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Publications

Showing 3401 – 3420 of 15962 publications

'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' Investigating the Role of Religious Specialists in the Early Minoan Tholos Cemeteries of South-Central Crete

Minoan Palatial Centres — 2024 — WHE6BDDE17298

A groundbreaking study challenges the traditional view of religious specialists in Minoan Crete, arguing that they were craft experts integral to early tholos cemeteries. These monumental structures, among the island's first, served as centers for mortuary rituals and religious practices, reflecting evolving belief systems. Through landscape archaeology and architectural energetics, the research reveals that these cemeteries required coordinated labor and sensory manipulation, suggesting a sophisticated role for specialists in translating religious ideologies into built spaces. The findings reshape our understanding of early Minoan society by highlighting the significance of craft production and communal architecture in shaping religious experiences.

‘The Giant's Causeway’

Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast — 2024 — WHE0CA681D2AB

Richard Pococke's 1753 account in Philosophical Transactions provides one of the earliest detailed descriptions of the Giant's Causeway, a unique geological formation along the Antrim Coast. His observations contribute significantly to early scientific understanding of basalt columns and their formation, predating more systematic geological studies. Pococke's work combines natural history with folklore, offering insights into the site's geological characteristics while also preserving local legends. The account reflects 18th-century scientific inquiry, blending empirical observation with narrative, and serves as a foundational text in the study of this UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.

‘Valley of Flowers’ Flora, available in August, demonstrates medicinal properties for various disease treatments.

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks — 2024 — WHE410B87F67D

A study of the Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand, India, identifies 15 plant species with medicinal properties for treating common health disorders. These findings challenge the accuracy of online research on valley flora, highlighting discrepancies likely due to increased tourism and climate change. The study documents over 600 species in August, a period marked by floral abundance, while comparing observed species with digital records. This work underscores the need for accurate documentation to support traditional medicine and conservation efforts.

"Enemies of the State": the detention in Spain of missionaries from the northern Frontier of México after the Jesuit Expulsión.

Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil) — 2024 — WHEFB4177D29A

A prosopographic analysis reveals that Jesuit missionaries from the northern frontier of Mexico, detained as 'enemies of the state' after Spain's 1767 expulsion order, were perceived as a security threat due to their knowledge of frontier dynamics. Unlike their counterparts in South America, these missionaries were not deemed a threat upon arrival in Europe and were exiled in Italy. The study contrasts this group with Jesuits stationed among the Guaraní missions, highlighting differences in their treatment and fate post-expulsion.

"Living in the time of the butterfly:" Engaging more-than-human temporalities to rethink biodiversity conservation

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve — 2024 — WHE83FE94D248

Indigenous Jñato and Hñähñu (Mazahua and Otomi) peoples' ecological narratives challenge linear conceptions of time, revealing cyclical multispecies temporalities that operate through reciprocal relations between humans, plants, water spirits, and witches. This study, conducted over multiple years through historical and ethnographic research in Mexico's Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, demonstrates how 'deep time' perspectives—rooted in Indigenous knowledge—can enrich biodiversity conservation by centering relational, more-than-human political ecologies. The findings highlight the power-laden nature of these temporalities, embedded within complex political economies and uneven knowledge production, which the authors term 'the time of the butterfly.' This work urges conservation scholars to reconsider epistemological assumptions about time and the Anthropocene, offering a framework that integrates Indigenous worldviews with ecological practice.

"Mesa Verde Belongs to You": A Spatial Analysis of Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park — 2024 — WHE0AFA63E56D

Mesa Verde National Park, spanning over 50,000 acres of federally protected land, serves as a critical lens to examine the intersections of colonialism, wilderness, and archaeology. This study reveals that MVNP perpetuates settler-indigenous dynamics through its construction of wilderness, preservation of archaeological sites, and interpretation of ancestral Puebloan material culture. By applying Delle's theoretical framework of space as material culture, the research analyzes the material, cognitive, and social dimensions of the park to uncover how these practices reify colonial relationships. The findings underscore the need for decolonization efforts within such protected spaces, offering a pathway to challenge and transform these entrenched dynamics.

"Understanding Jongmyo(宗廟) through Enshrining of New Ancestral Tablet at the Shrine of the Ancestors(祔廟) in the Joseon Dynasty"

Jongmyo Shrine — 2024 — WHE073A8CE585

Jongmyo Shrine functions as both a ceremonial space for ancestral worship and an archive of historical records. This study reveals that the enshrining of new ancestral tablets (sinju) in the Joseon Dynasty was not merely a ritual but a structured process involving the creation of new sinju, their installation, and the reordering of existing ones—a symbolic generational transition. The research also highlights Jongmyo's role as a repository for royal records, with an increasing number of documents requiring innovative storage solutions by the late Joseon period. Additionally, the study underscores the political significance of these rituals, particularly during the mourning period (sawi-sik), where the enshrining ceremony reinforced royal authority and celebrated the ascension of new rulers.

“A Great Responsibility”: Biodiversity Crisis in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — 2024 — WHEAF27940066

By the late 1980s, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, had shifted its focus to biodiversity, becoming a global leader in conservation advocacy. This study traces how biodiversity emerged as a central concept within Kew's research, governance, and public outreach, highlighting its integration into institutional strategy. The research employs qualitative methods to analyze existing studies on environmental concepts, examining how Kew communicated the biodiversity crisis through one of the world's most influential botanic gardens. The findings underscore the significance of institutions like Kew in shaping environmental narratives and driving conservation efforts during a pivotal period.

“A Portent, beyond Statues Sweating Blood in the Forum …”

Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura — 2024 — WHE14CC4A7DCE

A devastating fire that destroyed the basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura in July 1823 is reconstructed through historical and archival analysis, revealing its profound impact on Roman society. The study highlights how the event was perceived as a portent, triggering widespread despair and introspection. By examining contemporary responses, religious symbolism, and architectural significance, the research sheds light on the cultural and emotional repercussions of the disaster. This approach combines historical documentation with interpretive analysis to contextualize the fire's legacy within Rome's heritage.

“Culture-touristification” of colonial towns in the interior of Brazil

Historic Centre of the Town of Goiás — 2024 — WHE51210832F8

Small and medium-sized colonial towns in Brazil's interior undergo a distinct form of touristification driven by culture, termed 'culture-touristification.' This process is shaped by interacting sub-processes such as patrimonialization, culturalization, festivalization, landscape adventuring, telenovelaization, and counter-culturalization. While these processes vary in prominence and articulation depending on societal significance, stakeholder strategies, local resistance, or geographical location, they collectively transform these towns. The study illustrates this through case studies of Cidade de Goiás and Pirenópolis, employing methods like interviews, building use mappings, participant observation, analysis of telenovelas and Instagram hashtags, and document research.

“Design nature”: A color interpretation of Bauhaus school building in Dessau and its conceptual origins

Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau — 2024 — WHE8C73CE8632

Bauhaus architecture redefined the role of color in design, shifting from subjective to objective methods rooted in natural laws. The study reveals that Walter Gropius used color to convey a 'natural perspective,' embedding deeper connotations into architectural expression. By analyzing the Bauhaus school building in Dessau, researchers traced the evolution of color cognition through historical investigation and theoretical research, dissecting its conceptual framework and perceptual methods. This approach not only highlights the scientific design behind Bauhaus color but also underscores its enduring value as a spatial experience tool.

“Éden Fluminense:” from a reforestation area on the Tijuca massif to a Europeanized public space in Rio de Janeiro in the latter half of the nineteenth century

Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea — 2024 — WHE568F35028E

In the latter half of the nineteenth century, the Tijuca massif in Rio de Janeiro underwent a significant transformation from a reforestation area to a Europeanized public space, reflecting broader shifts in the social uses of forests. This study reveals how planted forests evolved into spaces for recreation and contemplation while retaining their economic value, embodying ideals of nationalism and modernity. The research leverages primary sources from Brazilian archives, including the Hemeroteca Digital collection, to trace this resignification process. By analyzing these historical documents, the authors demonstrate how Eurocentric notions of nature influenced the perception and utilization of green spaces in Rio de Janeiro, contributing to a deeper understanding of urban landscape development during this period.

“Le monde finit toujours par vaincre l’histoire’’: recepção da antiguidade em Le vent à djemila (1938), de Albert Camus

Djémila — 2024 — WHE9EC4E8487B

Albert Camus's essay 'Le vent à Djémila' (1938) from his collection 'Noces' presents the antiquity of Djémila as a symbol of enduring beauty and permanence, contrasting with the transient nature of human history. The study reveals that Camus uses the ancient Roman ruins to evoke a profound philosophical reflection on mortality, suggesting that the only viable response to death is its courageous acceptance. This interpretation emerges from an analysis of key passages where antiquity serves as a lens to examine the tension between material existence and historical narrative. By framing Djémila's ruins as a representation of human desire for permanence, Camus challenges readers to confront the inevitability of time and change.

“Mapping Austrofascism” and Beyond : Report on the Digital Research Lab Campus Medius

Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn — 2024 — WHE5E46D946B9

A digital mapping project, 'Mapping Austrofascism,' innovatively combines cartography with cultural studies to explore historical events through interactive visualization. Initially focusing on 15 key events in Vienna over a weekend in 1933, the project now centers on an Austrofascist celebration at Schönbrunn Palace, offering multi-perspective views including bird's-eye and street-level perspectives mediated by five experts. The research leverages theoretical frameworks like 'dispositif' and 'actor-network' to model its technological infrastructure and data, aiming to create a scalable platform for visualizing media experiences in everyday life. This approach bridges historical analysis with digital humanities, providing a dynamic tool for understanding complex socio-political events.

“Tenho que te contar que os monumentos de Milot significam muito para mim”: memórias de moradores de Milot acerca do Parc National Historique - Haiti

National History Park – Citadel, Sans Souci, Ramiers — 2024 — WHEE35709734C

A study reveals a stark contrast between the national memory of Haiti's Parc National Historique and the lived experiences of its local inhabitants. While the state-sanctioned narrative emphasizes the monuments' significance to the Haitian Revolution, oral histories from Milot residents highlight ongoing colonial legacies and social inequalities. The research uses oral history methodology to uncover these divergent perspectives, offering a nuanced understanding of how heritage is both celebrated and contested in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“True Sons of the Reformation”

Wartburg Castle — 2024 — WHE135F923BE1

The rivalry between religion and philosophy in German culture post-1800, particularly around the Reformation anniversary of 1817 and the tercentennial celebrations of 1830, was shaped by competing interpretations of the Reformation's legacy. The Wartburg Festival of 1817, held at Wartburg Castle—a site significant for Luther’s translation of the gospels during his exile—served as a pivotal moment where students and veterans gathered to reflect on the Reformation's impact. This chapter analyzes how new philosophical and historical ideas, notably in Friedrich Keyser’s Reformations-Almanach (1817, 1819), influenced public discourse. Additionally, it examines late-career works by Hegel and Schleiermacher, revealing how the Reformation was strategically invoked to legitimize intellectual pursuits and gain public and official support.

“Wonder of Sciences and Technology Behind Magnificent Indian Temples which Leads These to UNESCO World Heritage list” A Review

Group of Monuments at Pattadakal — 2024 — WHEFDB9D1648B

Indian temples, recognized for their architectural brilliance and cultural significance, stand as testaments to the advanced science and technology of ancient Indian engineers. These structures, dating back to the 6th–7th centuries, have been consistently added to UNESCO's World Heritage list since 1983 due to their exceptional design and innovation. The study reviews the scientific principles behind these temples, including structural engineering, material science, and acoustics, which contribute to their durability, aesthetic appeal, and functional sophistication. It highlights how temples like those in Pattadakal, Ellora, Konark, and Khajuraho exemplify India's rich heritage of integrating religious, spiritual, and technological achievements. The research synthesizes historical records and architectural analysis to underscore the enduring legacy of Indian engineering, which continues to inspire global recognition.

“World Heritage, Blood Heritage”: The Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex and the Impact of World Heritage on Indigenous Rights

Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex — 2024 — WHE681DA3C722

The designation of the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex as a Natural World Heritage Site in 2021 highlighted significant human rights concerns, particularly for the Indigenous Karen people residing within its boundaries. This study analyzes the World Heritage Committee's deliberations, focusing on themes such as Outstanding Universal Value, human rights, and community roles to demonstrate how World Heritage status—and the associated Authorized Heritage Discourse (AHD)—can profoundly impact Indigenous communities. The research reveals that while the site's natural significance is celebrated, its recognition also exacerbates challenges for local populations, underscoring the need for balanced heritage management that prioritizes both conservation and human rights.

„Praenobiles et spectabiles Domini, domini amici observandissimi…”. Kontakty chełmińsko-toruńskie w okresie nowożytnym

Medieval Town of Toruń — 2024 — WHE170C96DB8E

In the early modern period, Chełmno's interactions with Toruń were markedly less frequent and limited compared to the medieval era. This decline in contact was attributed to Chełmno's unique situation, where its significance waned despite maintaining connections with other Prussian towns like Gdańsk and Toruń. The study analyzed various historical sources, including municipal law registers, treasurer office books, craft guilds' registers, and correspondence, particularly focusing on the content and frequency of letters exchanged between the two towns. This approach revealed that Chełmno's role in economic and political spheres diminished significantly by the eighteenth century, setting it apart from other major urban centers in Royal Prussia.

„Zlata Praha”? Praskie „city” przebudowane w XIX i XX wieku

Historic Centre of Prague — 2024 — WHE212B4768CB

Prague's historic center, as seen today, is largely a product of extensive urban reconstruction during the Belle Époque (late 19th century), interwar period, and post-World War II era. A comprehensive study by Richard Biegel, an art historian from Charles University, reveals that this transformation involved massive demolition, straightening of streets, creation of new traffic routes, and construction of large buildings and department stores—mirroring similar urban changes in Vienna and Paris. The study, 'Město v bourů: Urbanismus a architektura historického centra Prahy 1830–1970,' meticulously documents the disappearance of Prague's earlier picturesque architecture, offering a detailed exploration that advances comparative research on Central European urban development.