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The Fabric Accounts of St Stephen's Chapel, Westminster, 1292-1396

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church — 2020 — WHE98AAE5F7BD

A groundbreaking publication reveals the meticulously detailed fabric accounts of St Stephen's Chapel, Westminster (1292–1396), offering unprecedented insight into one of England's most significant medieval building projects. The accounts, preserved in The National Archives and now fully translated for the first time, document the construction and decoration of this central royal chapel under Edward I and III, providing rare evidence on medieval craftsmanship—particularly masonry, carpentry, painting, and glasswork—and the organization of labor and materials. Beyond architectural history, these records are invaluable for understanding English royal patronage and political culture during a pivotal period in governance and ceremonial practice.

The Family Tadition(家風) and Succession of Gyeongju Son Family of Yangdong Village in Gyeongju

Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong — 2020 — WHEF1F731302C

The Gyeongju Son family of Yangdong Village, a UNESCO-listed site, has maintained and passed down its unique family tradition (家風) through generations, emphasizing clean governance (淸德) and loyalty to the nation (忠節). This tradition, rooted in Confucian values, began with Son Sa-seom's exemplary integrity during his tenure as an official, which set a model for subsequent generations. The study reveals that this tradition evolved into active resistance during national crises, including the Imjin War and the Manchu invasions, where family members led rebellions and were honored posthumously. During Japanese colonial rule, descendants like Son Jin-hyeong and Son Ho-yok continued this legacy through independence movements. The research highlights how 家風, distinct from 家學 (family scholarship), encompasses not only academic transmission but also lifestyle practices, demonstrating its enduring influence on the family's identity and societal role.

The Festival Extravaganza of Vigan City, Philippines

Historic City of Vigan — 2020 — WHEA332F2A2E0

Vigan City's festivals, rooted in history and cultural significance, have evolved to foster community pride, patriotism, and remembrance. The study reveals that these events, including the Vigan City Fiesta, Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of the Arts, World Heritage Cities Solidarity Cultural Festival, and Raniag Twilight Festival, play a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Vigan's heritage. Through historical research design, interviews with 35 participants, observations, and document analysis, the study highlights the challenges faced by local governments in organizing these festivals while emphasizing the need for collaboration with national and international organizations to enhance their impact. Ethical guidelines were strictly adhered to throughout the research process.

The field monitoring of influential biodeteriogenic agents on the historic rock surfaces in Persepolis-UNESCO World Heritage Site

Persepolis — 2020 — WHE400563AF6C

A study at Persepolis identified key biodeteriogenic agents that threaten the historic rock surfaces. These agents, which include biological and environmental factors, were found to significantly contribute to the deterioration of the site's archaeological features. The research employed field monitoring techniques to assess the impact of these agents over time, providing critical insights into their role in the degradation process. This work highlights the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies to protect this culturally significant landmark from further damage.

The first data on the lichens of the Mongun-Taiga cluster of the Ubsunur Hollow Biosphere Reserve: epigeic macrolichens

Uvs Nuur Basin — 2020 — WHE9289CF703E

A groundbreaking study identifies 34 species of soil macrolichens, previously unreported in the Ubsunur Hollow Biosphere Reserve. These species belong to 15 genera and 6 families, with Parmeliaceae being the most prominent family represented. The lichen diversity includes notable genera such as Peltigera, Cladonia, Stereocaulon, and Cetraria, predominantly inhabiting mountain tundras, alpine meadows, and sparse larch forests. The study highlights that these macrolichens exhibit two main growth forms: fruticose (19 species) and foliose (15 species), with some species also thriving on mosses or plant debris. This research significantly contributes to the understanding of lichen biodiversity in this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site, providing critical data for conservation efforts.

The First Report on the Ecology and Distribution of the Wolf Population in Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula — 2020 — WHEEF58BE0EBE

A rising wolf population in Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park, Italy, shows balanced sex ratios with males leading groups and marking territory. Researchers identified 224 presence points, revealing a suitable habitat of 1042.65 km², dominated by the Alburni and Cervati/Motola Mountains, linked by ecological corridors. Camera-trapping data indicated peak activity in May and December, with single individuals or pairs more common than larger groups. Genetic analysis confirmed male territorial dominance (86%). This study provides critical data for wolf management strategies, supporting coexistence with human communities amid the species' expansion in the Apennine mountains.

The Framing of the Port Arthur Historic Site

Australian Convict Sites — 2020 — WHE535C40BA23

Port Arthur Historic Site's significance is shaped by fluctuating associations with its violent criminal past, transitioning from a dissociated penal establishment to a romanticized tourist destination and finally achieving UNESCO World Heritage status. The study reveals how selective attachment to the site's criminality has developed through historical conditions, probing affective dimensions that motivate contemporary perceptions of history. Research employed a qualitative approach, analyzing the site's evolving narrative from its closure in 1877 to its inclusion in the 'Australian Convict Heritage Properties' register in 2010, including the impact of the 1996 massacre.

The French Austral Lands and Seas Biodiversity haven in the Southern Ocean

French Austral Lands and Seas — 2020 — WHE5B36F042D3

The French Austral Lands and Seas, encompassing the Crozet Archipelago, Kerguelen Islands, and Saint-Paul and Amsterdam islands, were inscribed as the 50th marine World Heritage Site in 2019. This recognition highlights their exceptional biodiversity and ecological significance in the Southern Ocean. The region, administered by the Terres australes et antarctiques françaises (TAAF), serves as a critical haven for conservation, research, and sustainable fisheries management. Spanning between the 37th and 50th southern parallels, these territories support unique ecosystems that thrive in the harsh conditions of the southern Indian Ocean, underscoring their global importance for biodiversity preservation.

The Frontiers of the Roman Empire in Eastern Dacia. Preliminary Results of Research Conducted in the Context of the Romanian National Limes Program

Frontiers of the Roman Empire – Dacia — 2020 — WHE8D66865BF0

Romania's bid to inscribe the Dacian Limes and segments of the Danubian Roman Border as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Frontiers of the Roman Empire' highlights its significance as a dynamic contact zone between the Greco-Roman world and local civilizations north of the Danube. The Romanian National Limes Program, coordinated by the National Limes Commission, involves multiple institutions including the National Heritage Institute, National History Museum, and regional museums, to prepare the nomination. This initiative aims to document both visible and invisible traces of the Roman frontier, emphasizing its role as a cultural bridge rather than a strict border. The program also ensures seamless communication between national and international partners, underscoring Romania's commitment to preserving and promoting this globally significant archaeological heritage.

The Functional Traits of Breeding Bird Communities at Traditional Folk Villages in Korea

Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong — 2020 — WHE0AE457C790

Traditional Folk Villages (TFVs) in Korea support a diverse range of breeding bird species with unique functional traits, particularly in nesting types. A study analyzing five TFVs identified nine key species—such as the Eurasian tree sparrow and Oriental turtle dove—that thrive in these habitats due to their heterogeneous landscape, shaped by sustainable human-nature interactions. Unlike rural, urban, or forest environments, TFVs exhibit higher diversity in bird nest types, suggesting that their conservation holds significant potential for biodiversity preservation. The research employed line transect surveys to document 60 breeding species and analyzed dietary and nesting traits, providing critical insights for the protection of these culturally and ecologically valuable sites.

The Future of Film Tourism

Vatican City — 2020 — WHEF27DC630A2

Film tourism, driven by media portrayals such as movies and TV shows, significantly boosts cultural exchange and understanding while representing a substantial portion of special interest tourism. This study categorizes film-induced tourism into 'on-film' (tourism linked to filming locations) and 'off-film' (tourism tied to fictional events or destinations inspired by films). It highlights the global reach of this phenomenon through examples like the Star Wars and Mission: Impossible franchises, which utilized diverse international locations. The research emphasizes film tourism's potential to enhance cultural heritage appreciation, offering insights into its economic and social impacts on destinations like Vatican City.

The Future of the Bamiyan Buddha Statues

Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley — 2020 — WHEAA42C01D6F

A critical precedent for heritage conservation ethics, this study establishes guidelines for the reconstruction of cultural properties destroyed by violence, using the Bamiyan Buddha statues as a case. It addresses fundamental questions about authenticity, decision-making, and the use of non-original materials in World Heritage reconstruction, while advocating for holistic strategies that integrate human rights and peacebuilding. The research synthesizes academic insights, practical experiences, and theoretical frameworks to inform global conservation policies, serving as a reference point for post-conflict heritage protection.

The Geoglyph as a Medium for Anarchist Ritual

Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa — 2020 — WHE73D59ABFDC

Geoglyphs, traditionally viewed as expressions of sacred landscapes, are reinterpreted in this study as anarchist and decentralized mediums for ritual activity. The research challenges the conventional understanding by highlighting that geoglyphs, unlike other earthworks, exhibit a rare spatial and temporal distribution, predominantly found in middle-range societies across the Americas rather than states or empires. This pattern is attributed to the anarchist affordances of the geoglyph medium, which provided a counterbalance to incipient centralization in agricultural societies like ancient Nasca. The study theorizes that the incorporation of geoglyph-based ritual practices represented a form of constitutional reform, where ancient peoples consciously redistributed power and authority.

The geography of death

Cathedral, Torre Civica and Piazza Grande, Modena — 2020 — WHE3669D4CEA0

The study reveals that the Attonid dynasty, including figures like Bonifacio, Beatrice, and Matilda, strategically dispersed their tombs across Italy to assert power, intertwining burial sites with the cults of saints housed in churches they reconstructed. Unlike typical noble practices, this 'geography of death' involved reusing Roman sarcophagi for burials, a trend observed during the 11th century around cathedrals like those in Modena and Pisa. Matilda's remains, initially buried in San Benedetto Po, were later moved to Rome, where she was beatified. The research highlights how burial practices and saint veneration overlapped, reflecting complex social and political dynamics.

The Grand Egyptian Museum and its Role in Achieving Sustainable Tourism in the Memphite Necropolis

Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur — 2020 — WHEF0DD1EC0B0

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is poised to significantly boost sustainable tourism in the Memphite Necropolis, including sites from Abu Rawash to Dahshur. By housing over 100,000 artifacts linked to this region, the GEM creates a powerful incentive for tourists to explore nearby archaeological treasures, such as pyramids, thereby enhancing their visitation and economic potential. The study identifies key challenges in marketing and sustainability while proposing solutions, including integrating tourism routes starting from the GEM, improving infrastructure, and developing cultural and educational projects. Using a descriptive-analytical approach—combining field studies, surveys of tour guides, experts, and secondary data—the research underscores the need for strategic planning to balance heritage preservation with sustainable development. It concludes that leveraging the GEM’s global appeal can revitalize tourism in the Memphite Necropolis while safeguarding its cultural and environmental wealth.

The Great Hall at Caen and its Affinities with Westminster

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church — 2020 — WHE740B29AFE3

Recent archaeological and structural analysis reveals that the Échiquier, a Romanesque hall in Caen's ducal palace, was likely single-storeyed and constructed at the end of the 11th century under Rufus’s rule, contradicting earlier claims. Its striking similarities to Westminster Hall—both in form and purpose—suggest shared architectural influences or even direct inspiration between the two sites. Additionally, a newly discovered adjacent structure in Caen may mirror the Lesser Hall at Westminster, hinting at broader affinities in their design and function. This challenges long-held assumptions about the Échiquier's origins while deepening our understanding of Norman-English royal architecture.

The Great Wall 3D Documentation and Application Based on Multi-source Data Fusion – A Case Study of No.15 Enemy Tower of the New Guangwu Great Wall

The Great Wall — 2020 — WHE89E4F2D072

A novel approach combining terrestrial laser scanning and UAV photogrammetry successfully generated complete, high-quality 3D digital documentation of the No.15 enemy tower of the New Guangwu Great Wall. This method overcame challenges posed by harsh geographical conditions, such as steep cliffs and inaccessible interiors, which hinder traditional scaffolding-based techniques. By integrating internal structure data from laser scanning with external data captured via UAV photogrammetry—facilitated by RTK-UAV technology for efficient image control point layout—the study achieved comprehensive 3D modeling using an ICP algorithm. The resulting digital documentation supports heritage restoration efforts and demonstrates the potential of multi-source data fusion for preserving cultural heritage sites under difficult environmental conditions.

The Greek shield as a metal artifact and its reflection in the story of the Croesus’ gifts in Thebes

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis — 2020 — WHE743CF5E1BF

A groundbreaking study reveals that the term 'σάκος' (sakos) used by ancient Greek authors to describe shields, particularly in the context of Croesus’ gifts to Thebes, signifies a round shield with deep historical and religious significance. This interpretation is supported by archaeological evidence from Ancient Thebes, including an inscription mentioning 'φαενάν [ἀσπ]ίδα,' which suggests a connection to heroic antiquity. Researchers propose that these shields, dating back to the Late Bronze Age or later periods, were displayed in sanctuaries and served as symbols binding Thebans to their heroic past. The study combines archaeological data with literary tradition to offer new insights into the cultural and historical functions of Greek shields, supported by the Russian Science Foundation.

The Hannes Meyer Seminars at the Bauhaus Dessau (1980–1986) as a Contact Zone for Finnish and East German Architects

Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau — 2020 — WHE780622CFFF

The Hannes Meyer Seminars at the Bauhaus Dessau (1980–1986) served as a pivotal contact zone for transnational exchanges between East German and Finnish architects, fostering innovative adaptive housing solutions that challenged conventional mass-housing models. These annual design workshops, facilitated by détente-era scientific cooperation agreements, promoted contextual design, integrating historical settings, user needs, and emerging technologies like CAD/CAM. Unlike earlier one-directional knowledge transfers, the seminars emphasized bidirectional collaboration, advancing discourses on postmodernism and sociological research while strengthening ties between institutions such as Weimar’s HAB and Tampere Technical University.

The History of Mar Yahballaha and Rabban Sawma as a Source for Ilkhanid History

Erbil Citadel — 2020 — WHE38E04813D7

A detailed analysis of the 'History of Mar Yahballaha and Rabban Sawma' reveals critical insights into Ilkhanid policies toward the Church of the East, particularly during the reign of Aḥmad/Teguder. The narrative, written before 1319, provides a unique perspective on the treatment of Christians in Erbil, including the revolt of the Mongol garrison that led to the elimination of the city's Christian population. By comparing this Syriac account with a Persian narrative by Qāshānī, researchers identified parallels that offer a nuanced understanding of historical events. The study also highlights the author's focus on church history and his detailed reporting on ecclesiastical constructions and relationships with sovereigns, while omitting significant interactions with Latin Christians. This work underscores the importance of primary sources in reconstructing historical narratives.