World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 3861 – 3880 of 4230 publications

Pragmatic Runic Literacy in Scandinavia c. 800-1300: With a Particular Focus on the Bryggen Material

Bryggen — 2012 — WHEEE78A260C2

Scandinavian rune stones and ephemeral inscriptions reveal the pragmatic role of runic literacy during the transition from paganism to Christianity (c. 800–1300). Unlike traditional studies focused on monumental inscriptions or manuscript culture, this research highlights the intersection of Christian identity with everyday epigraphic practices—such as rune sticks and church graffiti—showing how literacy was embedded in vernacular cultures. By analyzing both durable rune stones and transient materials (e.g., birchbark documents), the study demonstrates that epigraphic literacy was not confined to clerical or monumental contexts but thrived in diverse, pragmatic settings, including Bryggen's historical material.

Predicting Visitor Satisfaction in Parks: Comparing the Value of Personal Benefit Attainment and Service Levels in Kakadu National Park, Australia

Kakadu National Park — 2012 — WHE100B46CB62

A key insight from this study is that the benefits visitors attain during their experience—such as those derived from nature and relaxation—are stronger predictors of overall satisfaction with Kakadu National Park than traditional measures of service quality. The research compares two approaches: assessing visitor service quality and measuring the attainment of perceived benefits, revealing that the latter has a more significant impact on positive responses to park visits. Factor analysis identified distinct types of benefits, which showed varying correlations with satisfaction based on visitors' proximity to the park. This finding suggests that park managers should prioritize creating experiences that facilitate the attainment of desired benefits, rather than solely focusing on service quality improvements.

Preliminary Report of 16th Season of Excavations at Tepe Hegmataneh; Hamedan

Hegmataneh — 2012 — WHE7AD6EC3A81

New archaeological evidence from Tepe Hegmataneh challenges long-held assumptions about its historical attribution. Excavations in the 16th season uncovered architectural structures that, based on thermoluminescence dating, are unlikely to belong to the Medes and require reconsideration of their Parthian affiliation. The study explored four 100 m² squares (AJ45, AJ46, AK45, AK46), revealing a suite of spaces—including passages and complete rooms—consistent with earlier plans but distinct in depth and structure. This finding sheds light on the site's complex history and its significance within Hamedan's archaeological landscape.

Quantification and Visualization ofIn SituDegradation at the World Heritage Site Bryggen in Bergen, Norway

Bryggen — 2012 — WHE459D61E47D

A groundbreaking study at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bryggen in Bergen, Norway, reveals that decay rates of archaeological deposits are intricately linked to groundwater flow conditions, oxygen levels, and soil moisture content. Researchers have successfully quantified these degradation processes using advanced monitoring techniques, including piezometric head measurements, oxygen analysis, and geochemical investigations. The findings underscore the critical role of hydrogeological factors in preserving organic archaeological materials in situ. Additionally, the study introduces 3D geo-archaeological modeling as a powerful tool for integrating geological, archaeological, geochemical, and hydrological data, offering a multidisciplinary approach to enhance preservation management and protect these irreplaceable cultural heritage resources.

Quaternary deposits in the Serra da Capivara National Park and surrounding area, Southeastern Piauí state, Brazil

Serra da Capivara National Park — 2012 — WHE23672DBC56

Research on Quaternary deposits in Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil, reveals that the landscape evolution began around 436,515 years ago with clayey sediment deposition by the Piau River. The study identified colluvial and alluvial deposits indicating a semiarid climate, with fluvial channels likely exhibiting a braided pattern between 296,550 and 116,300 years ago. Depositional processes intensified during the last glacial maximum in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring between 15,800 and 10,350 years ago, marking the transition from Pleistocene to Holocene. The study used morphostratigraphical, sedimentological, and geochronological methods, including luminescence dating (thermoluminescence and optically stimulated luminescence), to interpret paleoenvironmental events.

Ravenna

Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna — 2012 — WHE5F47E0E833

Ravenna, located on the southern branch of the Po River in northeast Italy, stands as a pivotal site for understanding Late Antique art and architecture. This city served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire from 402 to 476 AD and remained a significant political center under Germanic, Ostrogothic, Byzantine, and Lombard rule until 751 AD. Its rich collection of well-preserved churches, mosaics, and sarcophagi provides invaluable evidence for artistic production during this historically underrepresented period, which was marked by iconoclastic destructions in the Byzantine East. These monuments offer a unique window into the transition between early Christian and medieval art, bridging gaps left by the loss of many contemporary works.

Reconnection and reconciliation in Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks: Jasper National Park, Canada

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2012 — WHE7C28D2DEBB

Jasper National Park, part of the UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage site, stands out for its vast expanse (11,228 km²) and its role as a critical habitat for Rocky Mountain mammals such as caribou, grizzly bears, wolves, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. It also safeguards the headwaters of major rivers like the Athabasca, contributing to Canada's ecological and hydrological heritage. The park exemplifies the unique physical and biological features of the Rocky Mountain Biogeographical Province, while adjacent fossil sites in Yoho and Mount Robson Provincial Parks provide invaluable insights into Earth's evolutionary history. Additionally, its glacial geological processes, including ice fields and remnant valley glaciers, offer exceptional examples of erosion and deposition, underscoring its significance as a natural laboratory for studying both biodiversity and geological dynamics.

Remnant Stones: The Jewish Cemeteries and Synagogues of Suriname. Epitaphs , and: Remnant Stones: The Jewish Cemeteries and Synagogues of Suriname. Essays , and: Creole Jews: Negotiating Community in Colonial Suriname (review)

Jodensavanne Archaeological Site: Jodensavanne Settlement and Cassipora Creek Cemetery — 2012 — WHE9C87536D81

A groundbreaking analysis reveals that Suriname's Jewish cemeteries and synagogues, particularly those in Jodensavanne, serve as 'open air archives' offering profound insights into the religious life, social dynamics, and racial identity of early American Jewish communities. The study challenges traditional historiography by integrating material culture and iconography alongside textual evidence, uncovering a rich visual vocabulary used by Surinamese Jews to convey beliefs, life stories, and status. Through meticulous transcriptions and translations of 1,700 epitaphs spanning six languages (1666–1904) and detailed architectural analysis of four cemeteries and the Kahal Kados Beraha VeSalom synagogue (1685), researchers demonstrate the central role of these sites in shaping early American notions of race, gender, and sexuality. The findings underscore Suriname's significance as a hub for Jewish history, with its community peaking at 1,500 residents—far surpassing North America in the late 18th century.

Reptiles from Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão, northeastern Brazil

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park — 2012 — WHE9E70628123

A comprehensive survey of reptiles in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (LMNP), Brazil, reveals 42 species, with restinga areas—shrubby coastal habitats—hosting a remarkable 81% of the recorded fauna. This study underscores the unique biodiversity of LMNP, situated at the intersection of three major Neotropical ecosystems: Amazonia, Caatinga, and Cerrado. Conducted over 235 days of fieldwork, the research highlights the critical importance of conserving restingas, which, despite comprising only 20% of the park's protected area, support the majority of reptile species in this complex habitat. The findings emphasize the need for targeted conservation efforts to protect these ecologically rich but vulnerable environments.

Research on the Weathering Problems of Longmen Grottoes

Longmen Grottoes — 2012 — WHE1A5EBBA09A

Longmen Grottoes is experiencing significant weathering damage, with chemical weathering emerging as the most pronounced threat due to deteriorating environmental and climatic conditions. The study categorizes weathering into physical, chemical, and biological types, analyzing their mechanisms and impacts on the grottoes. While previous research has documented these issues, this work highlights the increasing severity of chemical weathering, posing a critical challenge to the preservation of this cultural heritage. The approach involves synthesizing existing studies to elucidate damage patterns and mechanisms, providing a foundation for targeted conservation strategies.

Response of southern right whales to simulated swim‐with‐whale tourism at Península Valdés, Argentina

Península Valdés — 2012 — WHE311E8A6854

Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) exposed to simulated swim-with-whale tourism at Península Valdés, Argentina, showed significant behavioral changes, including reduced resting, socializing, and surface active behaviors, while traveling increased during interactions. Mother-calf pairs exhibited the strongest responses, with faster swimming and more frequent reorientation. These findings raise concerns about the long-term impacts of increased tourism activity on whale behavior, particularly given recent die-offs in the region. The study suggests that legalization of swim-with-whale tourism should be deferred until further investigations are conducted to assess potential long-term consequences.

Responsible local communities in historic inner city areas: Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn, Estonia

Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn — 2012 — WHE6CB17F6F10

Tallinn's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, demonstrates how community engagement in heritage conservation has evolved alongside international conventions. The study reveals that while specialized conservation efforts began in the 1960s, broader local involvement and responsibility for heritage protection have grown in parallel with the development of the World Heritage Convention (1972). This dual approach—combining early expert-led initiatives with expanding community participation—has shaped Tallinn's unique governance framework. The research highlights the importance of integrating local stakeholders into conservation strategies to ensure sustainable preservation, aligning with global heritage consciousness.

Riding the storm: ‘new Istanbul’

Historic Areas of Istanbul — 2012 — WHE73A6D00289

Istanbul faces a critical urban dilemma where real-estate-driven growth, aimed at global economic expansion and improved living standards, threatens its historic identity, social inclusivity, and ecological balance. This study highlights how the city's transformation into a fragmented megacity—marked by gated communities, residential complexes, and tourist zones—erodes its public character, turning historic districts into mono-functional 'dead spaces.' The research argues that for Istanbul to retain its inclusive, diverse nature, civic actors must develop a new critical politics capable of steering real-estate growth toward the common good. This involves balancing popular support for economic development with the preservation of Istanbul's cultural and social openness, akin to navigating a storm caused by the 'new Istanbul.'

Role-Play Gaming Simulation For Flood Management On Cultural Heritage: A Case Study Of Ayutthaya Historic City

Historic City of Ayutthaya — 2012 — WHE8131CE9927

Role-play gaming simulations effectively enhance public awareness and collaboration for flood management on cultural heritage, as demonstrated by a case study of Ayutthaya Historic City. The methodology, developed from existing data and role-playing techniques, improves understanding of flood impacts and fosters cooperation among government, private, and public sectors. This approach serves as a tool to deepen knowledge about participatory flood management, offering a practical solution for preserving cultural heritage in flood-prone areas.

Romuliana (Gamzigrad, Serbia)

Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Palace of Galerius — 2012 — WHEDA259A684F

Gamzigrad, a fourth-century CE fortified villa complex attributed to the Roman emperor Galerius, stands as a monumental testament to Roman architectural ingenuity. Located in eastern Serbia's Black Timok Valley, the site features two rows of ramparts (300 m × 200 m) with 20 round towers, enclosing structures such as a palace, temples, a horreum (granary), thermae (baths), and other associated buildings. A key discovery is that this monumental phase was preceded by an earlier third-century corridor-style villa, indicating a significant evolution in architectural design and urban planning over the century. The study highlights Gamzigrad's strategic importance and its role as a symbol of Roman power during Galerius' reign.

Routledge Handbook of Heritage in Asia

Town of Luang Prabang — 2012 — WHED5654F712C

The Routledge Handbook of Heritage in Asia reveals the complex interplay between heritage conservation, politics, and globalization in Asian contexts. It highlights how cultural memory, religious shifts, and colonial legacies shape heritage management practices, often leading to conflicts between preservation efforts and local identities. The handbook also underscores the need for specialized conservation expertise and examines the political dimensions of heritage, including its role in nation-building and intangible cultural heritage safeguarding. Through case studies from across Asia, it explores how modernity and globalization challenge traditional heritage narratives while offering pathways for sustainable preservation.

Sculture asturiane del IX secolo

Monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of the Asturias — 2012 — WHE91729527D3

Asturian art, particularly during the reign of King Ramiro I, exhibits a distinct and original style characterized by significant architectural and sculptural achievements. This 'Ramirense' period, marked by maturity in the Kingdom of Asturias, is represented by masterpieces such as the Santa María de Naranco palace and the San Miguel de Liño palatine church, both located near Oviedo on Monte Naranco. While the Santa Cristina de Lena church is also linked to this style, its attribution remains debated among scholars, with some associating it with King Ordoño I. The research highlights the importance of sculptural decoration in these monuments, contributing to the understanding of artistic development during this pivotal era.

Seismic Surveillance of Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral — 2012 — WHE6C40FCEBA0

Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest Gothic cathedrals, was equipped with five seismic stations as part of a cooperative study between Cologne University and the Dombauverwaltung Köln. This initiative expanded the strong-motion network (SeFoNiB) to include the first modern seismic monitoring within Cologne city limits, addressing its significant seismic hazard. The research aimed to investigate the cathedral's structural response to seismic activity, providing insights into the behavior of large historic buildings under seismic stress. By integrating seismic surveillance with cultural heritage preservation, this study offers a novel approach to assessing and mitigating risks to iconic landmarks.

Severe mammal declines coincide with proliferation of invasive Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park — 2012 — WHE5824F79154

A dramatic decline in mammal populations within Everglades National Park (ENP) has been linked to the proliferation of invasive Burmese pythons. Research shows a 99.3% decrease in raccoon observations, alongside significant drops in opossum and bobcat sightings, with rabbits no longer detected during road surveys from 2003–2011. These declines coincide with areas where pythons have recently established themselves, suggesting predation by these apex predators has severely impacted local mammal populations. The study highlights the potential for introduced giant constrictors to exert significant top-down pressure on prey species, raising concerns for less observable or rare mammals of conservation concern.

Shahr-i Sokhta and the Bronze Production Workshop: A Review

Shahr-i Sokhta — 2012 — WHE4D5E0CC4E3

Shahr-i Sokhta, located approximately 55 km southwest of Zabol in southeast Iran, stands out as the most significant Bronze Age site on the eastern Iranian Plateau, spanning 151 hectares. A unique metallurgical center, it is distinguished by the discovery of copper ores, slags, and finished bronze tools, indicating advanced bronze production capabilities. Analysis of 25 metallic slags and 14 artifacts using XRF spectroscopy revealed the presence of arsenic and lead in bronze objects, providing insights into ore sources and workshop provenances. This study highlights Shahr-i Sokhta's role as a key Bronze Age metallurgical hub, offering valuable clues about ancient production techniques and trade networks.