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Middle Triassic gastropods from the Besano Formation of Monte San Giorgio, Switzerland

Monte San Giorgio — 2020 — WHEC5099715D7

A rare discovery of Middle Triassic gastropods from the Besano Formation at Monte San Giorgio, Switzerland, sheds light on the biodiversity and paleoecology of the Anisian/Ladinian boundary. The study documents five taxa—Worthenia (Humiliworthenia)? aff. microstriata, Frederikella cf. cancellata, ? Trachynerita sp., and two ? Omphaloptycha species—representing the clades Vetigastropoda, Neritimorpha, and Caenogastropoda. These specimens, among the best preserved in the formation, suggest that small gastropods may have thrived as pseudoplankton or free-swimming larvae under anoxic conditions, while larger forms were likely transported by sediment disturbances. The findings challenge previous interpretations of the Besano Formation's depositional environment and highlight its significance for understanding Triassic carbonate platform ecosystems.

Migrant modernists: The making of national architects in Lithuania in the 1930s and their survival strategies in the 1950s

Modernist Kaunas: Architecture of Optimism, 1919-1939 — 2020 — WHED73A91B2B7

Modernist architecture in Kaunas, Lithuania, emerged as a symbol of national identity and modernization during the interwar period (1919–1939). This study reveals how Lithuanian architects, shaped by forced migration, political upheavals, and ideological shifts, adapted their professional identities and survival strategies across three turbulent decades. It highlights their pivotal role in transforming Kaunas into a provisional capital, marked by the erasure of imperial legacies and the construction of modernist landmarks. The research traces their collective evolution as socially engaged intellectuals during the 1930s, followed by divergent paths—emigration for those practicing privately after Soviet reoccupation (1944) or assimilation under Soviet rule for those who remained. Methodologically, it combines biographical analysis with architectural and political history to illustrate resilience, ideological adaptation, and the enduring impact of forced migration on cultural production.

Migration, Identity, and Multilingualism in Late Hellenistic Delos

Delos — 2020 — WHED6FB21A9C0

Late Hellenistic Delos, once under the patronage of the Antigonid monarchy and later placed under Athenian rule by Rome following the Battle of Pydna (166 BC), experienced significant shifts in migration patterns, identity formation, and multilingualism. The study reveals how these changes were shaped by political transitions and economic dynamics, with Delos serving as a microcosm for broader Mediterranean trends. By analyzing linguistic evidence and historical records, the research reconstructs the social fabric of the island during this pivotal period, highlighting the interplay between local identities and external influences.

MIKKEL BILLE, Being Bedouin Around Petra: Life at a World Heritage Site in the Twenty-First Century

Petra — 2020 — WHEC85E5F56CF

UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, while intended to celebrate and safeguard cultural diversity, often overlooks its impact on local communities. A study examines the consequences of Petra's inscription in 1985 and its subsequent recognition as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World for the semi-nomadic Bedouin communities living there. The research reveals that while global recognition brings economic benefits, it also disrupts traditional lifestyles, land use, and social structures. The study employs qualitative methods, including ethnographic observations and interviews, to document the lived experiences of Bedouins around Petra, highlighting the tensions between heritage conservation and local livelihoods in the 21st century.

Mikołaj Zebrzydowski 1553–1620. Szkic biograficzny

Kalwaria Zebrzydowska: the Mannerist Architectural and Park Landscape Complex and Pilgrimage Park — 2020 — WHE62061F9593

Mikołaj Zebrzydowski (1553–1620) emerges as a pivotal yet complex figure in Polish history, challenging traditional narratives of his role during the 1606-1609 civil war. This first comprehensive biography reveals him as a devout Catholic patron and founder of significant religious works, including the Jerusalem Calvary abbey complex near Zebrzydowice—a key pilgrimage site in Poland—and the city of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska. Contrary to historical portrayals depicting him as a collaborator or successor to Jan Zamoyski, this study highlights his contested stance during the rebellion, sparking ongoing debate in both academic and cultural discourse.

Military histories of ‘Summer Palace’ objects from China in military museums in the United Kingdom

Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing — 2020 — WHE3DB7DBFC0E

During the Second Opium War (1856–60), British and French forces looted and destroyed the Yuanmingyuan, China's most significant palace complex, dispersing over a million imperial artifacts globally. This study examines how five UK military museums present these 'Summer Palace' objects, revealing the constructed narratives around China's imperial heritage in Western institutional contexts. The research employs qualitative analysis of museum displays to uncover the meanings attributed to these artifacts, offering insight into the cultural implications of colonial-era looting and its lasting representation.

Mineralogical and chemical characterization of surfa ce orange layers on the limestone of the Monastery of Batalha, Central Portugal

Monastery of Batalha — 2020 — WHE44B98F3FE4

A mineralogical and chemical analysis of orange surface layers on the limestone balustrades and sculptures of the Monastery of Batalha, Portugal, reveals that these patinas are primarily composed of gypsum and hematite, with minor components including halite and weddellite. This finding challenges the assumption that such patinas form naturally through weathering, suggesting instead that they may have been intentionally applied for protective or aesthetic purposes. The study employed X-ray micro-diffractometry (µ-XRD) and low-vacuum scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectrometry (LV-SEM + EDS) to characterize the layers. These results are compared to 'scialbatura,' a common protective coating used in monument conservation, providing insights into potential historical techniques for stone preservation.

Mining City: Potosí - Potosí: The Silver City That Changed the World. By Kris Lane. Oakland: University of California Press, 2019. Pp. 272. Illustrations. Maps. Appendix. Glossary. Notes. Bibliographical essay. Select bibliography. Index. $32.95 cloth.

City of Potosí — 2020 — WHEFD55ECC05D

Potosí, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to the profound impact of silver mining on global history. Kris Lane's 'Mining City: Potosí' reveals how this Bolivian city, once the world's largest silver producer, reshaped economies and societies from the 16th to 20th centuries. The book highlights Potosí's role in fueling European wealth, driving inflation through the influx of American silver, and creating a complex social structure that reflected colonial power dynamics. Lane employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating historical records, economic data, and archaeological evidence to unravel the city's layered narratives. This comprehensive analysis underscores Potosí's significance not only as an industrial marvel but also as a microcosm of global interconnectedness during the early modern period.

Mining Things: Confronting Loss and Flux in the Slate Industry Ruins of Northwest Wales

The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales — 2020 — WHE49C50772BA

The ruins of the slate industry in northwest Wales, once a symbol of a thriving national industry, are now recognized as 'geological scars' that serve as monuments to industrial capitalism's transformative and often destructive impact on both physical landscapes and social environments. This study highlights how prolonged absence from an area can shift perceptions, revealing the out-of-placeness of such industrial legacies. The research approach combines personal observation with a reflective analysis of the slate industry's ruins, particularly in Rhosydd Quarry and Cwm Croesor, to confront the loss and flux inherent in these landscapes. By re-examining familiar surroundings through the lens of historical context, the study underscores the enduring implications of industrial capitalism on cultural and natural heritage.

Miocene Olivine Leucitites in the Hoh Xil Basin, Northern Tibet: Implications for Intracontinental Lithosphere Melting and Surface Uplift of the Tibetan Plateau

Qinghai Hoh Xil — 2020 — WHE89F25F365F

A new study reveals that the surface uplift of the Tibetan Plateau, particularly in the Hoh Xil Basin, was driven by the melting of potassium-enriched lithospheric mantle. Researchers analyzed 16 million-year-old olivine leucitites, which exhibit unique geochemical signatures indicating minimal crustal interaction and derivation from a phlogopite-lherzolite source. The study suggests that southward subduction of the Asian lithosphere post-India-Asia collision introduced potassium into the mantle, facilitating low-degree partial melting. This process not only generated voluminous magmatism but also contributed to over 1 km of surface uplift in the region.

Mixed site. Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity (Brazil)

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2020 — WHE0F2BFB82B9

Paraty and Ilha Grande, Brazil, stand as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of cultural heritage and biodiversity, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This mixed site is celebrated for its exceptionally well-preserved historic center, which remains one of the most vibrant and intact urban landscapes globally. The designation underscores its significance in preserving both natural and cultural properties, marking 41 years since the inception of the World Heritage list in 1978. The site's architectural and artistic treasures, coupled with its rich biodiversity, exemplify the importance of safeguarding such unique environments for future generations.

Mixed society and African ‘Rococo’

Island of Saint-Louis — 2020 — WHE37646DC7CE

Colonial architecture in Senegal's Saint-Louis Island and Gorée Island reflects a unique blend of French and local Toucouleur influences, diverging from styles seen elsewhere in the French Empire. Unlike other colonial outposts, buildings here incorporated ornamental elements from the Muslim Toucouleur ethnic group, creating a distinct 'African Rococo' aesthetic. This style prevailed during the early phases of French presence but was later supplanted by more uniform colonial designs as territorial colonization progressed. The study highlights how mixed societies shaped architectural evolution in West Africa, contrasting with patterns observed in the Antilles, Pondichéry, or Canada.

Mixed-Language Inscriptions, Social Groups and Freedmen in Roman Ephesus

Ephesus — 2020 — WHE57BED592E9

Mixed-language (Greek-Latin) inscriptions in Roman Ephesus, particularly among Italian communities and their freedmen, suggest a strategic response to legal restrictions imposed after the Augustan Principate. This study reveals that the use of bilingual epigraphy by this social group was likely motivated by changes in their legal status, offering new insights into the dynamics of social identity and linguistic choice in the Roman province of Asia. The research employs detailed analysis of epigraphic data to examine how these inscriptions reflect broader societal shifts, providing a nuanced understanding of the interactions between language, law, and social hierarchy in Ephesus.

Mobile Application Design for Heritage Tourism Uses Gamification Approach in Indonesia

Prambanan Temple Compounds — 2020 — WHEDDF4E05580

A mobile application design incorporating gamification has been successfully developed to enhance heritage tourism experiences at Indonesian World Heritage Sites, including Prambanan Temple Compounds. The prototype, tested on 100 tourists across three temples (Gedongsongo, Prambanan, and Borobudur), demonstrated an 86% user agreement rate, indicating high satisfaction with its usefulness, ease of use, and learning potential. This gamified approach leverages game elements to deliver historical information engagingly, bridging the gap between traditional tourism and interactive digital experiences. The study, conducted with a 95% confidence scale, validates the application's effectiveness in promoting temple tourism through innovative technology.

Mobility in urban events: walkability and accessibility in the Guelaguetza

Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Albán — 2020 — WHE362C97C72C

The Guelaguetza Festival in Oaxaca, Mexico, faces significant challenges in walkability and accessibility that impact visitor satisfaction, particularly for individuals with reduced mobility. Research using mixed methods—including direct observation, architectural analysis, questionnaires, and stakeholder interactions—revealed stark disparities in mobility experiences based on visitor background. While the study identified severe restrictions for persons with disabilities, it also proposed urban improvements to enhance overall attendee experience. These findings underscore the need for targeted policy interventions to balance cultural heritage preservation with inclusive event design.

Mobilizing Meiji Nostalgia and Intentional Forgetting in Japan's World Heritage Promotion

Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining — 2020 — WHE9F26F9CD7E

Japan's successful 2015 UNESCO World Heritage designation of the 'Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution' reflects a strategic national project that prioritizes Meiji nostalgia over alternative historical narratives, particularly those involving Korean memories of forced labor and colonialism. Despite concerns from domestic stakeholders about potential criticism from South Korea, the Japanese government accelerated its heritage diplomacy campaign, leveraging global recognition to reinforce a glorified historical narrative. The study reveals how a newly established committee, comprising Japanese and Western heritage experts, bypassed conventional nomination procedures to construct and promote this industrial heritage, effectively marginalizing critical perspectives. This approach underscores the tension between national pride and historical accountability in Japan's World Heritage promotion.

Model Konseptual Pengelolaan Pengetahuan di Pokdarwis Wonderful Sangiran dengan Pendekatan Soft System Methodology

Sangiran Early Man Site — 2020 — WHE07EE558FE2

A conceptual model for knowledge management at the Sangiran Early Man Site, developed using Soft System Methodology (SSM), offers a framework to enhance the skills and information retention of Pokdarwis Wonderful Sangiran, a tourism-aware group. This model facilitates knowledge transfer and sharing among members, researchers, academics, government officials, and younger generations, leveraging strategies like personalization, codification, and knowledge creation. The approach involves seven stages: problem identification, rich-picture development, root definition, conceptual model building, reality comparison, change determination, and proposal formulation. Primary data from informants—including Pokdarwis members, researchers, academics, and government officials—were used to create a qualitative model that can guide future activities related to knowledge management at the site.

Modeling Virtual Angkor: An Evolutionary Approach to a Single Urban Space

Angkor — 2020 — WHE53EE1F94B6

Virtual Angkor demonstrates how advanced computer graphics, combined with historical and scientific research, can create an interactive, high-fidelity digital model of the ancient Cambodian city. This platform integrates artistic, technical, and academic expertise to simulate life in premodern Angkor, addressing challenges like time compression, parameter-driven simulation, and modeling fidelity. By merging feedback loops and collaborative processes, it offers a dynamic tool for education and research, showcasing the potential of interdisciplinary approaches in reconstructing complex urban spaces.

Modelling Fire Cessation in the Canadian Rocky Mountains

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2020 — WHE47F84D5F3F

A study on the Verdant Creek Fire in Kootenay National Park, part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, reveals that fire cessation is primarily influenced by fuel composition and arrangement, with limited impact from topography. Weather conditions significantly affect fire boundary formation, especially in areas where suppression tactics are applied, which proved effective during periods of reduced weather intensity and near waterways. The research developed a Spread Potential Index (SPI) to map the probability of fire spread based on temporally stable environmental factors, offering potential applications for strategic fire management. The study utilized GIS data extraction and statistical modeling, including matched case-control conditional logistic regression, to analyze 16 distances of analysis and compare predictive fire boundary models.

Modelling Land Cover Changes in Peri-Urban Areas: A Case Study of George Town Conurbation, Malaysia

Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca — 2020 — WHE8663C376CE

A GIS-Cellular Automata model, FutureSim, accurately predicts land cover changes and urban growth boundaries (UGB) with over 74% accuracy, offering a tool for sustainable urban planning. Applied to George Town Conurbation in Malaysia, the study demonstrates how transition rules derived from historical data (2010–2018) can simulate future scenarios—compact growth versus urban sprawl—up to 2030. This approach provides policymakers with evidence-based insights for managing peri-urban expansion, balancing development needs while mitigating environmental and social impacts in rapidly urbanizing regions.