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Territorial collective identities and the internet. Processes of individuation of Siena’s neighbourhoods

Historic Centre of Siena — 2020 — WHE7598986682

This study reveals how Siena's historic neighbourhoods, known as contrade, leverage the internet to preserve and project their collective identities against global audiences. By integrating philosophical anthropologist Hemuth Plessner’s concept of identity as an 'imagined unity' with geographer Anssi Paasi’s theories on borders and boundaries, the research demonstrates that institutionalizing social and spatial boundaries is crucial for maintaining territorial collective identities amid technological and societal changes. The analysis, based on ethnographic and digital data from Siena's historic centre and its iconic Palio festival, highlights the contrade's strategic use of online platforms to assert control over their narratives while engaging with broader global contexts.

Territorial-planning constituents of urban planning components to be protected

Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments — 2020 — WHE431CD46B2C

A critical analysis of the 'Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments,' reveals that destruction of its historical environment stems from flaws in protection systems or inadequate methodological approaches. The study identifies key territorial-planning constituents within urban planning components that require preservation, evaluating existing conservation methods through a multi-faceted approach involving archival-bibliographic, cartographic, analytical, and field studies. This research is timely as Russia addresses 'city-planning mistakes' that threaten historical cityscapes globally. By pinpointing systemic weaknesses in heritage protection, the study offers actionable insights for safeguarding UNESCO World Heritage Sites against irreversible urban degradation.

Testing Assumptions on the Relationship between Humans and their Environment: Case Studies from Cahokia Mounds, Illinois

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site — 2020 — WHEBCC9D423E8

A groundbreaking study challenges long-held assumptions about the relationship between humans and their environment at Cahokia Mounds, Illinois. Contrary to prevailing narratives, deforestation during Mississippian occupation (AD 1050–1400) did not lead to increased flooding, as stratigraphic analysis revealed stable geomorphic conditions until the Industrial Era. Additionally, regional drought trends did not cause food insecurity, with stable carbon isotope data indicating local ecological resilience. The study also debunks the notion that the North Plaza was drier during its use, showing it was actually a wetland. This research underscores the importance of rigorous hypothesis testing in archaeology to advance knowledge and inform climate change policy.

Testing Models of Cenozoic Exhumation in the Western Greater Caucasus

Western Caucasus — 2020 — WHE7FF7F79C60

The Western Greater Caucasus, part of the Arabia-Eurasia collision zone, exhibits abrupt variations in Cenozoic exhumation and cooling rates. Research confirms that rapid Late Miocene to Pliocene cooling, particularly east of Mount Elbrus, correlates with mantle-sourced magmatism rather than tectonic shortening. While total exhumation was limited (5–7 km), differential cooling suggests lithospheric heterogeneities—possibly linked to crustal structures like the Stavropol High—modulate uplift and erosion over shorter wavelengths. This challenges traditional models, implying similar patterns may occur in other mountain belts globally.

The “Perfect Failure” of Communal Genocide Commemoration in Cambodia

Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection — 2020 — WHED251F1028C

A five-year ethnographic study in Cambodia reveals the 'perfect failure' of hybrid Khmer-Western genocide memorials, which, despite appearing successful due to elite capitulation to Western cosmopolitan memory and the lure of atrocity tourism, fail culturally. The research demonstrates that these memorials, while promoting genocide pedagogy, are resisted by both elites and non-elites as they clash with Cambodian Buddhist conceptualizations of memory and commemoration. This challenges the globalization of a Holocaust model of commemoration and questions the universal human right to remember in postconflict memoryscapes.

The 1618 Reconstruction Plan of the Weimar Residenzschloss by Costantino de’ Servi

Litomyšl Castle — 2020 — WHE46BACF8616

A ground plan for the 1618 reconstruction of Weimar Residenzschloss, previously attributed to Giovanni Bonalino, has been reattributed to Costantino de’ Servi, a Florentine polymath. This study identifies de’ Servi’s sources of inspiration, including Palazzo Marino in Milan, Litomyšl Castle in Bohemia, Richmond Palace in England, and local Saxon architectural traditions. By comparing archival records from Weimar and Florence, the research places the Residenzschloss reconstruction within a broader transnational European context, highlighting its Italianate style and cross-cultural influences.

The 2004 International Relay: a Greek around the world with the Olympic Flame

Archaeological Site of Olympia — 2020 — WHE9EDAF1437A

A first-hand account of the 2004 Athens International Olympic Flame Relay reveals its intricate mechanics and multifaceted challenges, extending beyond mere logistics to encompass cultural, political, and personal dimensions. The relay, a recurring event preceding the Olympic Games, involves complex international exchanges and begins with the lighting of the flame at the archaeological site in Ancient Olympia, Greece. This narrative highlights tensions between sponsor interests and the spirit of Olympism, contrasting professional 'world's best practices' with volunteers' expectations, and delineating the division of labor among key stakeholders like the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The chapter provides a nuanced perspective on the relay's broader impact, illustrating its significance as both a ceremonial tradition and a dynamic process shaped by diverse influences.

The 2019 Flooding of Venice and Its Implications for Future Predictions

Venice and its Lagoon — 2020 — WHE17D5B55A92

The 2019 flooding of Venice, one of the worst in its history, resulted from a combination of factors that were individually unremarkable but collectively severe. This event highlighted the challenges in accurately forecasting such storms due to their complex characteristics. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating probabilistic information from ensemble forecasts into future predictions. It also warns that flooding risks will likely worsen globally as natural conditions rapidly change, using Venice as a case study for similar coastal locations. The research combines meteorological and oceanographic data analysis to assess the 2019 storm's unique features and their implications for long-term resilience strategies.

The Abbey of St. Gall

Abbey of St Gall — 2020 — WHEDE63CDFBA4

The Abbey of St. Gall, founded in the seventh century on Lake Constance's shores, stands as a pivotal cultural institution during the Carolingian period (9th–10th centuries). Its library housed remarkable manuscripts, including fourth- or fifth-century texts and Irish books, alongside significant Middle High German works. The monastery's scholarly contributions, such as its music school and notable writers like Notker and Ekkehard, highlight its role in preserving and advancing knowledge during this era. However, the dispersal of St. Gall's books over time poses challenges to reconstructing its full intellectual legacy.

The Acropolis

Acropolis, Athens — 2020 — WHE1C13859E03

The Acropolis, Athens, stands as more than just a symbol of 5th-century BC Athenian society; it is a dynamic site that shapes contemporary Greek identities and global cultural negotiations. This study reveals how the Acropolis functions as a powerful agent in international power dynamics, blending local and global meanings. Through original fieldwork and diverse sources, the research explores how Greeks adapt global ideas to project their unique cultural difference while engaging with their classical heritage. It also examines the site's role in contemporary practices, offering insights into heritage issues, archaeology, anthropology, material culture, and tourism.

The active microbes and biochemical processes contributing to deterioration of Angkor sandstone monuments under the tropical climate in Cambodia – A review

Angkor — 2020 — WHE7747AAD1FA

Recent research highlights the significant role of active microbes and biochemical processes in the deterioration of Angkor's sandstone monuments. The study reveals that both sulfur and nitrogen cycles are actively driven by specific microorganisms, including sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, fungi, and ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA), which are more abundant than ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) on these structures. This shift in research focus from inactive to biochemically functional microbes provides crucial insights for the preservation of cultural heritage. The investigation utilized both culture-dependent and culture-independent techniques to identify the microbiota associated with sandstone, emphasizing the importance of understanding these processes for effective protection and management strategies.

The adaptive resilience of living cultural heritage in a tourism destination

Hoi An Ancient Town — 2020 — WHE31CE3DFEF7

A novel multidimensional model of adaptive resilience challenges conventional social-ecological systems (SES) theory by revealing contrasting bottom-up 'revolt' and top-down 'remember' functions in living cultural heritage destinations. Applied to Hoi An Ancient Town this study extends the SES framework to contextualize tourism development amid complex political, social, cultural, and economic concerns. It highlights the role of Indigenous knowledge and practices in community resilience while emphasizing the dynamic interplay between local adaptation and heritage conservation.

The agroecology of an early state: new results from Hattusha

Hattusha: the Hittite Capital — 2020 — WHEDF31FFAE08

A remarkable archaeological discovery at Hattusha, the Late Bronze Age capital of the Hittite Empire, reveals a vast underground silo complex containing intact grain stores. This finding offers an unprecedented glimpse into how the Hittite state mobilized crop production through extensive, low-input cultivation strategies, primarily focusing on hulled wheats and barley. By combining archaeobotanical analysis with stable isotope determinations and functional weed ecology, researchers have uncovered new insights into Hittite agricultural practices and their political implications. The study highlights how taxation of extensively produced grain in the 16th century BCE sustained this ancient state, providing broader implications for understanding the politics and ecology of expansive territorial states in Western Asia.

The ancient Roman gate along Appian way: San Sebastiano Gate

Via Appia. Regina Viarum — 2020 — WHE0417A3C85A

A groundbreaking integration of survey techniques and 3D modeling methodologies has advanced the understanding of Porta San Sebastiano, one of Rome's largest and best-preserved ancient gates within the Aurelian walls. This study reveals the gate's complex architectural evolution, from its original Roman name, Porta Appia, to its medieval transformation and unique twentieth-century residential adaptation. Through geometric analysis and parametric modeling, researchers uncovered the intricate spatial articulation and construction logic underlying this historic structure. The findings not only shed light on the gate's layered history but also propose a framework for creating a Historical Building Information Model (HBIM) tailored to existing complex artifacts. This interdisciplinary approach sets a new standard for Cultural Heritage analysis, bridging gaps between acquisition, representation, and case-specific research challenges.

The Architecture of Herod, the Great Builder

Masada — 2020 — WHEA1B0AE5AB8

Herod the Great's architectural achievements, particularly at UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Masada and Caesarea Maritima, showcase his engineering prowess during the Second Temple period. Ehud Netzer's analysis reveals Herod's strategic use of terrain, advanced construction techniques, and monumental designs that integrated both Hellenistic and local traditions. The study combines historical records with archaeological evidence, including illustrations and reconstructions, to shed light on Herod's role as a visionary builder who left an indelible mark on the landscape of ancient Israel.

The Architecture of Scotland, 1660-1750

Old and New Towns of Edinburgh — 2020 — WHECB44256BCE

A transformative period in Scottish architecture, spanning 1660 to 1750, is documented in this study, marking the shift from 'Scottish castle' styles to mainstream European classicism. The research provides a revisionist overview of Scotland's early classical architecture, focusing on the works of notable architects such as Sir William Bruce, James Smith, and the Adam dynasty. It contextualizes architectural developments during a pivotal era when new elites emerged in Scotland, reflecting this change through both private and public/civic structures. The study employs a broad typological scope, analyzing country estates and urban landscapes, including Edinburgh's pre-New Town phase, while drawing parallels with European precedents like Parisian tenements and Roman architecture. Illustrated extensively with 300 color images, the work offers new insights into this foundational period of Scottish architectural evolution.

The Architecture of the Cathedral of Saint Sophia in Kyiv: Uniqueness and Universality in Historical Cultural Spaces

Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra — 2020 — WHE7F075CA242

The Cathedral of Saint Sophia in Kyiv stands as a monumental fusion of Byzantine, local pagan, and European Baroque architectural traditions, embodying both uniqueness and universality. This study reveals its enduring cultural significance by analyzing its planning, construction, three-dimensional composition, artistic-aesthetic features, and acoustic properties, which remain relevant in modern temple design. The research introduces an innovative framework for understanding the cathedral's archetypal semantic models across different geographical and religious contexts, highlighting its role as a foundational element in Ukrainian architectural evolution—from medieval wooden churches to Renaissance and Baroque styles. By synthesizing historical influences and cultural mutual exchanges, this work underscores Saint Sophia's pivotal position in the development of both Ukrainian and global architecture.

The Architecture plan of Qutb Complex (Delhi) and its Decoration Analysis

Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi — 2020 — WHE73316A63C1

The Qutb Complex in Delhi exemplifies the earliest stage of Indo-Muslim architecture and decorative art, showcasing a unique fusion of Hindu and Islamic motifs from the 12th to 13th centuries. This study reveals that the complex's architectural style, featuring red sandstone and marble carvings with arabesque patterns, Kufic and Naskh calligraphy, floral designs, and geometric elements—including Hindu influences—represented an innovative amalgamation of cultural aesthetics. The research analyzes the decorative motifs across monuments like Quwat-ul Islam Mosque (1191 A.D.), Qutab Minar (1202 A.D.), Iltutmish Tomb (1235 A.D.), and Alai Darwaza (1311 A.D.), demonstrating how these designs evolved under successive monarchs. By examining historical data, the study concludes that this fusion was a groundbreaking addition to Indo-Muslim art, contributing to the complex's serene and majestic ambiance while reflecting regional artistic logic.

The Ascent Within: Transformative Agency of the Nanda Devi in Bill Aitken’s The Nanda Devi Affair

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks — 2020 — WHE37E67445EC

This study reveals the transformative agency of Nanda Devi, a revered Himalayan peak, on the psyche of travelers, as illustrated through Bill Aitken's narrative in The Nanda Devi Affair. The research demonstrates how the ascent facilitates a profound shift from sensory excitement to deeper self-understanding, challenging and purifying preconceived notions. By analyzing Aitken's journey, the study explores the interplay between human perception and natural grandeur, highlighting the peak's role in fostering psychic evolution. This approach combines literary analysis with introspective reflection, offering insights into how transformative landscapes reshape identity and consciousness.

The Banū Yahrāsan, Political and Sacred Leaders in Ibāḍī Djerba

Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory — 2020 — WHE6BA24D90DE

Research reveals that the Banū Yahrāsan, a prominent Ibāḍī family, established a lasting political and religious authority on Djerba from the 10th century. This hereditary leadership not only shaped the island's governance but also left an enduring legacy in its sacred geography, with their influence persisting through mosques and mausoleums still revered today. The study, based on historical texts including those of Sulaymān al-Ḥīlātī, highlights how this golden age of Ibāḍī rule captivated later generations, underscoring the family's role in founding the ḥalqa—a key institution for the Ibāḍī Maghreb. The analysis also suggests a shift toward collegial governance and conflict resolution within their leadership structure.