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Publications

Showing 3221 – 3240 of 15962 publications

The Structure of the Muslim Town and Town Planning

Caliphate City of Medina Azahara — 2025 — WHE6B9A1C7676

A comprehensive analysis reveals that Muslim towns, particularly those in Morocco and al-Andalus, were often planned settlements with structured layouts, challenging the notion of their being entirely unplanned. The study focuses on newly established towns such as Sijilmasa, Madinat al-Zahra (Medina Azahara), Madinat al Fath, Rabat, and Fez Jedid, providing detailed insights into their urban planning and architectural organization. By examining Jewish neighborhoods and other planned settlements, the research highlights the deliberate design principles that shaped Muslim towns, offering a nuanced understanding of their spatial development.

The Study on Iron-plate Ritual Utensil with Bird Decorations in Haman region

Gaya Tumuli — 2025 — WHE10A6095203

Ara Gaya's Iron-plate ritual utensils with bird decorations, distinct from broader Yeongnam region variants, served as prestigious grave goods marking elite status. These artifacts, found exclusively in Haman's Marisan Mountain cluster tombs, emerged in the 5th century and vanished by mid-6th century, paralleling the rise and fall of monumental tomb culture. Analysis reveals their symbolic significance, likely tied to funerary rituals or shamanism, with iron-plates serving as raw material. The study reclassifies these artifacts, clarifying their origins, functions, and cultural importance within Ara Gaya's socio-religious framework.

The sustainablility of traditional Chinese villages: a perspective from the production of space

Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun — 2025 — WHEF010911473

Traditional Chinese villages, such as Hongcun and Xidi, exhibit sustainability through the preservation of social bonds and spiritual culture, not just physical spaces. A study applying Henri Lefebvre’s theory of the production of space identified six key sustainable characteristics across four villages in diverse regions—Hongcun (Anhui), Yazhe Zaozu (Sichuan), Tianluokeng (Fujian), and Dingcun (Shanxi). These include distinct local traits, rich narratives, collective practices, resilience, cultural symbolism, and interconnectivity. The research highlights how these villages resist urbanization and commodification while offering theoretical insights for conservation strategies.

The Sydney Opera House – a modern heritage site’s response to climate change

Sydney Opera House — 2025 — WHE7067495438

Over the past three decades, the Sydney Opera House has successfully integrated climate action into its heritage management without compromising its tangible or intangible values. This study demonstrates that sustainable practices—such as governance-driven climate initiatives, community engagement through creative programming, and participatory risk planning—can both mitigate climate risks and enhance a site's cultural significance. By setting and achieving environmental benchmarks while respecting heritage constraints, the Opera House serves as a model for balancing conservation with modern sustainability challenges.

The synergy between Empodisma minus and microbial enzymes in carbon storage and nutrient turnover in the peatlands of K’gari (Fraser Island), Australia

K’gari (Fraser Island) — 2025 — WHE5825AC18CB

Moderate fire disturbances and the presence of Empodisma minus enhance microbial enzyme activity, nutrient turnover, and carbon sequestration in K’gari’s peatlands. A study across three sites—Moon Point (high E. minus cover), Dilli Swamp (moderate cover with planned 'cool burns'), and Sandy Peat (low cover)—revealed that Dilli Swamp exhibited the highest microbial activity and nutrient availability, while intense wildfires at Moon Point reduced these processes despite higher E. minus dominance. Microbial enzyme activities correlated strongly with moisture content and redox potential, highlighting their pivotal role in peatland resilience. Conservation efforts should prioritize fire management to prevent intense disturbances, ensuring the dominance of E. minus and maintaining carbon storage capacity.

The systemisation of classical topomythopoiesis in seventeenth-century France

Palace and Park of Versailles — 2025 — WHE814C597F58

Seventeenth-century France witnessed the systematization of classical topomythopoiesis, where Italian Renaissance garden influences were integrated into aristocratic landscapes under Louis XIV's reign. The Palace and Park of Versailles exemplify this transformation, blending elaborate waterworks and horticulture with mythological iconography created by a collective of artists and writers. Initially, visitor reception relied on familiarity with Greco-Roman mythology, but as the gardens became more accessible, guidebooks standardized experiences through scripted interpretations. This study reveals how classical topomythopoiesis oscillated between imaginative engagement and analytic interpretation, reflecting an era of both wonderment and rationalization. It also highlights its dissemination through influential treatises like Dézallier d’ Argenville’s La theorie et la pratique du jardinage, marking a shift toward structured mythological representation in designed landscapes.

The Tomb of Dedi, Superior of Inspector Merer (Pap. Jarf D) (?)and Two Other New Discovered Old Kingdom Tombs at Giza

Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur — 2025 — WHE7B745D59F2

A rare link between ancient Egyptian written records and burial sites has been uncovered with the discovery of three previously unknown mastabas at Giza's Western Field, part of Khufu’s pyramid complex. The tomb of Dedi (GM 1727) stands out for its potential identification with a scribe mentioned in the Wadi el-Jarf papyri, who played a crucial role in transporting limestone blocks for the Great Pyramid. This makes Dedi the first known scribe in Egyptian history whose both written work and burial site have been identified, offering unprecedented insights into Old Kingdom administration and labor organization. The study employs archaeological analysis of tomb inscriptions and papyrus records to establish this connection.

The Traditional Typography of Évora's Memory Printers

Historic Centre of Évora — 2025 — WHEDAF612240D

Évora's typographic heritage, once home to 33 printing workshops, is being preserved through the 'Typographic Diary of Évora - 1840-2020' project. This initiative documents the daily life and work of local printers, capturing oral histories from various professionals in the field. The research spans three phases: active workshops in the historic center, those relocated to city outskirts, and closed companies. Initial findings reveal a rich tapestry of typographic traditions, with the project culminating in the publication 'Évora’s Memory Printers' and the establishment of a Traditional Typography Workshop at Remédios Convent. Collaborations with local institutions in 2023-2024 further enriched the educational value of this heritage, using tools like 'Loose Characters' to engage diverse audiences.

The Transition From Jointing to Faulting Observed at the Koa'e Fault Zone, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — 2025 — WHEDA405283ED

A study at the Koa'e Fault Zone in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park reveals that faults form through the downward propagation of joints, transitioning to faulting at depth and creating monoclinal flexures. This challenges previous assumptions about fracture evolution. Researchers analyzed displacement-to-length (Dmax/L) scaling relationships for mixed-mode fractures—combining opening and shearing—using field measurements. Unlike widely observed square root scaling for opening-mode fractures, joint apertures here scale linearly with length, indicating a distinct mechanical behavior in this volcanic setting.

The Trichoptera of Panama XXVIII. Nine new species of microcaddisflies (Trichoptera, Hydroptilidae)

Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection — 2025 — WHE67EFFBA12B

Researchers have identified nine new species of microcaddisflies (Trichoptera, Hydroptilidae) from the Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection in Panama. These discoveries, including Oxyethira jaramillosp. nov., Neotrichia afuerasp. nov., and seven others, bring the total number of caddisfly species known in Panama to 544, spanning 15 families and 56 genera. The new species were predominantly collected on the Soná Peninsula or offshore islands within the park, expanding the region's biodiversity record. This study contributes to the broader documentation of Trichoptera diversity in Panama, with implications for understanding aquatic ecosystems and conservation priorities.

The unique Balearic Megalithic “Taulas” (Tables): Paleolithic/Neolithic pre- Iberian lineal scripts found in the Taula complex of So Na Caçana (Menorca Island, Spain)

Talayotic Menorca — 2025 — WHED21BFBC404

Researchers have uncovered Paleolithic/Neolithic lineal scripts within the Taula complex of So Na Caçana, Menorca, challenging the long-held assumption that these unique Balearic Megalithic monuments date only to the 1st millennium BC. The discovery suggests a deeper connection between these scripts and ancient writing systems across the Mediterranean, including potential precursors to the Iberian-Tartessian signary. The study proposes that the Mother Goddess religion may have preserved these scripts for millennia, while also linking them to linguistic and genetic traits stemming from a 'green' Sahara migration during desertification around 10,000 years BC. So Na Caçana, meaning 'The property of the She-Hunter,' further contextualizes the cultural significance of these findings.

The Use of Blue in the Ajanta Paintings

Ajanta Caves — 2025 — WHEA393391E85

The use of lapis lazuli, a rare and expensive blue pigment, emerged distinctly in the Ajanta Caves' wall paintings by the 5th century CE. Initially absent in 1st-century BCE artworks, its application varied significantly: sparse in central caves (XVI and XVII) but more abundant in peripheral ones (I, II, and XXVI). This shift is linked to historical factors such as trade routes and political changes, offering insights into the cultural and economic dynamics of ancient India. The study analyzed pigment distribution and contextualized it within broader historical narratives.

The use of trekking poles and trail degradation in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal Himalaya

Sagarmatha National Park — 2025 — WHE05E4B0830A

A significant portion of trekkers in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal, relies on uncapped metal-tipped poles, which accelerate trail erosion by creating small holes on bare surfaces. The study found that 53.6% of visitors used trekking poles, with 59.2% opting for uncapped ones, exacerbating soil loss during the monsoon season when trails are most vulnerable. To quantify this impact, researchers employed smartphone-based 3D scanning, a novel approach to assess trail degradation. The findings highlight an urgent need for better trail management, advocating for capped poles and sustainable practices to balance increased foot traffic with ecological preservation in mountain national parks.

The use of ultrasonics in the frequency range of 50MHz up to 175 MHz for cultural heritage objects’ 3D μtomography

Archaeological Site of Aigai (modern name Vergina) — 2025 — WHE37DB5F8665

High-frequency ultrasonics (50–175 MHz) enables non-destructive 3D μtomography of fragile cultural heritage objects, revealing internal structures without sampling. This approach provides critical data for conservation efforts at the Archaeological Site of Aigai (modern Vergina), particularly for the tomb of King Philip II. The method leverages advanced imaging to document intricate details, addressing the limitations posed by the fragility and value of artifacts. By avoiding destructive procedures, it offers a precise alternative for studying internal features, advancing both preservation strategies and our understanding of ancient craftsmanship.

The Vanishing Heritage of Agra, India the Sale of the Taj Mahal

Agra Fort — 2025 — WHE718C24C777

British colonial rule systematically erased Mughal architectural heritage in Agra between 1803 and 1858, contrasting sharply with conservation efforts in Delhi. Key monuments—including the Taj Mahal, Akbar’s tomb, and structures within Agra Fort—were auctioned, repurposed, or demolished, reflecting a deliberate policy to sever cultural ties and assert dominance. This study reveals how such destruction disrupted national identity, underscoring the urgent need for preserving Indo-Muslim heritage. The research combines historical analysis with archival evidence to document these losses.

The Venice and its Lagoon UNESCO site (Italy): Cultural Heritage and Climate Change

Venice and its Lagoon — 2025 — WHE51AF3C0624

Climate change poses significant risks to Venice's UNESCO-listed cultural heritage, with gradual shifts in temperature, precipitation, and humidity, as well as extreme events like floods and droughts, threatening the integrity of monumental structures. Research integrating studies from Iuav University of Venice, CORILA Venezia2021, and the Venice Climate Change Adaptation Plan identified critical vulnerabilities across macro morphological categories, including potential impacts from the MOSE flood barrier system. Analytical campaigns involving multiple laboratories developed targeted mitigation strategies to enhance resilience while ensuring material and formal compatibility with historic lagoon architecture. These actions aim to balance effectiveness with preservation, safeguarding Venice's unique cultural landscape against climate-induced damage.

The Visible and Invisible Workings of Cahokia

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site — 2025 — WHEADB83FE00D

Cahokia, the largest pre-Columbian urban center north of Mexico, was shaped by intentional engagements with its landscape—wetlands, swamps, and karst features—that were previously overlooked or misunderstood. By integrating indigenous perspectives with archaeological data, this study reveals that Cahokia’s people strategically altered their environment to draw power from specific landscape elements, embedding them within community identity and urban development. Findings at the Emerald Acropolis Shrine and other precincts underscore how locality, water, and underworld connections were central to Cahokian society, challenging traditional archaeological interpretations and highlighting the agency of non-human actors in indigenous conceptualizations.

The Water Management System of Augsburg: UNESCO World Heritage Property, Global Practice Example and Role Model

Water Management System of Augsburg — 2025 — WHEDA61BB1EA4

Augsburg's Water Management System stands as a global model for sustainable water resource management over 800 years. Its innovative solutions and resilience to climate challenges are underpinned by the 2019 management plan and augmented by Augsburg's 2022 Climate Adaptation Plan, which prioritizes 'water' as a key action field. The system's adaptability is further demonstrated through its integration into three EU projects: Licca Liber, LIFE, and Contempo2, aimed at restoring the Lech River and its floodplain habitats. This interplay of historical ingenuity and modern adaptation offers a blueprint for urban resilience and sustainable development worldwide.

The Weimar-Jena Axis: Aesthetic Foundations of German Modernity

Classical Weimar — 2025 — WHE8CFB278CF9

The Weimar-Jena Axis, spanning the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, emerged as a pivotal period in German intellectual and cultural history. This era witnessed a synergistic fusion of Weimar Classicism—centered on aesthetic education and harmonious individual development—and Jena Romanticism, which emphasized art's role in philosophical truth and infinite expression through fragments. Together, these movements laid the aesthetic foundations for German modernity, reshaping philosophy, literature, and national identity. The study reveals how their interplay addressed Enlightenment rationalism and societal fragmentation, bequeathing a dialectical heritage that continues to define German culture.

The Wetland Contract as a Governance Tool to Manage Conflicts in the Venetian Lagoon

Venice and its Lagoon — 2025 — WHEB28EE66F02

A novel governance approach, the Wetland Contract for the Northern Lagoon of Venice, demonstrates potential as a tool to reconcile competing priorities of socioeconomic development and biodiversity conservation. This participatory initiative brings together diverse stakeholders to commit to coordinated management, restoration, and protection of wetlands, addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change in this vulnerable UNESCO World Heritage Site. The contract serves as a living laboratory for testing innovative strategies that balance human needs with ecological preservation.