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Showing 101 – 120 of 15962 publications

Analyzing Stages and Power Relations of Community Participation in Cultural Heritage Utilization - A Case Study of Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon Using Arnstein's Ladder

Hwaseong Fortress — 2026 — WHEF949D26F6A

A study analyzing community participation in the utilization of Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon, reveals that while resident involvement spans from non-participation to collaborative decision-making, administrative power structures dominate, leaving many residents structurally excluded. Only organized communities like village cooperatives occasionally reach meaningful participation, relying heavily on personal dedication and chance opportunities. Barriers include information monopolization through informal networks, lack of opinion channels, and insufficient institutional support for capacity-building. To address these issues, the research proposes three key strategies: improving participation structures with transparent processes, empowering residents through skill development and community-led governance, and strengthening intermediary support systems to foster collaborative governance.

Ançã Limestone, an IUGS Heritage Stone in the UNESCO World Heritage Site “University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia” of Portugal

University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia — 2026 — WHE847C573ECC

Ançã Limestone, a fine-grained Jurassic limestone from Central Portugal, has been recognized as an IUGS Heritage Stone for its significant role in shaping the architectural and sculptural identity of Coimbra. This study highlights its geological characteristics, historical extraction, and influence on major artistic traditions spanning Gothic to Baroque periods, contributing to the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia.' The research documents the stone's physical properties, which enabled intricate sculptural details by renowned masters like Mestre Pêro and Jean de Rouen. It also addresses the stone's vulnerability to decay, summarizing weathering behavior and conservation challenges. By integrating geological, historical, and conservation perspectives, this study underscores Ançã Limestone's importance as a key component of Portugal’s geoheritage and its role in preserving the Outstanding Universal Value of the site.

Ancient DNA reveals elite dynastic rule among Iron Age Eurasian Steppe nomads

Golden Mountains of Altai — 2026 — WHEF1CD804AB2

Ancient DNA analysis of Iron Age Scythians from the Golden Mountains of Altai reveals hereditary dynastic rule among Eurasian Steppe nomads, challenging assumptions about social mobility. The study identified consanguineous unions and genetic links between elite grandparent-grandchild pairs across cemeteries, indicating a structured, hereditary elite class. Genome-wide data from 85 individuals—including the first such analysis of the Scythian 'Golden Man'—showed reduced genetic variation among elites and no evidence of patrilocal or matrilocal residence patterns, supporting social stratification in these nomadic societies. This research sheds light on the emergence of complex social hierarchies in ancient steppe cultures.

Ancient Egypt, Baalbek and Peru

Baalbek — 2026 — WHEB97B356BE6

A groundbreaking study challenges the conventional understanding of megalithic construction, proposing that massive stone blocks at sites like Baalbek were not transported and fitted with primitive tools but instead cast in situ using a geopolymer process. This 'Geopolymer Hypothesis' suggests the use of crushed stone aggregate and chemical plasticizers, enabling manual transport in small containers. By analyzing evidence from Giza Plateau, Baalbek, and the Andes through industrial engineering principles, the research argues that traditional monolithic theories are technically infeasible, offering a novel perspective on ancient construction techniques.

Ancient Georgian Inscriptions in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and ‘Bethlehems’ in Georgia

Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem — 2026 — WHEE9A9FA43EA

Thirteen ancient Georgian inscriptions, including one attributed to Catholicos Maxime I of western Georgia (1639–1657), have been identified within the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. These inscriptions reveal a rich history of Georgian pilgrimage and religious engagement in the Holy Land during the 14th to 16th centuries, with Georgians establishing their own monasteries or residing alongside monks from other nationalities. The study highlights how Georgians brought sacral toponyms like 'Bethlehem' back to Georgia, leading to the founding of churches and monasteries dedicated to the Virgin of Bethlehem across the region.

Ancient India Astronomy Discoveries: 7 Things That Changed Our Understanding of the Universe

The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur — 2026 — WHE9086DED46C

Ancient Indian astronomers made groundbreaking contributions to the understanding of the universe, predating Western discoveries by centuries. Aryabhata proposed a heliocentric model and calculated Earth's circumference with 0.2% accuracy, while the Vedic texts described cosmic time cycles (Yugas, Kalpas) with unprecedented numerical precision. Brahmagupta advanced mathematics by incorporating zero and negative numbers into astronomical calculations. The Kerala School of Astronomy developed infinite series expansions for trigonometric functions, a precursor to calculus, 200 years before Gregory and Leibniz. Jai Singh II's Jantar Mantar observatories and the Nakshatra system further demonstrated sophisticated astronomical classification. These discoveries challenge traditional narratives by establishing India's role in shaping global scientific history through verifiable records.

Ancient Indian education: The curriculum and social significance of Taxila and Nalanda universities

Taxila — 2026 — WHEB93CD7AFF4

Ancient Indian universities of Taxila and Nalanda, among the world's earliest sophisticated higher learning institutions, played pivotal roles in shaping elite education, knowledge transmission, and international cultural exchange. Taxila, a decentralized cluster of schools (6th–5th centuries BCE), offered a diverse curriculum including Vedic studies, medicine, military arts, and fine arts, reflecting its cosmopolitan trade-route location. Nalanda, founded in 427 CE under Gupta patronage, adopted a centralized monastic model with rigorous admission, a vast library, and a curriculum centered on Buddhist philosophy, logic, grammar, medicine, and astronomy, while integrating broader Indian traditions. Both institutions facilitated global academic collaboration, particularly with China, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia, and influenced Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna Buddhism. Their declines due to political instability highlight the vulnerability of knowledge centers. The study, based on primary sources like Xuanzang’s accounts, archaeological reports, and inscriptions, challenges traditional historiographical debates on pre-modern university models and underscores the enduring legacy of ancient Indian educational ideals for contemporary holistic learning and critical inquiry.

Ancient Skies, Sacred Stones: An Introduction to Archaeoastronomical Methods and Interpretations

Megalithic Temples of Malta — 2026 — WHE629327C189

Archaeoastronomy reveals the profound integration of celestial observations into ancient societies, demonstrating their sophistication and cultural significance. By analyzing astronomical alignments in architecture, researchers reconstruct past worldviews and ritual practices, overcoming limitations of written records. The study highlights how ancient observers, with a geocentric perspective, meticulously tracked celestial phenomena such as solstices and equinoxes, which were integral to calendars, governance, and social structure. Monuments like Stonehenge and the megalithic temples of Malta showcase this early connection, with solar alignments serving as 'hierophanies'—manifestations of the sacred that reinforced religious order. The research combines modern surveying techniques with cultural analysis, refining our understanding of how ancient societies perceived and utilized the cosmos.

Ancient Wood and Climate Resilience: Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps

Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps — 2026 — WHEC5E181BFC4

Prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps offer resilient solutions to modern climate challenges, demonstrating how ancient architectural innovations can mitigate flooding and hydrological impacts. These settlements, tested over 7000 years, employ elevated structures, natural ventilation, and minimal environmental disruption—strategies that align with sustainable development goals when integrated with contemporary technology. The study highlights their potential as actionable blueprints for climate adaptation, bridging past practices with modern needs to safeguard heritage sites globally.

Animal‐Mediated Dispersal and Clonal Growth Drive Prunus cerasus Invasion in Andean Temperate Forest

Los Alerces National Park — 2026 — WHEC7A2D2D069

Invasive cherry (Prunus cerasus) expansion in Los Alerces National Park is driven by long-distance seed dispersal by foxes and clonal growth, with animals playing a critical role in early invasion stages. Research identified foxes as primary vectors for seeds traveling over 1 km, while birds dispersed most seeds within 30 m. Over six years (2013-2018), the study found that 100% of saplings in initial invasion phases originated from depulped seeds, whereas clonality dominated later stages. Foxes accounted for 44% of long-distance dispersal, while birds handled short-range movement. The findings highlight the dual importance of animal-mediated dispersal and clonal reproduction in shaping invasive species dynamics across different invasion phases.

Annotated checklist of the invertebrate macrozoobenthos from Mauritanian marine shallow-water habitats

Banc d'Arguin National Park — 2026 — WHEB3E5FA3E25

A comprehensive annotated checklist identifies 103 species of marine macrozoobenthic invertebrates from the North-Mauritanian coastal habitats, including Banc d'Arguin National Park. This study, conducted through five joint expeditions by IMROP and Senckenberg Research Institute between 2020 and 2024, provides a detailed morphological description of these species and establishes a scientific reference collection alongside a DNA barcode library. The research employed diverse sampling methods to capture the biodiversity of the region, offering a critical baseline for future assessments of marine life along the Mauritanian coast.

Annual Dynamics of Mycobiota in Symptomatic Century-Old Trees of Aesculus hippocastanum, Fagus sylvatica, Populus alba, and Quercus robur

Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape — 2026 — WHE4B068AAA97

Aging trees within the UNESCO World Heritage Site Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape exhibit dynamic and host-dependent mycobiota, challenging assumptions of static or neutral fungal communities. Research on century-old horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), copper beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Atropunicea’), poplar (Populus alba), and oak (Quercus robur) revealed significant temporal shifts in fungal diversity and composition, with Fagus sylvatica showing the most pronounced decline in richness. Saprotrophic fungi dominated across all hosts, indicating active wood degradation. The study employed ITS2 high-throughput sequencing to profile fungal assemblages from 40 wood cores collected in 2023 and 2024, highlighting host-specific patterns and potential implications for tree decline in managed historical landscapes.

Anthropogenic disturbance regimes reduce biomass and alter floristic composition in montane forests of Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

Kahuzi-Biega National Park — 2026 — WHE0D52391FD1

Anthropogenic disturbances, despite Kahuzi-Biega National Park's protected status, significantly reduce aboveground biomass by 51% and alter floristic composition in its montane forests. These disturbances form non-random spatial regimes, often co-occurring as logging, charcoal production, and agriculture, leading to reductions in tree density (42%) and basal area (54%). The study, using a disturbance gradient across 63 plots, found that such cumulative pressures can durably reshape tropical montane forest ecosystems. Disturbances independently explained 10% of floristic variation, while the full model accounted for 31%, indicating both structural changes and direct ecological filtering effects.

Anthropological History of Medieval Castile

San Millán Yuso and Suso Monasteries — 2026 — WHEF06FD08372

The anthropological history of medieval Castile reveals that the Castilian vowel system emerged as a confluence of multiple cultural influences, including Basque-Iberian, Roman, and Christian traditions. This finding challenges traditional narratives of linguistic origins and deaths by emphasizing continuous cultural adaptation and reinterpretation. The study focuses on significant textual artifacts like the Emilian Glosses (950) and Silos Glosses (second half of the 10th century), particularly folio 72r of Em 60, which provide critical insights into Iberian proto-Romance. Additionally, the research examines the social hierarchy established during the repopulation efforts led by medieval monarchs, highlighting the contrast between favorable legal conditions for inhabitants and feudal dependencies in northern regions. The study also underscores the role of education in preserving Roman antiquity, noting Visigoth Spain as a notable manifestation of ancient culture.

Anuran Assemblage Structure in the Serra Da Capivara National Park, Piauí State, North‐Eastern Brazil

Serra da Capivara National Park — 2026 — WHEB32759B991

Research on the anuran assemblage of Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil, reveals that while these species do not exhibit spatial or trophic niche partitioning, their habitat preferences are strongly influenced by phylogenetic history. The study analyzed microhabitat use and diet data from 551 individuals across 16 species, employing null models to assess niche dimensions. Findings suggest that spatial patterns in resource use are constrained by evolutionary factors, whereas dietary patterns reflect local ecological adaptability. This dual influence highlights the complex organization of anuran communities in semiarid environments, offering insights into species coexistence mechanisms.

Application of Singular Value Decomposition for Image Compression of Yogyakarta Cosmological Axis in Digital Learning in Vocational Education

The Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta and its Historic Landmarks — 2026 — WHEDF93613916

Research demonstrates that Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) is an effective method for compressing high-resolution images of the Yogyakarta Cosmological Axis without significantly degrading visual quality. The study found that most critical visual information can be retained using only a small number of dominant singular values, allowing for substantial file size reduction while preserving key details like object contours and structural characteristics. This enables efficient storage and transmission in digital learning systems, supporting vocational education with high-quality yet compact visual media. The approach balances compression ratio with image fidelity, as measured by Mean Squared Error (MSE), Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR), Structural Similarity Index (SSIM), and Compression Ratio (CR). These findings validate SVD as a robust tool for developing contextually relevant digital learning resources.

Approaches to Organizing Recreational Spaces in Forefields of Historic Fortification

Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork — 2026 — WHE280976C2BA

Landscaping historic castle forefields to create recreational spaces can exacerbate soil subsidence and foundation damage, particularly when castles are located near water bodies. A study analyzing the landscape design techniques of Oświęcim Castle, Malbork Castle (including its Lower Castle), and Wawel Castle in Kraków found that while such transformations offer functional benefits, they also pose risks to the structural integrity of these historic fortifications. The research identified common and distinctive features among recreational techniques applied to castle territories and proposed potential modifications to mitigate negative impacts. The findings highlight the need for careful planning to balance functionality with preservation, especially in areas prone to moisture-related instability.

Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment of land at Matlock Sewage Treatment Works, Derbyshire

Derwent Valley Mills — 2026 — WHE6BD1249097

A desk-based assessment revealed that the land at Matlock Sewage Treatment Works, part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, likely contains no significant sub-surface archaeological deposits due to substantial ground disturbance from historical developments. The site, associated with Hobsons Farm, shows evidence of field boundaries dating back to 1835 but lacks any farm buildings. Key disturbances include the construction of the Midland Railway line in 1849 and phases of sewage works development between 1899–1922 and 1955–1970, which likely destroyed any previously unknown archaeological features. The study combined documentary research, cartographic analysis, and a walk-over survey to assess the site's potential for preservation within an extended conservation area.

Archaeological Evidence for a Standardized Linear Measurement System at Mohenjo-daro:

Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro — 2026 — WHEE3CCBF8E98

Archaeological research at Mohenjo-daro reveals that the Indus Civilization employed a standardized linear measurement system, challenging earlier interpretations. The study re-examines the graduated shell scale discovered by Ernest J. H. Mackay, proposing an alternative metrological framework based on the Kishku Angula unit (1⅜ inches or 34.925 mm). This hypothesis was tested against architectural modules, brick dimensions, street and block measurements, and artifacts like the Dancing Girl figurine from Mohenjo-daro and other Indus sites. By integrating comparative metrology, dimensional analysis, and architectural proportional analysis, the research demonstrates a coherent measurement system that aligns with previously documented Harappan standards, advancing our understanding of the civilization's sophistication in town planning and craft production.

Archaeological intimacy and heritage publics: domesticating Buddhism in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh

Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath — 2026 — WHEEB5FF8BED7

Research reveals that Sarnath, the site of Buddha’s first sermon in Uttar Pradesh, India, is not just a religious pilgrimage destination but also a space where diverse stakeholders shape and experience Buddhist heritage. The study introduces 'archaeological intimacy' to describe how remnants of Buddhist material culture influence identity formation and social relations beyond traditional religious narratives. Unlike previous scholarship that often focused on state-sanctioned or canonical narratives, this work highlights the significance of everyday interactions within the archaeological park, offering a more nuanced understanding of heritage dynamics at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.