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The Sangiran Fossil Shell Assemblages Catalogue

Sangiran Early Man Site — 2020 — WHE0503E8D540

A comprehensive catalogue of fossil shell assemblages from the Sangiran Early Man Site, Central Java, reveals 61 mollusc taxa spanning the Plio-Pleistocene period. These shells, associated with distinct sedimentary facies representing marine to continental environments, provide critical insights into the palaeoenvironmental history of the region. Quantitative analysis of these assemblages elucidates relationships between established palaeodatasets and variability in paleontological data, offering a reference for taxonomic representation in the Kalibeng and Pucangan layers of the Solo Basin. The study updates previous documentation, linking geological processes to evolutionary patterns and environmental transitions.

The Sarpedon Krater: The Life and Afterlife of a Greek Vase

Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia — 2020 — WHED8901458CB

A Greek Attic red-figure krater, the Sarpedon Krater (c. 515–510 BCE), stands out for its innovative use of foreshortened perspective and its depiction of the Trojan hero Sarpedon's death, marking a significant advancement in ancient Greek vase painting. The krater, created by Euphronios, was discovered in an Etruscan tomb near Cerveteri, Italy, and later repatriated to the National Archaeological Museum of Cerveteri after being acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Spivey argues that this artwork's influence extends beyond its technical mastery, resonating through classical mythology, symposiastic culture, and later artistic traditions, including Roman sarcophagi and Renaissance devotional art. The study explores how such imagery may evoke empathy or catharsis, drawing on neuroscience theories about visual responses to suffering.

The Seasonality of Wetland and Riparian Taskscapes at Çatalhöyük

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2020 — WHE9D84A8AACE

Neolithic inhabitants of Çatalhöyük adapted their use of local wetland and riparian environments to seasonal resource availability, with task patterns shifting throughout the year. This study reveals how labor organization evolved over time, becoming more varied as livelihoods diversified, impacting the regularity and variety of landscape interactions. Researchers analyzed paleoenvironmental and archaeological data to reconstruct seasonal taskscapes, demonstrating that later residents reorganized their engagement with the surrounding environment in response to changing community dynamics.

The Shadow of the Sacred Rock: Contrasting Discourses of Place under the Acropolis

Acropolis, Athens — 2020 — WHE54412220C7

A stark contrast emerges between the discourses of place under Athens' Acropolis, revealing the tension between archaeological management and the enduring presence of a long-standing community. While modern authorities, including the Greek Archaeological Society, have historically sought to remove residents for 'security and health' and archaeological preservation, this study highlights the resilience of local narratives and their deep-rooted connection to the landscape. The research approach examines the interplay of power dynamics, where state-led interventions aim to reshape living palimpsests—layered landscapes rich with historical meaning—to align with national projects, often at the expense of marginalized communities.

The significance of the Renaissance in Poland according to tourists’ opinions on TripAdvisor concerning three major Renaissance landmarks

Old City of Zamość — 2020 — WHE1CC184EE3F

A notable gap in tourist awareness regarding the Renaissance significance of Poland’s landmarks has been identified. Analysis of TripAdvisor reviews revealed that only 10% mentioned the Renaissance character of three major sites: Wawel Royal Castle (Cracow), Poznań Town Hall, and Zamość Old Town. The study, a pilot for broader research, used desk analysis of Polish tourists’ reviews, highlighting their limited historical or architectural knowledge. No prior literature has addressed this aspect, making it the first contribution to the topic. This suggests that Renaissance heritage may not be a primary motivation for tourism in these sites.

The Site of Sangiran as a Means of History-learning: An Effort to Increase Students’ Historical Awareness [Situs Sangiran sebagai Media Pembelajaran Sejarah: Upaya untuk Meningkatkan Kesadaran Sejarah Siswa]

Sangiran Early Man Site — 2020 — WHE02610504E5

A significant increase in students' historical awareness was observed when the Sangiran Early Man Site was incorporated as a pre-literacy learning tool for junior high school students. The study, involving 64 students divided into experimental and control groups, demonstrated that those who visited the site showed markedly improved learning outcomes (p < 0.05). This suggests that leveraging archaeological sites outside traditional classroom settings can effectively enhance student engagement with history, addressing challenges such as limited resources and uninspiring teaching methods.

The Slave House as Symbolic Artifact

Island of Gorée — 2020 — WHE7FFFE64739

The Slave House on Gorée Island serves as a powerful symbolic artifact, embodying the trauma of ancestral separation and the cultural memory transmitted through generations displaced by the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. This study argues that the structure is architecturally beatified by Black ancestral spirits, acting as a witness to the emotional connection between present-day descendants and their past. Utilizing an autoethnographic approach with first-person narrative, the research explores how spaces, places, and architectural structures central to the Slave House contribute to the creation of diasporic identity. The findings highlight the Slave House's role in preserving and transmitting cultural memory, bridging the gap between historical trauma and contemporary Black identity.

The Status of Forest elephant in the world heritage DJA Faunal Reserve, Cameroon

Dja Faunal Reserve — 2020 — WHEC761AD0BFA

A significant decline of Central African forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) by 62% between 2002 and 2011, primarily due to poaching for illegal ivory trade, has been confirmed in the UNESCO World Heritage Dja Faunal Reserve (DFR), Cameroon. Using dung-based distance-sampling surveys covering 5,260 km², researchers estimated a population of just 219 individuals (95% CI: 150–319) with a density of 0.042 individuals/km², reflecting severe losses similar to those in Korup National Park. Elephants persist mainly in the northern DFR, where community partnerships and increased patrols are being implemented, while the southern sector remains vulnerable to organized wildlife crime. The study highlights the urgent need for enhanced security, community engagement, and SMART-based patrolling to protect the remaining population and restore its expansion across the landscape.

The Stonehenge we deserve

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2020 — WHEB81A7C2B5E

Stonehenge, one of the world's most iconic prehistoric sites, is increasingly being shaped by modern approaches to heritage management that balance public engagement with resource efficiency. A proposal by Heritage Projects Ltd, inspired by successful models like York’s Jorvik Viking Centre, suggests a more imaginative and sustainable presentation of Stonehenge. The Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission (HBMC) endorses this approach, aiming to cater to visitors willing to invest time while ensuring that archaeological storytelling no longer solely relies on public funds. This shift reflects a growing trend in heritage conservation—prioritizing innovative, commercially viable solutions without compromising the site's significance.

The Stones of Taliesin West: Frank Lloyd Wright and the Petroglyphs of Paradise Valley

The 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright — 2020 — WHEF07B11646B

Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West stands out as the only work where he integrated American Indian petroglyphs into its architectural design. This unique feature, set against the arid landscape of Paradise Valley in Arizona, exemplifies Wright's organic architecture philosophy—harmonizing built and natural environments. The site, initially established as a winter retreat for Wright and his Taliesin Fellowship, became a 'desert laboratory' where innovative designs were conceived and refined over decades. Recognized by the National Park Service and UNESCO, Taliesin West embodies Wright's vision of architecture that grows from its surroundings, balancing lifestyle with environmental conditions. Its historical significance, experimental nature, and cultural integration make it a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture.

The stones of the Sanctuary of Delphi – Northern shore of the Corinth Gulf – Greece

Archaeological Site of Delphi — 2020 — WHE5FE41771A6

Ancient Greek builders at the Sanctuary of Delphi primarily used local limestones, breccias, marbles, and poorly consolidated sediments known as 'pôros,' with a distinct preference for a high-quality Maastrichtian limestone called 'Profitis Ilias' for prestigious structures like the Apollo Temple. This study identifies seven facies of 'pôros,' including travertine and oolitic grainstone, sourced from the southeastern shore of the Corinth Gulf, though specific quarries remain unidentified except for the grainstone. The research combines geological mapping and lithological analysis to trace stone origins, revealing a strategic choice of materials that balanced local availability with aesthetic or functional requirements.

The Stuccoed and Painted Benches of Xochicalco, Morelos, Mexico

Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco — 2020 — WHE8AF998093C

Archaeological research at Xochicalco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Morelos, Mexico, reveals that intricately stuccoed and painted benches from the Epiclassic period (600–900 CE) likely served as royal seats or thrones. These benches, adorned with rich iconography and hieroglyphic signs, were pivotal in displaying religious, mythological, and historical narratives that reinforced hierarchical power structures. The study suggests parallels between Xochicalco's benches and those found in the Terminal Classic Maya city of Chichen Itza, indicating potential interregional cultural exchanges during this period. The research combines iconographic and epigraphic analysis to interpret the symbolic significance of these artifacts, offering new insights into the political and ceremonial functions of monumental architecture in Mesoamerica.

The Study of the Principles of Philosophy of Islamic Art

Sheikh Safi al-din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble in Ardabil — 2020 — WHEE47DD5087E

Islamic art, traditionally studied through art history and sociology, can be more deeply understood by integrating principles of Islamic philosophy and Sufism. This approach reveals that the sanctity of Islamic art stems not only from the Quran but also from philosophical and mystical doctrines that shaped its creation. The study applies concepts such as imagination, color, and calligraphy to analyze the Sheikh Safi al-din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble in Ardabil, Iran, demonstrating how these principles enrich interpretation. By examining the ensemble through a philosophical lens, the research uncovers nuanced meanings that conventional methods may overlook.

The study of water management system in ancient towns: a case study of Ayutthaya

Historic City of Ayutthaya — 2020 — WHE8622001720

Ancient Ayutthaya thrived for 417 years without significant flood damage despite its location in Thailand's flood-prone lower central plain. A study reveals that the city's resilience was rooted in an advanced water management system, offering insights applicable to modern urban planning. The research employs a landscape integration approach, combining multidisciplinary perspectives to analyze Ayutthaya's water development cycle and its evolution within riverine and deltaic areas. This methodology not only clarifies Ayutthaya's water management but also provides a model for other towns facing similar environmental challenges.

The sublime darker heritage tourism aspects at St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta.

City of Valletta — 2020 — WHE15989C2017

St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta, stands as a unique example of dark tourism, blending architectural grandeur with macabre elements. The cathedral's design incorporates human bones and skulls, sepulchral monuments, and burial slabs, creating an atmosphere that attracts both pilgrims and tourists drawn to its 'darker heritage.' This study reveals how the cathedral's history, death-related art, and architecture intersect with dark tourism, offering a nuanced perspective on the appeal of such sites. The research approach involves a detailed examination of the cathedral's architectural features, historical context, and their relationship to contemporary tourism trends.

The Suñawa Monolith and a Genre of Extended-Arm Sculptures at Tiwanaku, Bolivia

Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture — 2020 — WHE10776D1395

A new classification of Tiwanaku monolithic sculptures reveals that the Suñawa Monolith, alongside its likely companion the Pachakama, represents a distinct genre of 'extended-arm monoliths' that served as guardians or attendants to the more studied 'presentation monoliths.' Unlike the latter, which depict figures holding symbolic objects like chicha goblets and snuff tablets, the Suñawa Monolith embodies themes of sacrificial violence and vegetative generation. This study challenges the conventional focus on presentation monoliths by arguing that Tiwanaku's monumental sculptures formed a complex 'society' of differentiated, interactive beings. The research employs iconographic analysis to recontextualize these sculptures within their broader cultural and ritual significance.

The Sustainable Management of Cultural Heritage Sites: Tourism and the Politics of Archaeology at Petra

Petra — 2020 — WHE24040A94DD

Research at Petra reveals a divided perspective on the relationship between tourism and archaeology, with some stakeholders believing these sectors are inherently in conflict while others advocate for archaeology to adapt to tourism needs. This study used qualitative interviews with academics, businesspeople, and government officials alongside quantitative surveys of University of Jordan faculty to assess management plans at Petra. Findings suggest that the interplay between tourism and archaeology has hindered consistent implementation of sustainable management strategies, raising questions about the long-term preservation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Swahili Civilization in Eastern Africa

Lamu Old Town — 2020 — WHE75BD4EB01D

The Swahili civilization, flourishing along Eastern Africa's coast from the late Iron Age (c. 500 CE) to the early 16th century, was shaped by local cultural, political, and economic dynamics rather than external influences alone. This maritime-based society, spanning over 3,000 km from Somalia to Mozambique, thrived on trade with inland Africa, Asia, and Europe, exchanging goods like gold, ivory, and slaves for beads, porcelain, and silks. Its material culture—including ironwork, pottery, and monumental stone structures such as mosques and palaces—reflects a sophisticated integration of coastal and inland traditions. Evidence of this civilization persists today in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Lamu Old Town and Zanzibar Stone Town, with oral traditions and maritime technology continuing to influence Eastern Africa's social and economic landscape.

The Symbolism of the Knotted Column in the Architecture of King Milutin

Studenica Monastery — 2020 — WHE1D4039E701

Heracle's knot, a symbol with roots in antiquity and flourishing during the Palaiologan period, was prominently used by King Milutin of Serbia (r. 1282–1321) to convey triumphant intentions and apotropaic symbolism in his architectural works. This study reveals that the motif appears on the bifora of St. George's church at Staro Nagoriĉino and the apse of Studenica Monastery's King's church, both dating to 1313, suggesting a deliberate visual response to King Milutin's prayer for posterity with Queen Simonis. The analysis examines the symbolism and historical context of this knot motif in late Byzantine sacred architecture, highlighting its dual significance as both an apotropaic emblem and a personal plea.

The Three Magi

Cologne Cathedral — 2020 — WHEC9AF9EECC8

Recent investigations of the relics of the Three Magi, housed in Cologne Cathedral since their translation from Milan in 1164, revealed that the wrapping fabrics date to the late ancient period (2nd–3rd century) and were likely produced in Syria. These fabrics, featuring block damask weave with purple borders and gold threads, underscore the relics' long-standing veneration history. The study also sheds light on the cathedral's architectural evolution, noting that while the original Carolingian Cathedral was intended to house the shrine, its location in the Gothic construction remained unrealized due to prolonged building timelines. Medieval pilgrims' badges and 'Three-Magi-letters,' which became popular later, attest to the site's significance as a European pilgrimage destination.