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The battle at Pantino at 1168 and the unity of the Serbian state

Studenica Monastery — 2020 — WHE1B643558DF

The battle near Pantino in 1168 marked a pivotal moment in the formation of the Serbian medieval state, solidifying Stefan Nemanja's rise to power and establishing state unity. This study highlights how Nemanja's victory over his brothers, with support from Byzantine forces, Turks, Franks, and others, ended decades of instability following Uroš II's reign, where throne changes were frequent and influenced by the Byzantine emperor. The battle's significance extends beyond military success; it symbolized Nemanja's defiance against Byzantine interference in Serbian governance, leading to a unified state structure. While historical records remain fragmentary, the study underscores the battle's role in shaping Serbia's political landscape and cultural heritage, as evidenced by Nemanja's subsequent fundraising efforts and the construction of monasteries like Studenica, which became enduring symbols of his reign.

The Belarusian-Lithuanian borderlands of the 10–13th centuries: from Krevа to Kernavė

Kernavė Archaeological Site (Cultural Reserve of Kernavė) — 2020 — WHE1E86B9CE7D

New archaeological and historical research reveals that the Belarusian-Lithuanian borderlands of the 10–13th centuries, particularly centers like Kreva, Halsany, Kernavė (Kernave), and Vilnius, played a pivotal role in the emergence of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Contrary to traditional perceptions, these regions exhibited advanced state formation processes during a period when East Slavic Europe faced deep crises. The study highlights significant Slavic influence on Baltic pagan settlements, fostering administrative and sacred urban functions. Kreva and Kernavė emerged as regional centers, with Kreva later becoming a domain of notable Lithuanian dukes like Alhierd (Olgierd) and Jagiello, while Kernavė served as the main residence of Duke Trojdzien. These findings suggest that ethno-cultural interaction between Slavic and Lithuanian elites drove political and economic development, laying the groundwork for the Grand Duchy's formation.

The catalogue of animal type specimens in Shennongjia, Hubei Province, China

Hubei Shennongjia — 2020 — WHE5232BB1782

A comprehensive catalogue of animal type specimens from Shennongjia, Hubei Province, China, has been compiled, encompassing 915 species across 3 phyla, 8 classes, 31 orders, and 187 families. This dataset, built upon existing records, includes verified and refined information on vertebrates (7 species) and invertebrates (908 species), along with 14 invalidated type specimens. Each entry details taxonomic validity, classification, specimen quantities (holotypes, allotypes, paratypes), collection locations, dates, original deposition sites, Shennongjia exclusivity, references, and notes. This resource significantly advances taxonomic research and provides critical data for biodiversity conservation in Hubei Province and southwestern mountainous forest ecosystems.

The challenges in conservation practices in Malaysia: A study in UNESCO heritage site, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia

Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca — 2020 — WHED1FD909B18

Malaysia's conservation efforts for heritage buildings, particularly in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Georgetown, Penang, face significant challenges despite government and private sector initiatives. The establishment of the National Heritage Department in 2006 and the 2008 UNESCO designation have elevated Malaysia's cultural heritage tourism but also brought complexities in balancing preservation with the impacts of increased tourism. This study identifies key obstacles in conservation practices, highlighting the need for sustainable strategies to protect historic structures while capitalizing on tourism benefits.

The Changing Policies on the Protection and Management of Archaeological Sites in Turkey: an Overview

Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape — 2020 — WHE9A8483C2BB

Turkey's shift in archaeological site management policies, particularly since the late 1990s, has significantly expanded its presence on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This change reflects a broader strategy to promote tourism and meet international criteria, with 13 of Turkey's 18 World Heritage Sites now being archaeological. The study traces this evolution from Ottoman-era legislation, which prioritized strict control over excavations, to modern approaches that balance conservation with cultural asset enrichment. While earlier laws hindered new data collection, the current policy encourages tourism while ensuring sites like Pergamon and Ephesus meet UNESCO standards.

The Charters of Ivan IV (the Terrible) to the Hilandar and Rila monasteries

Rila Monastery — 2020 — WHE8202665BA3

A rare discovery sheds light on the historical privileges granted by Ivan IV (the Terrible) to two prominent monasteries: Hilandar and Rila. The study reveals that letters patent and edict charters, most of which were lost over time, confirm Hilandar's right to establish a metochion in Kitai-gorod near the Kremlin and grant tax-free passage through Russian territory along with the privilege of collecting donations. These findings are based on surviving copies from the Ambassadorial book (1517–71) and 17th-century manuscripts, including a unique 'word-for-word copy' of Ivan IV's letters to Hilandar. The research highlights the significance of these charters in understanding the legal and economic relations between the Russian Tsardom and these Orthodox monasteries.

The Christmas 2018 Eruption at Mount Etna: Enlightening How the Volcano Factory Works Through a Multiparametric Inspection

Mount Etna — 2020 — WHE5FBE6A8800

A multiparametric study of Mount Etna's December 2018 flank eruption revealed that magma replenishment from deep to shallow levels over several months, combined with pressure imbalances in the volcano's plumbing system, triggered the eruption. The research integrated olivine chemical zoning and diffusion chronometry data with GNSS measurements, identifying distinct magmatic environments and re-equilibration processes at shallow depths. Geodetic models showed two phases of magma pressurization—first at ~7.2 km below sea level (bsl) between June 2017 and June 2018, followed by a shallower source (~5.1 km bsl) leading to the eruption. The findings highlight how prolonged recharge and dynamic pressure changes control eruptive activity, with potential for both summit and flank eruptions depending on shallow-level magma discharge rates.

The city as a national work of art: modernity and nation building in fin-de-siècle Lviv

L'viv – the Ensemble of the Historic Centre — 2020 — WHE716D7E96B2

In fin-de-siècle Lviv, historic monuments played a pivotal role in modern nation-building, particularly in ethnically diverse regions of central and eastern Europe. The study reveals that the Old Town of Lviv, with its multi-ethnic heritage, was deliberately reinvented to strengthen Polish national identity. This transformation involved securing the 'Polish character' of the area through architectural preservation and urban planning efforts led by local authorities and institutions. The research highlights how secular historic architecture served as a tool for nation-building, emphasizing its significance in shaping collective identity during this period.

The Clay World of Çatalhöyük

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2020 — WHEDA65911324

A revised interpretation of the Neolithic landscape at Çatalhöyük resolves a long-standing paradox: while clay artifacts suggest its importance to early agriculture, the local geology appears hostile due to poor drainage. By treating heavier clay artifacts as direct samples of the surrounding environment, researchers demonstrate that clay's role was far more complex than previously understood. This approach reconciles material culture and landscape views, revealing clay's multifaceted contributions to subsistence practices without conflicting with observed patterns.

The climate comfort assessment for tourism purposes in Borobudur Temple Indonesia

Borobudur Temple Compounds — 2020 — WHE37551B0B25

A high correlation between the Holiday Climate Index (HCI) and tourist visitation at Borobudur Temple, particularly for foreign tourists, suggests that relative humidity and rainfall significantly influence climate comfort. This study analyzed climate data from 2010-2019 using three methods—Tourism Climate Index (TCI), Temperature Humidity Index (THI), and HCI—to assess their sensitivity to tourist behavior. The findings indicate that July to October offers the most comfortable conditions, aligning closely with peak visitation periods. This insight can guide tourism policies and pre-trip climate information for advertisers and authorities.

The climate of Surtsey

Surtsey — 2020 — WHE9772A137A1

Surtsey, an Icelandic volcanic island, experiences a mild yet windy climate with no monthly mean temperatures below freezing and sustained winds exceeding 20 m/s on average 30 days annually. A comprehensive analysis of meteorological data, collected continuously since 2009, reveals that Surtsey's climate closely resembles that of nearby Vestmannaeyjar stations—Vestmannaeyjabær and Stórhöfði—though wind speeds vary due to local sheltering effects. Precipitation patterns indicate drier summers and the most variable, wettest conditions in October. This study provides the first detailed characterization of Surtsey's climate, leveraging long-term automatic measurements to compare microclimatic differences within the archipelago.

The complexities of managing historic buildings with BIM

Durham Castle and Cathedral — 2020 — WHE25DCBF94B0

Historic buildings, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, can benefit significantly from Building Information Modeling (BIM) if tailored to their unique complexities. A study focusing on Durham Castle and Cathedral demonstrates that adopting historic BIM (HBIM) enhances asset management by addressing challenges specific to heritage structures. The research highlights the need for specialized heritage information requirements (HIR) to ensure HBIM is both coherent and relevant. By analyzing workflows applied at Durham Cathedral, the study provides insights into the drivers and obstacles of HBIM adoption, emphasizing the importance of understanding distinct heritage contexts for effective implementation.

The Concept of Authenticity in Restoration Analysis of Monitoring and Restoration in the Authenticity Preservation of Cultural Heritage

Venice and its Lagoon — 2020 — WHE406A8ADA22

A critical shift in heritage preservation emphasizes the role of non-physical forms—such as values, meanings, and cultural significance—in maintaining the authenticity of architectural heritage. While sustainable design advances physical structures, this study highlights that authenticity is equally dependent on intangible aspects like originality, locality, and historical interpretation. It introduces criteria for monitoring and restoration, distinguishing qualitative and quantitative variables to assess their impacts on authenticity preservation. The research builds on foundational documents such as the Venice Charter (1964) and the Nara Document (1994), which redefined authenticity in global heritage conservation. By weighting these criteria, it offers a framework for balancing technical and cultural considerations in restoring sites like Venice’s Lagoon.

The Construction and Geometric Analysis of Main Iwan Spiral Centered Flat Vault of Divrigi Hospital

Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği — 2020 — WHEC87EAB3A74

The Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği, dating back to the 13th century, features one of the most intricate stone vaults in Anatolia, characterized by six groins that spiral around a central axis within an uneven octagon. This unique geometric design, distinct from other vaults of its time, suggests a sophisticated understanding of geometry and construction techniques. A study reconstructed this main iwan vault using hypotheses developed at Madrid's 'Taller de Construcción Gótica,' confirming its exceptional nature by comparing it to similar structures in Aksaray Sultan Khan and Sivas Buruciye Madrasa. The findings indicate that the Divriği vault may serve as a prototype for other spiral vaults built in the same century, highlighting its architectural significance.

The Construction and Significance of the Royal family Tomb of the North of the City Wall in the late Joseon Dynasty

Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty — 2020 — WHE4A9EB46E8E

A notable concentration of royal tombs, mausoleums, and burial sites (能·原·墓) was identified in the Seongbuk region north of Seoul's city wall during the late Joseon Dynasty. Unlike earlier periods, this area saw significant construction from the 18th century onward, with a focus on tombs for royal descendants and consorts. Key findings include the clustering of tombs linked to specific royal lineages, such as those of Sunjo (son of Sunjo) and later kings, including the tombs of Queen Wonbin, a consort of Jeongjo, which was uniquely constructed within Hanseong (Seoul). This pattern deviates from the traditional 40km radius rule for royal tombs outside the capital. The study traces the evolution of burial practices in this region, highlighting how political and familial dynamics influenced their construction and significance during the late Joseon period.

The Contribution of Geophysics to the Knowledge of the Hidden Archaeological Heritage of Montenegro

Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards — 2020 — WHE6A64B26880

Geophysical surveys have uncovered new buried structures at significant archaeological sites in Montenegro, including the Hellenistic-Illyrian site of Mjace, Roman towns like Doclea and Municipium S, the medieval city of Svač, and Stećci medieval tombstone graveyards. This research demonstrates the potential of non-destructive geophysical methods to enhance our understanding of hidden archaeological heritage without causing damage. By identifying and mapping subsurface features, these techniques support preventive archaeology efforts and contribute to the preservation and management of cultural sites. The findings provide an updated perspective on Montenegro's rich archaeological landscape, highlighting its historical significance and the importance of continued exploration and protection.

The costs of removing the unsanctioned import of marine plastic litter to small island states

Aldabra Atoll — 2020 — WHED75A00CC7E

Aldabra Atoll, a remote UNESCO World Heritage Site, harbors the largest reported accumulation of marine plastic litter on a single island, with 513 tonnes estimated to remain after a 2019 clean-up effort. Researchers removed 25 tonnes of debris at a cost of $224,537, equivalent to approximately $8,900 per tonne or $10,000 per day of operations. The remaining litter, predominantly from the regional fishing industry (83%) and flip-flops (7%), poses significant threats to marine ecosystems. The study underscores the urgent need for clean-up efforts, despite high financial costs, while advocating for international funding to address this transboundary issue. Clean-up actions should complement broader policies aimed at reducing plastic waste inputs.

The credit market in Old Warsaw in the late Middle Ages

Historic Centre of Warsaw — 2020 — WHE4436AAABD6

Old Warsaw's credit market in the late Middle Ages demonstrated resilience and inclusivity, with no dependence on a narrow group of wealthy creditors—a phenomenon known as the 'de Soto problem.' This horizontal structure allowed all social strata to access credit, with the middle class primarily using small short-term consumer loans while elites operated with significantly larger capital and longer repayment periods (1–3 years). The market's health is further evidenced by declining interest rates by the end of the 15th century. Despite its medium-sized population (4,000–5,000), Warsaw's influence extended approximately 30 km, with elites engaging in international trade, particularly in water-transported wood and grain along the Vistula River to Gdańsk and Western Europe. The study highlights the market's homogeneity, with marginal representation of nobility, clergy, peasants, and Jews.

The Cultural Master Plan of Bamiyan: The Sustainability Dilemma of Protection and Progress

Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley — 2020 — WHE14FED15D0E

A sustainable development approach is critical to balancing cultural preservation and rural progress in the Bamiyan Valley. The study highlights that rigid land-use restrictions and uncoordinated international aid have hindered effective implementation of the Cultural Master Plan, which aims to protect archaeological areas while allowing urban development. It proposes a monitoring steering group involving local stakeholders, national experts, and international advisors to align development strategies with the valley's rural character and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This approach seeks to reconcile conflicting priorities for rapid modernization with long-term cultural sustainability.

The Damaging Earthquake of 9 October 859 in Kairouan (Tunisia): Evidence from Historical and Archeoseismological Investigations

Kairouan — 2020 — WHE2ED8200F1E

A devastating earthquake struck Kairouan, Tunisia, on October 9, 859, causing widespread destruction with macroseismic intensity reaching IX–X on the Medvedev–Sponhauer–Karnik scale. Historical accounts and modern archaeoseismic investigations, including laser scanning and radiocarbon dating of damaged features like the Great Mosque's dome and an aqueduct 20 km west of the city, reveal extensive damage across 13 villages. The seismic source is linked to the Sbiba east–west-trending transpressive fault system, characterized by late Quaternary thrust-related en echelon folds, confirming its seismogenic potential. This study integrates historical records with advanced field techniques to reconstruct the earthquake's impact and tectonic context.