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Publications

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Jericho-off-the-Record

Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan — 2016 — WHE96B6ADEFB7

A significant cache of non-professional archaeological documentation from the second British campaign at Tell es-Sultan (ancient Jericho) has been digitized and made accessible, offering new insights into one of the most renowned excavations led by Kathleen Kenyon between 1952 and 1958. The 'Jericho-off-the-Record' project, an extension of the Non-Professional Archaeological Photographs (NPAPH) initiative, has gathered visual, written, and oral records that were previously overlooked or not stored in official archives. This includes photographs, slides, films, and personal accounts from both non-professional participants and archaeological staff, providing a richer context for understanding the excavation's methods, findings, and historical significance. The initial data deposit is now available through EASY, the online archiving system of DANS, marking a valuable addition to archaeological research on ancient Jericho.

Knut Helskog. Communicating with the World of Beings: The World Heritage Rock Art Sites in Alta, Arctic Norway (Oxford and Philadelphia: Oxbow Books, 2014, 240pp., 222 colour and 41 b/w figs., hbk, ISBN 978-1-78297-411-6)

Rock Art of Alta — 2016 — WHE0696DB040F

The Rock Art of Alta reveals a profound connection between ancient Arctic communities and the natural world. Knut Helskog's work demonstrates that these petroglyphs, spanning over 4,000 years, depict not only animals and humans but also spiritual interactions with beings from the natural environment. The research integrates archaeological, ethnographic, and historical perspectives to interpret the art as a form of communication with the world of beings, challenging traditional views on its purpose. By analyzing motifs, distribution, and contextual evidence, Helskog provides insights into the cosmological beliefs and social structures of past societies in Alta, Norway.

La ciudad inteligente, un palimpsesto digital. El caso Fray Bentos

Fray Bentos Industrial Landscape — 2016 — WHED3A168A6A7

A smart city paradigm applied to the UNESCO-listed Fray Bentos Industrial Landscape demonstrates how digital palimpsests can integrate cultural heritage with technological innovation. The study, part of a four-year strategic action plan, challenges traditional urban-rural dichotomies by treating territory as an integral cultural landscape. It employs social-based technological applications to explore smart city concepts, focusing on sustainable development and heritage preservation. Initial results highlight the potential for digital tools to enhance territorial studies while maintaining historical integrity.

La permanencia de la población en centros históricos desde la percepción de los residentes: el centro histórico de Morelia como caso de estudio

Historic Centre of Morelia — 2016 — WHEABDB4C7FD8

Residents' perceptions reveal key factors contributing to the depopulation of Morelia's historic center, despite its UNESCO World Heritage status. The study found that local urban development programs have largely overlooked resident opinions, leading to a decline in population due to unaddressed urban challenges. By analyzing residents' views on their permanence in the area, researchers identified critical issues that hinder demographic recovery. This insight suggests that integrating community perspectives into urban planning strategies could mitigate depopulation and foster sustainable development in historic centers.

Lake-wide physical and biological trends associated with warming in Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal — 2016 — WHEB6D1318D4F

Lake Baikal, one of the world's oldest and deepest lakes, has exhibited significant physical and biological changes associated with warming over the past 26 years. Surface waters warmed by 2.0 °C lake-wide, leading to a marked increase in warm-water zooplankton species such as Cyclops kolensis (12-fold) and pelagic cladocerans (twofold), particularly in the north basin. In contrast, the cold-water endemic copepod Epischura baikalensis showed no change in abundance. While chlorophyll concentrations rose by 46% lake-wide, this increase was significant only in the south basin. Surprisingly, Secchi transparency deepened by 1.4 meters across the lake, suggesting a decline in productivity in the north and middle basins but an increase in the south. These findings indicate that Lake Baikal is experiencing warming-related changes without widespread pelagic eutrophication.

Land Use and Land Cover Change in Sagarmatha National Park, a World Heritage Site in the Himalayas of Eastern Nepal

Sagarmatha National Park — 2016 — WHE4B5B7DC5F1

Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Himalayas of eastern Nepal, has experienced significant land use and land cover (LULC) changes between 1992 and 2011. Satellite imagery analysis revealed that above 6000 meters, snow and ice coverage decreased, leading to an expansion of glacial lakes and barren areas. Below 6000 meters, forest and farmland diminished while grazing, settlement, and shrubland expanded, indicating severe land degradation. Sociological data from interviews and workshops showed that local perceptions often missed slower changes detectable via satellite imagery. Rapid economic development, tourism pressure, civil war, and limited protected area management were identified as key drivers of these changes, particularly below 6000 meters. While global factors like climate change cannot be locally mitigated, improved management practices could address local drivers to support conservation and sustainable development in this high-altitude ecosystem.

Landsenses ecological planning for the Xianghe Segment of China’s Grand Canal

The Grand Canal — 2016 — WHE126D734BBA

A novel approach to urban planning, termed 'landsenses ecology,' integrates human sensory experiences into ecological design. This study demonstrates its application for the Xianghe Segment of China's Grand Canal (XSCGC), addressing challenges in incorporating residents' sensory data—sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch—into sustainable development. By leveraging mixed-marching data and IoT technologies, the research bridges traditional urban planning gaps, which often overlook environmental quality and human welfare. The framework aims to enhance ecological planning by systematically analyzing both natural and human factors, offering a blueprint for future urban forms that prioritize sensory-rich environments.

Late Helladic And Later Reuse Phases Of Kastrouli Settlement (Greece): Preliminary Dating Results

Archaeological Site of Delphi — 2016 — WHEDBCDB57C66

Research at the Kastrouli settlement in Delphi, Greece, reveals that this archaeological site was initially occupied during the Late Helladic period and subsequently reused across multiple historical phases, including the Middle Geometric, Early Archaic, and Classical periods. This discovery was made through a combination of optical luminescence dating (OSL) on ceramic samples and radiocarbon (C-14) dating of a bone sample, providing a preliminary but significant timeline for the site's occupation. The study highlights the site's continuous relevance in different historical contexts, offering new insights into the long-term use and significance of Delphi as a cultural and archaeological landscape.

Le fasi Nuragico II e Punico-Romana nel settore nord-occidentale del villaggio di Su Nuraxi di Barumini (Cagliari)

Su Nuraxi di Barumini — 2016 — WHEC7131CCDA7

A recent analysis of pottery from Su Nuraxi di Barumini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sardinia, reveals significant insights into the site's occupation during the Iron Age (Nuragico II phase) and its later Punic-Roman use. The study identifies characteristic ceramic vessels from the 8th century BCE, aligning with known patterns in central-southern Sardinia, while also uncovering sparse but crucial evidence of activity between the 5th and 3rd centuries BCE during the Punic period. This suggests continued habitation or visitation post-Iron Age, challenging earlier assumptions about the site's abandonment. The research employs comparative contextual analysis with other regional sites to classify pottery types and reconstruct chronological narratives, offering a nuanced understanding of Su Nuraxi's layered history.

Les armatures de fer de la cathédrale de Bourges : nouvelles données, nouvelles lectures

Bourges Cathedral — 2016 — WHEB0B4689B35

A groundbreaking study of Bourges Cathedral reveals that iron armatures, integral to its Gothic architecture, were not part of the original design but were introduced mid-construction to address structural instability. Analysis of 70 iron samples and 58 lead sealings, combined with archaeological observations from 2010–2011, demonstrates these reinforcements—including truss rods and chains in the triforium—were contemporary with the cathedral's early thirteenth-century construction but implemented reactively to stabilize an unfinished structure. This challenges long-held assumptions about medieval engineering practices and positions Bourges as a pivotal case study in the evolution of iron integration in Gothic masonry, highlighting a phase of experimental adaptation during its formative years.

Lisa Golombek. The So-Called ‘Turabeg Khanom’ Mausoleum in Kunya Urgench: Problems of Attribution

Kunya-Urgench — 2016 — WHE05C673CD16

A critical reassessment of the 'Turabeg Khanom' Mausoleum in Kunya-Urgench challenges its traditional attribution, questioning whether it predates or aligns with known Timurid architectural styles. The study, led by Lisa Golombek, a renowned expert on Timurid architecture, examines the mausoleum's exceptional tilework and mosaic quality to evaluate its historical placement. By analyzing stylistic elements and comparing them to other documented structures, the research aims to clarify the mausoleum's origins and significance within Central Asian architectural history.

Listing The Sacred Mijikenda kaya Forests as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: “The Long Journey”

Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests — 2016 — WHE2B68C4D29E

Kenya's Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests, recognized for their high biodiversity and traditional conservation, were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites following a decade-long process initiated by the Kenya State Party. The study highlights the unique role of these forests in preserving cultural identity and natural heritage, with local communities successfully protecting them from encroachment for most of the 20th century without state involvement. Legal gazettement in 1992 marked a pivotal step, leading to their inclusion on the UNESCO candidate list in 1999. The paper meticulously documents this 'long journey,' offering firsthand insights into the nomination process and the criteria that underscored their outstanding universal value.

Liverworts of Putorana Plateau (East Siberia): an updated checklist

Putorana Plateau — 2016 — WHED33D6C7E5E

A comprehensive updated checklist of liverworts from the Putorana Plateau, East Siberia, reveals 118 species, with 47 recorded for the first time. Notable discoveries include Odontoschisma francisci and Saccobasis polymorpha, which exhibit amphi-oceanic distribution patterns, along with other rare taxa like Endogemma caespiticia and Marchantia romanica. The study confirms the plateau's Hemiarctic flora while debunking 26 previously reported species that could not be re-verified. This research synthesizes recent collections with historical data to refine our understanding of this unique Arctic ecosystem.

Medical Survey of the Staff Working in Škocjan Caves

Škocjan Caves — 2016 — WHE7F7DC65BD1

A five-year study at Škocjan Caves, Slovenia, reveals that prolonged exposure to radon radiation and other microclimatic factors—such as temperature, humidity, and air flow—can induce physiological changes in cave workers. The research, conducted by the Institute for Occupational Safety, Ljubljana, combines continuous radon monitoring with precise tracking of staff time spent underground, enabling accurate estimation of annual radiation doses. To mitigate health risks, the study implements regular medical surveys, including blood tests, as mandated by national regulations. These measures aim to prevent potential health issues while providing insights into the broader impacts of cave microclimates on human physiology.

Medieval Towns, Traffic and Urban Planning Half a Century since the First Pedestrian Zone in Siena, Italy

Historic Centre of Siena — 2016 — WHE686BC58031

A groundbreaking urban planning solution implemented in Siena, Italy, in 1965 demonstrated the feasibility and benefits of pedestrian zones in historic medieval towns. This initiative, the first of its kind, successfully addressed traffic congestion without resorting to the construction of urban motorways or the demolition of ancient buildings, which would have irreparably damaged several historic centres. The approach set a precedent for other towns, preventing further urban decay and preserving the architectural integrity of medieval townscapes. The study highlights the long-term impact of proactive traffic management in safeguarding cultural heritage.

Methodology for locale-scale monitoring for the PROTHEGO project: the Choirokoitia case study

Choirokoitia — 2016 — WHE7014786B12

A novel methodology for locale-scale monitoring of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, demonstrated at Choirokoitia in Cyprus, integrates multiple geospatial techniques to assess ground stability and deformation risks. The study combines radar interferometry (InSAR) with field measurements—including static GNSS, total station surveys, leveling, laser scanning, and UAV data—to validate and refine satellite-derived motion data. By systematically comparing in-situ observations with Persistent Scatterer Interferometry results over two decades, the research aims to identify micro-movements and geohazards threatening archaeological remains. Additionally, it uses archival and current optical satellite images to calibrate risk assessments and urban expansion analyses, providing ground truth for land-use change classification. This approach offers a robust framework for monitoring cultural heritage sites vulnerable to geological instability.

Microscopical and elemental FESEM and Phenom ProX-SEM-EDS analysis of osteocyte- and blood vessel-like microstructures obtained from fossil vertebrates of the Eocene Messel Pit, Germany

Messel Pit Fossil Site — 2016 — WHEAD1DCB640A

This study reveals the exceptional preservation of osteocyte-like and blood vessel-like microstructures within fossilized bones from Eocene vertebrates at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Messel Pit, Germany. These microstructures, identified in turtles, crocodiles, and a pangolin, exhibit distinct chemical and physical characteristics, including a thin layer with mottled texture and striations, as well as microbial troughs on their surfaces. Iron (Fe) was notably abundant in these structures but absent from the bone matrix or collagen fibril-like microstructures. The findings suggest that soft-tissue elements, at least in their physical form, can be preserved in Messel fossils, paving the way for future investigations into biomolecule preservation, such as proteins or DNA.

Missione archeologica costiera e subacquea in Cirenaica

Archaeological Site of Cyrene — 2016 — WHEE758D9465F

An archaeological survey in eastern Cyrenaica, Libya, has uncovered significant new evidence of human occupation dating back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods. The study, conducted jointly by a research mission and the Department of Antiquities of Libya, identified multiple coastal sites—including Phykous, El Ougla, and Ras Etteen—along with underwater areas between Ras Hamama and Ras Etteen. Among the discoveries were surface sites from the Lower Paleolithic to Neolithic eras, alongside known Roman sites. A substantial collection of lithic artifacts and impressed pottery was also gathered, providing insights into ancient technological practices and cultural evolution in the region.

Monitoring Cultural Heritage Sites with Advanced Multi-Temporal InSAR Technique: The Case Study of the Summer Palace

Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing — 2016 — WHEAB4717DB70

A novel Multi-Temporal Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (MTInSAR) technique revealed that the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Summer Palace in Beijing, remains largely stable but faces localized risks. The study identified mm/cm-level instabilities in Longevity Hill's ruins and monuments, likely due to human activities and natural decay. Subsidence near East and South Gates was linked to urbanization, while groundwater variations and over-tourism contributed to instability along Kunming Lakeside. This advanced approach, combining Persistent Scatterers (PSs) and Distributed Scatterers (DSs), offers a high-precision tool for early risk detection and preventive conservation of cultural heritage sites.

Mooring subjects of heritage: proprioceptive emplacement at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump — 2016 — WHE9A485592FD

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump (HSIBJ) employs proprioceptive emplacement to immerse visitors within a heritage landscape that intertwines Blackfoot and settler-colonial narratives. The Interpretive Centre uses motion-triggered projections to anchor visitors in official national heritage narratives, confirming their subjectivity through physiological awareness of body position and movement. This proprioceptive grounding places visitors within an 'ancient' narratology of nation, addressing settler anxieties about latecoming status while reinforcing broader archaeological and heritage frameworks.