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Showing 13501 – 13520 of 15962 publications

The Time in Villa Adriana in Tivoli

Villa Adriana (Tivoli) — 2020 — WHEAC0EBADF2B

A philosophical and historical analysis of Villa Adriana in Tivoli reveals the enduring impact of time on its ruins, echoing Denis Diderot's 18th-century reflection that only time persists amidst decay. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating architectural history, material science, and cultural studies to dissect how the villa's remnants symbolize both impermanence and temporal permanence. By examining structural degradation, historical documentation, and symbolic interpretations, the research underscores Villa Adriana's significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the interplay of time, architecture, and human perception creates a profound narrative of heritage conservation.

The Toledo School – Early Center of Translation in Medieval Europe

Historic City of Toledo — 2020 — WHEDC528C8F47

The Toledo School, operating in the 12th and 13th centuries, emerges as a pivotal early center of translation in medieval Europe, bridging East and West cultures. This study establishes its role as a foundational institution for the Western Renaissance by analyzing historical, political, social, and cultural processes on the Iberian Peninsula. It identifies the Toledo School's unique translation methods—such as 'Arab→Castilian→Latin' and 'Arab→Hebrew→Latin'—and demonstrates how these processes facilitated the synthesis of Eastern scientific knowledge into Latin scholarship. The research employs historicism, comparative analysis, systematization, classification, and a problem-chronological approach to trace the school's development, the contributions of its translators, and the broader impact on medieval European intellectual history.

The Tomb of the Diver and the frescoed tombs in Paestum (southern Italy): New insights from a comparative archaeometric study

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula — 2020 — WHE3F449C2B30

A comparative archaeometric study reveals that the Tomb of the Diver, a renowned artwork from Paestum (southern Italy), is not of Etruscan or Greek origin but instead represents an early expression of local elite culture in the region. The research employed non-destructive and destructive techniques to analyze pigments, mortars, and artistic execution methods across multiple frescoed tombs and temple decorations spanning two centuries. Findings indicate subtle technological shifts over time, providing key markers that cluster contemporary artistic productions. This study sheds new light on the Tomb of the Diver's historical context, resolving long-standing debates about its cultural attribution.

The Topography of the Old Palace of Westminster, 1510–1834

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church — 2020 — WHED67E5F7884

A comprehensive analysis of the Palace of Westminster from 1510 to 1834 reveals its dynamic evolution, transitioning from a royal residence to the seat of Parliament. The study highlights significant architectural transformations during this period, driven by political and social changes, including those following the Reformation. It also documents the devastating impact of the 1834 fire, which destroyed many historic structures on the site. This research employs historical topographical methods to reconstruct the palace's layout and development over three centuries, providing a detailed account of its physical and functional changes. The findings contribute to understanding the architectural heritage of one of the UK's most iconic landmarks.

The Tower of Pisa

Piazza del Duomo, Pisa — 2020 — WHEEDD8A07B37

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and iconic symbol of early Renaissance Romanesque architecture, was stabilized after decades of concern over its structural integrity. Key to this effort were two critical studies: one reconstructing the tower's inclination history during construction, which informed a sophisticated numerical model essential for evaluating stabilization schemes, and another revealing an unexpected foundation movement mechanism since 1911. These insights enabled the development of temporary and permanent stabilization measures that allowed the tower to reopen to the public in 2001. The research highlights the intersection of geotechnical engineering, conservation architecture, and historical analysis, offering a model for preserving at-risk heritage sites.

The Transition of Washi Industry and Cultural Landscape Conservation in Gokayama, Toyama, Japan

Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama — 2020 — WHE99088B887C

A dramatic shift in land use and washi production in Gokayama, Japan, has been documented, with paper mulberry fields declining sharply since the mid-20th century. However, pockets of traditional cultivation and spatial structures from the Meiji Era persist, offering a glimpse into past practices. The study reveals that washi production has transitioned from household-based to community-driven unions, with output increasing alongside efforts to revitalize the industry. These findings highlight the importance of preserving traditional processes for cultural landscape conservation in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The UNESCO Site “Venice and Its Lagoon”: Cultural Heritage Protection Policies

Venice and its Lagoon — 2020 — WHEDC50E13812

Cultural heritage protection policies for Venice and its Lagoon are significantly challenged by social and anthropological factors, particularly in less-touristed areas with minor architecture. These pressures, stemming from transformations in construction, trade, housing, and historical practices, threaten the site's cultural identity and landscape integrity. The study highlights that effective mitigation requires targeted actions from municipal authorities and stakeholders to address these obstacles. It also examines recent guidelines developed by the Superintendence for Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for Venice, which aim to balance preservation with contemporary needs while navigating complex socio-technical dynamics.

The Universal Museum

Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin — 2020 — WHE61AA6170BB

Europe's colonial past, particularly the erasure of colonial violence from collective memory, perpetuates a racialized identity that conflicts with its current multiracial and multireligious composition. This study examines Berlin's Museum Island and the proposed Humboldt Forum as case studies, revealing how non-European collections are framed within Europe's cultural heritage in ways that contrast sharply with narratives surrounding refugees from the same regions. The research uses the 2015 refugee crisis as a focal point to explore these tensions, highlighting discrepancies in memory discourses and their implications for postunification Germany and Europe.

The Universe from the Albayzín

Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada — 2020 — WHEDE392F2E6E

Granada, home to the Alhambra and Albayzín, embodies a paradoxical identity as both a symbol of Orientalist tourism and a site of deep reflection on Islam's place in Spain and Europe. This study reveals how two influential Granadans—Angel Ganivet and Federico García Lorca—shaped the tradition of Andalucismo by infusing their poetry and thought with a uniquely Granadan perspective, reflecting on their time through the city's lens. The research traces this aesthetic legacy into the present, showing how contemporary inhabitants continue to disrupt modern political and cultural narratives, sustaining Granada's enduring influence as a catalyst for introspection and belonging.

The use of islands and cluster-randomized trials to investigate vector control interventions: a case study on the Bijagós archipelago, Guinea-Bissau

Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago – Omatí Minhô — 2020 — WHE9182873C43

Island settings offer unique advantages for testing vector control interventions, with the Bijagós archipelago in Guinea-Bissau emerging as a promising site. This study highlights how cluster-randomized trials can effectively evaluate new strategies to combat vector-borne diseases by leveraging natural island boundaries to minimize contamination and ensure robust statistical power. The research emphasizes the importance of carefully considering cluster size, separation, and human/vector movement to maintain trial integrity. By showcasing the Bijagós archipelago as a case study, the work provides valuable insights into designing future intervention studies in similar environments.

The Value Assessment and Planning of Industrial Mining Heritage as a Tourism Attraction: The Case of Las Médulas Cultural Space

Las Médulas — 2020 — WHE7531BCA0E4

Las Médulas, a historic gold mining site in Spain, exemplifies the challenges and opportunities of repurposing industrial heritage for tourism. Research reveals that while Las Médulas has enhanced its tourist value through its historical and cultural significance, fragmented management by multiple stakeholders and limited local community engagement hinder effective tourism planning. The study, combining documentary analysis, fieldwork, and surveys, identifies key factors influencing resident support for tourism development, including financial benefits and perceived impacts on the area's image. These findings provide actionable recommendations to address longstanding debates among stakeholders and optimize sustainable tourism strategies.

The Vernacular Heritage of Gjirokastra (Albania): Analysis of Urban and Constructive Features, Threats and Conservation Strategies

Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra — 2020 — WHE3EC2443E15

Gjirokastra, Albania's historic center, faces significant threats to its unique Ottoman-styled urban and architectural heritage. A multidisciplinary analysis, combining traditional survey methods with innovative tools like laser scanning and photogrammetry, revealed critical transformations endangering the site's authenticity. The study, part of the 3D Past project, identified stone and wood as primary building materials shaping the city's landscape, influenced by its valley topography. While current conservation strategies aim at sustainable safeguarding, future measures are needed to preserve Gjirokastra's tangible and intangible heritage for future generations.

The view of the golden mountains

Golden Mountains of Altai — 2020 — WHEF9E73ACC4A

The Altai Mountains, spanning Central Asia and holding deep cultural significance in Russian history, have been shown to possess a near mythological presence despite their peripheral location. This study contributes to the emerging field of 'new spatial history' by examining how the Altai has been mentally mapped in Russian culture, with early references dating back to the 1240s in texts like The Secret History of the Mongols. The research highlights the centrality of geographical space and spatial thinking in Russian history, focusing on the northern part of the range inhabited by Turkic-speaking Naimans and Merkits, whose defeat by Chinggis Khan's armies marked a period of relative peace on the Qing dynasty's northwestern frontier. By synthesizing historical texts and cultural representations, this work offers a comprehensive overview of the Altai's multifaceted role in Russian spatial imagination.

The Virtual City - Sleepless Hongcun

Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun — 2020 — WHEFEE265630D

A groundbreaking virtual city project, 'Sleepless Hongcun,' merges ancient and modern aesthetics by integrating the night scene of Hongcun, a UNESCO-listed village in southern Anhui, with contemporary urban elements using VR technology. This innovative approach, achieved through architectural visualization tools like Twinmotion, preserves traditional architectural styles while introducing modern design features, offering an unprecedented immersive experience for virtual tourists. The project demonstrates how cutting-edge digital techniques can enhance the appreciation of cultural heritage by blending historical authenticity with modern creativity.

The Visibility of Mobility: Coprolites, Dung and Neolithic Herders in Central Saharan Rock Shelters

Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus — 2020 — WHE812AEE15FD

A groundbreaking analysis of coprolites and dung deposits at the Takarkori rock shelter in Tadrart Acacus, SW Libya, reveals intricate details about Neolithic herder mobility and seasonal settlement patterns in the central Sahara. By integrating spatial distribution studies with micromorphological investigations, researchers uncovered nuanced insights into the site's organization, use, and depositional processes, offering a rare window into Late Pastoral Neolithic (5700–4650 cal BP) societal dynamics. Pollen analysis further illuminated seasonal activities and the Middle Holocene palaeoenvironment, enriching our understanding of Saharan pastoralism during this pivotal period.

The Wall Paintings at St Stephen’s Chapel, Westminster Palace: Recent Imaging and Scientific Analysis of the Fragments in the British Museum

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church — 2020 — WHE1121609CC7

Recent scientific analysis of wall painting fragments from St Stephen’s Chapel, Westminster Palace, has uncovered significant insights into the techniques and workshop practices used during their creation in the mid-14th century. Infrared imaging revealed an under-drawing layer with extensive modifications made late in the painting process, suggesting a collaborative or iterative approach to design. Variations in the under-drawing styles across fragments hint at multiple artists' involvement, providing a glimpse into medieval workshop dynamics. Additionally, traces of original varnish and the identification of red lake pigment, along with detailed pigment mixtures and layer stratigraphy, have been elucidated. These findings are contextualized within contemporary documentary sources and analytical data from other polychromy studies, offering a deeper understanding of the artistic and technical practices of the period.

The Yığma Tepe of Pergamon: stratigraphic construction of a monumental tumulus from seismic refraction measurements

Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape — 2020 — WHEC66EAA9842

Researchers have uncovered the internal structure of Pergamon's monumental tumulus, Yığma Tepe, revealing it to be composed of three distinct conical disk layers, each approximately 10 meters thick. These layers form two internal plateaus and were likely compacted through anthropogenic processes, as indicated by increased silt and clay fractions in soil samples. The study utilized a combination of seismic refraction measurements, traveltime tomography, and visco-elastic forward modeling to create a three-dimensional seismic velocity model, validated by excavations, soil analysis, historical records, and geoelectric measurements. This approach allowed for the reconstruction of the tumulus's original surface and surrounding trench, accounting for 17% volume loss due to destruction and erosion. The findings provide unprecedented insights into the construction techniques and building history of this significant Hellenistic-era structure.

Thirst for Power

Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct) — 2020 — WHEEA5FC02049

The documentary 'Thirst for Power' highlights the profound interdependence between water and energy, tracing its historical roots to the Roman Empire's engineering marvel, the Pont du Gard aqueduct. This ancient structure not only supplied water to Nimes but also symbolized the economic and military power that sustained a 50,000-inhabitant settlement. The film explores how modern societies face a complex cycle where water supply demands immense energy, while energy production requires vast amounts of water, often exacerbating droughts by diverting resources to desert regions. By blending historical anecdotes with scientific insights, the documentary underscores the environmental and societal implications of contemporary lifestyles, emphasizing the need for sustainable water management. It effectively illustrates how even mundane actions, like turning on a light switch, have significant indirect water impacts.

Thomas Jefferson’s Lives: Biographers and the Battle for History ed. by Robert M. S. McDonald

Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville — 2020 — WHE2BB67677BA

Thomas Jefferson’s Lives: Biographers and the Battle for History, edited by Robert M. S. McDonald, explores the evolving interpretations of Thomas Jefferson's character across nearly two centuries of biographical literature. The collection reveals that perceptions of Jefferson have shifted significantly with each generation, reflecting broader societal changes and historical contexts. A key insight is the enduring challenge in defining Jefferson, highlighted by Hermione Lee’s observation that no definitive biography exists due to the genre's instability. The book also examines how early biographers often suppressed aspects of Jefferson’s personal life, such as his relationship with Sally Hemings, while later works, particularly after DNA evidence confirmed his paternity of Hemings’ children in 1998, brought these elements into sharper focus. The essays analyze the influence of biographical interpretations on public memory and the mythologizing of Jefferson, underscoring how historical narratives are shaped by contemporary values and debates.

Threatened Flora of Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2020 — WHE1B3E5DB7EA

Ilha Grande, Brazil, hosts 49 threatened plant species, with 12 listed internationally and 30 on Brazil's national list. The study, using herbaria data, living collections, and field sampling, found that deforestation and logging are the primary historical threats, affecting predominantly arboreal species. Families like Melastomataceae, Myrtaceae, Meliaceae, Bromeliaceae, and Orchidaceae, which are rich in Dense Ombrophilous Forest, also have the highest number of threatened species. Four species on the island are endemic to Rio de Janeiro State.