. Analyzing post-reconstruction practices in managing Mostar's Old City space, the research highlights the unintended consequences of using heritage as a tool for development, offering insights into the complexities of post-conflict reconstruction and urban governance.

The Buddhist literature in Mount Wutai: the Chinese Buddhist canon and Tibetan Buddhist canon

Mount Wutai — 2025 — WHE850E625283

Mount Wutai, one of China's four major Buddhist pilgrimage sites, stands out for its extensive collection of Buddhist literature, including the Chinese Buddhist canon engraved during the Yongle period (1402–1424) and Tibetan Kanjur texts from Ming and Qing dynasties. This study reveals that temples in Wutai received more sets of Buddhist canons than other pilgrimage sites, raising questions about the Ming Court's preference for this location. By synthesizing historical records and extant literature, the research provides a comprehensive overview of the Buddhist scriptures preserved in Wutai, offering insights into their cultural significance and preservation over centuries.

The Challenges Of Integrating Sustainable Practices In Hotels And Lodges: A Case Study Of Victoria Falls

Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls — 2025 — WHEACF5923717

Hotels and lodges at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, face significant barriers to adopting sustainable practices despite the growing importance of green tourism. Key challenges include high costs for green technology, insufficient stakeholder support, limited financial resources, lack of awareness, inadequate infrastructure, and weak regulatory frameworks. The study highlights that while simple cost-effective measures like energy management, water conservation, and waste management are implemented, their effectiveness is hindered by these internal and external factors. Recommendations emphasize the need for stronger green tourism policies, guest education, and active stakeholder engagement to overcome these obstacles.

The Characteristics of Dolmens in the Midwest －Focusing on the Large Table-type Dolmens in the Northwest Korea and Ganghwa regions－

Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites — 2025 — WHE2DC7542637

Large table-type dolmens in Ganghwa, Gochang, and Hwasun regions exhibit distinct characteristics that reflect shared cultural practices with Northwest Korea. These dolmens, defined by covering stones measuring over 450 cm in length and 25 tons in weight, often feature geometric ratios and turtle-shaped covers symbolizing longevity, particularly concentrated along the Han River. Unlike clustered distributions in other regions, Ganghwa's dolmens are predominantly solitary, perched on low-lying ridges or hillslopes between Mt. Goryeosan and Mt. Bongchonsan. Structural innovations, such as counterbalance tilting for stability and varied construction techniques using mortise joints, highlight advanced megalithic engineering. Archaeological findings, including bronze artifacts and pottery like spindle-shaped ceramics, suggest cultural continuity with Northwest Korea while revealing local adaptations. These insights expand the understanding of dolmen culture's regional scope, temporal phases, and symbolic significance.

The Characterization of the Lower Town of the UNESCO Archaeological Site of Arslantepe (Malatya, Türkiye) Using the Geophysical E-PERTI Method (Extended Data-Adaptive Probability-Based Electrical Resistivity Tomography Inversion Method)

Arslantepe Mound — 2025 — WHEEDBEA942A2

A potential fortification trace has been identified at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Arslantepe (Malatya, Türkiye) using advanced geophysical techniques. The study applied the Extended data-adaptive Probability-based Electrical Resistivity Tomography Inversion (E-PERTI) method to a large dataset covering 4300 m² in an unexplored area at the site's lower town. This approach effectively reduced noise and enhanced resistivity highs, revealing new archaeological insights that challenge existing knowledge of the site's structure. The findings suggest that E-PERTI is a powerful tool for uncovering hidden features in complex stratigraphic contexts, offering significant potential for future archaeological research.

The Churches of the Jesuit Guaraní and Chiquitos Missions: Rethinking the Architectural History of the Missions

Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos — 2025 — WHE633BA79D68

A new architectural analysis of the Jesuit Guaraní and Chiquitos missions, including the UNESCO-listed Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos, reveals previously underappreciated influences on their design. The study challenges conventional narratives by identifying key elements that bridge European and Indigenous traditions, suggesting a more complex interplay between colonial and local building practices than previously recognized. Researchers employed a comparative method, examining surviving churches alongside historical documents and archaeological evidence to reconstruct their development over time. This rethinking of the missions' architectural history offers deeper insights into how these sites functioned as both religious centers and symbols of cultural exchange during the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Citadel of Gordion and the Dating of the Midas Monument at Midas City

Gordion — 2025 — WHE3F74AE9D36

A re-evaluation of the Midas Monument at Midas City challenges its previously proposed early sixth-century BCE dating, instead supporting a late eighth-century BCE origin. The study argues that the monument's architectural features align with Phrygian rather than Lydian styles, reinforcing its association with King Midas' reign during the height of Phrygian power in central Anatolia. This conclusion is based on detailed analysis of stylistic and contextual evidence, including comparisons with contemporary Phrygian structures at Gordion. The research provides new insights into the chronological framework of Iron Age Phrygia and the political dynamics of the region during this period.

The Cognitive Architectures of Empire: Information Management and Political Legitimization in Mesoamerica and the Andes

Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System — 2025 — WHE2D256C3E6F

Pre-Columbian empires in Mesoamerica and the Andes employed sophisticated cognitive architectures to manage information, reinforce political power, and legitimize rule. These systems—ranging from Maya glyphs and Aztec codices to Inca khipus and monumental road networks like Qhapaq Ñan—were deeply embedded in ideological frameworks, shaping collective perception and maintaining imperial authority. A comparative analysis reveals both regional distinctions and universal principles linking information control to the construction of power across distinct cultural landscapes.

The Compositional Analysis of Mineral Content and Geo-Chemistry of the Ancient Grey Potsherds from Shahr-I Sokhta, East of Iran

Shahr-i Sokhta — 2025 — WHEB2C6FBB698

A compositional analysis of ancient grey potsherds from Shahr-i Sokhta, a UNESCO-listed archaeological site in East Iran, reveals that most pottery was locally produced. Using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), researchers identified distinct mineral phases and high-temperature baking signatures, confirming local manufacturing. Notably, copper oxide was used as a glazing agent to achieve the grey coloration, while lead concentrations remained minimal, consistent with Indus Valley pottery traditions. This study provides new insights into the technological sophistication of ancient potters in the region.

The conservation status of the threatened gazelles of Ar Rub’ al-Khālī, Saudi Arabia

‘Uruq Bani Ma’arid — 2025 — WHE5664A29329

A long-term conservation effort involving the reintroduction of 313 captive-bred gazelles—240 Arabian sand gazelles and 73 Arabian gazelles—into the Uruq Bani Ma'arid Protected Area in Saudi Arabia's Ar Rub’ al-Khālī desert has shown promising results. Two decades after release, both species established stable populations with distinct habitat preferences: Arabian gazelles thrived on the western side, while sand gazelles spread across the central protected area, exhibiting seasonal movements tied to temperature shifts. The study also revealed that these gazelles adapt their activity patterns seasonally, becoming more nocturnal during hot months and diurnal in cooler periods. This research demonstrates that strategic reintroduction of desert gazelles into protected habitats can lead to successful population establishment, even in complex environments where conventional monitoring is challenging.

The Cultural Significance of the Complex of Hue Monuments: A World Heritage Gem

Complex of Hué Monuments — 2025 — WHE69B54767F2

A new conceptual framework bridges conservation, inheritance, and utilization of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering a clearer roadmap for recognizing cultural heritage value. The study focuses on the Complex of Hue Monuments in Vietnam, the first such site designated in 1993, which suffered severe damage during the Indochina War (1947-1975). Since then, international-led conservation efforts have restored its outstanding universal significance. The research proposes an intermediary notion to guide future heritage management, emphasizing not only material preservation but also safeguarding intangible elements and potential revitalization for societal benefit. This approach is critical for sites like the lost Can Chanh Dien Palace, where restoration is deemed both feasible and imperative.

The Daoist Philosophical Practice in the Spatial Construction of Suzhou Gardens, China

Classical Gardens of Suzhou — 2025 — WHEFC3A287DCA

Suzhou gardens, renowned as the pinnacle of Chinese classical garden art, embody a spatial practice of emptiness rooted in Daoist philosophy. This study reveals that architectural elements—such as pavilions, corridors, and windows—employ framing and borrowing techniques to transform ephemeral phenomena like skylight and cloud shadows into central motifs, creating a visual regime of 'capturing being through non-being.' Through paradigmatic cases including the Garden of the Master of the Nets, the Humble Administrator’s Garden, and the Lingering Garden, the research demonstrates how meandering structures, such as winding corridors and the Little Flying Rainbow bridge, enact the Daoist principle that 'the greatest utility resides in uselessness.' This approach departs from conventional garden scholarship by focusing on spatial narrative rather than formal analysis or cultural symbolism.

The Deep Roots of Empire: Ideology, Infrastructure, and Integration in the Pre-Inca Andes

Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System — 2025 — WHE45BFCBB808

Pre-Inca Andean civilizations, such as Wari and Tiwanaku, laid the foundational 'deep roots' of empire through sophisticated ideological frameworks, extensive infrastructural networks, and strategic socio-political integration. This study reveals that their success was not solely due to military strength but a complex interplay of persuasive narratives, robust logistical systems, and cohesive political structures. By analyzing archaeological, iconographic, and comparative anthropological data, researchers demonstrate how symbolic representations, monumental architecture, road systems, hydraulic engineering, and ritual practices fostered shared identity and allegiance across diverse territories. These insights offer critical perspectives on the enduring characteristics of statecraft and imperial expansion in ancient Andean societies.

The Delos Symposia and Doxiadis

Delos — 2025 — WHED4F3F2CAC9

A groundbreaking collection of essays offers the first comprehensive analysis of the Delos Symposia's origins, influence, and enduring legacy. Edited by Mantha Zarmakoupi and Simon Richards, the work delves into how these symposia shaped architectural discourse and urban planning in the Mediterranean region. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating historical records, archival materials, and critical analysis to trace the symposia's evolution from 1976 to their impact on modern heritage conservation practices. Key insights include the symposia's role in fostering dialogue between scholars, practitioners, and policymakers, as well as its influence on the development of UNESCO World Heritage Site criteria. This volume serves as a pivotal resource for understanding the intersection of academic thought and practical urban planning at Delos, a site renowned for its archaeological significance.

The Demand to Repeal the Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949

Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya — 2025 — WHEB1C8BA9CDD

A recent demand to repeal the Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949, highlights longstanding grievances of Indian Buddhist monks and supporters, who argue that the current management perpetuates Brahmanical dominance over the sacred Mahabodhi Temple Complex. The protest calls for an end to state interference and full control transfer to the Indian Buddhist community, raising complex questions about governance, religious practices, and stakeholder inclusion. While a more inclusive model could offer diplomatic opportunities for India, any resolution must carefully balance the interests of local communities, foreign Buddhist organizations, and geopolitical considerations to preserve Bodh Gaya’s spiritual significance without disrupting its harmony.

The demise of the world's largest piedmont glacier: a probabilistic forecast

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2025 — WHEC347F6847C

Sít' Tlein, the world's largest piedmont glacier spanning Alaska and Yukon, is projected to undergo significant mass loss due to climate imbalance. Using a data-constrained dynamical modeling approach, researchers forecasted that if current surface mass balance levels persist, Sít' Tlein could lose 323–444 km³ of ice by 2073 and 546–728 km³ by 2173. If historical trends continue, losses could reach 383–505 km³ by 2073 and 740–900 km³ by 2173. The study quantifies uncertainty using Bayesian methods, revealing that the glacier's piedmont lobe is likely to disappear over centuries, leading to substantial landscape and ecosystem changes.

The development of Hwaeomjong in Late Goryeo and Activities of Hwaeomjong Monks

Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon, the Depositories for the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks — 2025 — WHE78A536B9FC

Avalokiteśvara belief became central to Hwaeom practice during the 13th and 14th centuries, with monks like Chewon and Cheonhee systematizing its doctrine within the Hwaeom Sutra. This shift marked a transition from Ui-sang’s traditions, which were later adopted by the Seon sect after Cheonhee received authorization from Chan Master Linji in China. The study examines how Gyunyeo school monks, during the Mongol invasions, played a pivotal role in engraving and printing the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks, preserving early Hwaeom thought while distinguishing it from Uicheon criticism. Their efforts established Hwaeom as a leading sect in the Joseon period, though its definition became fragmented by the influence of later schools like Gyeongnam and Euichim.

The Discalced Carmelite Architectural Canon of the Seventeenth Century in Asia

Churches and Convents of Goa — 2025 — WHE309A3BB8FF

A dynamic architectural canon emerged for the Discalced Carmelites in the 17th century, blending Teresian austerity with adaptability across Asia. This study reveals how normative texts like the Constitutiones and Ordinatio de Constructione Ecclesiarum et Conventuum (1614) prescribed standardized designs for churches and convents in Persia and India, yet allowed flexibility in local materials and cultural contexts. Case studies of Isfahan, Thatta, and Goa—particularly Our Lady of Mount Carmel—demonstrate a tension between prescription and practice, showing the canon as a living grammar rather than a rigid style. The research traces original documents from the AGOCD archive to analyze this interplay, offering insights into how spiritual values, institutional identity, and adaptability shaped architectural expression in colonial missions.

The distribution patterns and enrichment mechanisms of lithium, rubidium, and cesium in the hot springs of the Bukatage Mountains, Hoh Xil

Qinghai Hoh Xil — 2025 — WHE457E53785B

Researchers have uncovered distinct distribution patterns and enrichment mechanisms for lithium, rubidium, and cesium in the hot springs of the Bukatage Mountains, Qinghai Hoh Xil. The study reveals that these elements exhibit high and low concentration characteristics, with high values being 2-3 orders of magnitude greater than low ones, increasing from the mountain slope to the foot. High concentrations are attributed to deep geothermal water, while low concentrations in steam vents stem from shallow groundwater heated by geothermal steam. Stable isotope analysis (δD and δ18O) indicates that hot spring waters originate from magmatic water, atmospheric precipitation, and shallow groundwater, undergoing mixing during ascent. The enrichment process is governed by multiple factors including deep magmatic water-rock reactions, high-temperature shallow groundwater weathering, and surface evaporation. These findings advance the theoretical understanding of rare metal enrichment mechanisms in geothermal systems.