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Showing 15641 – 15660 of 15962 publications

The Never-Ending Story? The Lessons of Fifteen Years of Archaeological Monitoring at the Former Island of Schokland

Schokland and Surroundings — 2012 — WHE6952FAD612

Archaeological monitoring over fifteen years at Schokland, now part of the Netherlands' mainland after drainage in the 1940s, has revealed a dynamic landscape shaped by human settlement and environmental change. The study highlights the significance of Mesolithic campsites, Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements, and medieval dwelling mounds (terps) within this UNESCO World Heritage Site. By analyzing these layers, researchers uncovered how past communities adapted to shifting environments, including rising water levels that necessitated the construction of terps for habitation. The approach combined extensive field surveys, stratigraphic analysis, and interdisciplinary research to reconstruct Schokland's complex history, offering insights into human resilience and environmental interaction in a rapidly changing landscape.

The New Chronology of Iron Age Gordion

Gordion — 2012 — WHE671C7B80E5

A significant reassessment of Gordion's Iron Age history reveals that the site was destroyed by fire around 800 B.C., not by invasion as previously believed. This challenges long-standing narratives since excavations began in the 1950s, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of the site's decline. The study combines archaeological evidence with chronological analysis to propose this revised timeline, offering new insights into the dynamics of ancient Anatolia.

The Norwegian reform of protected area management: a grand experiment with delegation of authority?

Vegaøyan – The Vega Archipelago — 2012 — WHEFEC55C5B03

Norway's 2009 reform of protected area management, which delegated authority to over 40 local management boards, significantly shifted the balance toward local user interests while likely reducing conflicts. The study examines how this 'grand experiment' in decentralization impacts long-term environmental goals, particularly in threatened areas like Vegaøyan – a UNESCO-listed Cultural Heritage Site with substantial environmental elements. By analyzing governance structures and stakeholder dynamics, researchers found that while local boards prioritize user needs, policy measures are needed to safeguard ecological integrity. The reform's implications for balancing local autonomy with conservation objectives highlight both its potential and challenges in protected area management.

The orientation of Trajan's town of Timgad

Timgad — 2012 — WHED10F1CFC63

A novel application of solar energy equations to archaeoastronomy reveals that Timgad, the Roman town founded by Emperor Trajan, was likely established during the first decade of September. This discovery leverages the sunrise amplitude equation, typically used in solar energy studies, to deduce the orientation of a town's main street based on its day of foundation. The research demonstrates how ancient urban planning may have aligned with celestial events, offering new insights into Roman architectural practices and chronological dating.

The Paradox of Regret: Remembering and Forgetting the History of Slavery in George W. Bush's Gorée Island Address

Island of Gorée — 2012 — WHE6E08016AD2

State actors' ceremonial statements of regret, while seemingly lacking tangible outcomes compared to traditional reconciliation efforts, significantly influence public perceptions of historical justice and democratic virtue. President George W. Bush's 2007 address on Gorée Island serves as a case study revealing the paradoxical nature of such rhetoric—balancing moral remembrance with political pragmatism. The analysis demonstrates how ceremonial lamentations are strategically employed to bolster geopolitical legitimacy, despite their inherent limitations in addressing past wrongs effectively.

The Red City: Medina of Marrakesh, Morocco

Medina of Marrakesh — 2012 — WHE4625CAF877

Marrakesh, known as the 'Red City,' stands out as one of Morocco's most significant historic medinas, encompassing 640 hectares with its ramparts, gates, monuments, gardens, markets, and a thriving craft industry. It serves as a cultural hub, particularly through Jamaâ El Fna square, which acts as an interface between the Medina and the broader urban area, fostering integration among diverse populations. The study highlights the Medina's demographic importance, housing 17.17% of Marrakesh's population (182,637 inhabitants) and representing a quarter of Morocco's old city dwellers. This research underscores the Medina's role in preserving heritage while mediating cultural exchange, contributing to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The relocation of the village of Arkwasiye in the Simien Mountain National Park in Ethiopia: an intervention towards sustainable development?

Simien National Park — 2012 — WHE8756ACFE6D

Relocation of the village Arkwasiye to Kayit in Ethiopia's Simien Mountains National Park, intended as part of conservation efforts by UNESCO, led to mixed outcomes. While villagers reported satisfaction with new infrastructures and services, the move resulted in significant economic drawbacks, including loss of earning opportunities and increased grazing pressures—contradicting the intervention's goals. The study highlights that relocation for conservation must be closely monitored and accompanied by tailored strategies to ensure sustainable development. It offers five recommendations based on these findings.

The role of cult and feasting in the emergence of Neolithic communities. New evidence from Göbekli Tepe, south-eastern Turkey

Göbekli Tepe — 2012 — WHEC8F76A5039

Göbekli Tepe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant archaeological discoveries, challenges the conventional timeline for the emergence of monumental architecture by predating the advent of agriculture. New evidence suggests that hunter-gatherer communities congregated at this site during the dawn of the Neolithic era, engaging in social and ideological cohesion through the carving of decorated pillars, communal feasting, and likely the consumption of fermented beverages such as beer. This research, based on ongoing excavations, offers a fresh perspective on the role of cultic practices and large-scale gatherings in shaping early human societies, providing insight into the cultural and ritualistic behaviors that may have laid the groundwork for complex Neolithic communities.

The role of intangible assets in the conservation of Bam and its cultural landscape as a World Heritage site

Bam and its Cultural Landscape — 2012 — WHE66EC49F13C

Bam's Citadel, the world's largest mud-brick structure, retains its authenticity and integrity even after surviving a devastating 2003 earthquake, contributing significantly to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond its tangible architecture, Bam's intangible heritage—such as the legend of Haftvad, Silk Road connections, and rituals tied to Imam Zaman and Ashura—plays a crucial role in its cultural significance. While traditional conservation focuses on pragmatic restoration of physical structures, preserving intangible elements requires more nuanced approaches. This study highlights the interplay between Bam's architectural heritage and its intangible assets, emphasizing the need for sophisticated methods to safeguard both aspects to fully appreciate the site's cultural importance.

The scenic rim of southeastern Queensland, Australia: A history of mid Cenozoic intraplate volcanism

Gondwana Rainforests of Australia — 2012 — WHEE08603EB3A

A study of the Scenic Rim in southeastern Queensland, Australia, reveals a detailed history of mid Cenozoic intraplate volcanism linked to significant changes in the Australian plate's velocity. The research indicates that a major slowdown in plate movement began around 26 million years ago and lasted until 23 million years ago, coinciding with the collision of the Ontong Java plateau with the northern subduction margin of the Australian plate. Trace element and isotopic analyses show minimal contamination for most volcanic units, except rhyolites formed during the slow plate velocity period. The study also highlights the presence of highly evolved rocks, such as comendites, with extreme concentrations of incompatible elements, and provides insights into the melting and mixing processes in the upper mantle and lower crust. The region's diverse landscapes and wildlife habitats, including parts of the World Heritage listed Gondwana Rainforests, offer excellent exposures of subsurface magmatic architecture.

The search for World Heritage brand awareness beyond the iconic heritage: a case study of the Historic Centre of Macao

Historic Centre of Macao — 2012 — WHE99A0696FB7

A study on the Historic Centre of Macao, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS), reveals that while visitors show strong interest in cultural heritage and iconic landmarks like St Paul's Ruins, awareness of the WHS designation itself is minimal. Despite promotional efforts by UNESCO and tourism industries, the 'WHS brand' fails to resonate with tourists, suggesting that its economic and cultural value may be underutilized. Researchers employed intercept surveys and participant observation to assess visitor perceptions, finding that cultural themes drive engagement more effectively than the WHS label alone.

The Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2012 — WHEEBDD111380

The Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project has revealed significant previously unknown features surrounding the iconic Stonehenge monument, challenging the notion of its 'blank' landscape. Using advanced ground-based geophysical techniques, researchers mapped and visualized landscape-scale data within a three-dimensional data cube, uncovering ritual elements and symbolic structures that provide new insights into the site's development over time. This approach shifts focus from studying Stonehenge itself to examining its broader environmental context, offering a more comprehensive understanding of its cultural significance.

The strength of a cultural system: Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons), Mali

Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons) — 2012 — WHEE6AD060542

The Cliff of Bandiagara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mali, stands out as one of the largest mixed (cultural and natural) sites globally, spanning 4,000 km². This region, also known as the Land of the Dogons, is home to 289 villages and showcases a unique cultural system that has thrived for centuries. The site's significance lies in its vast landscape, which includes plateaus, cliffs, and plains, providing insights into the resilience and adaptability of the Dogon people. The study highlights the interplay between human settlement patterns and natural geography, offering a rare glimpse into a traditional society deeply connected to its environment.

The world's deepest subterranean community - Krubera-Voronja Cave (Western Caucasus)

Western Caucasus — 2012 — WHE286E7D8571

An expedition to Krubera-Voronja Cave, the world's deepest cave at over 2140 meters, uncovered a previously unknown subterranean community of arthropods, including more than 12 species, some of which are new to science. This discovery challenges the notion that deep subterranean ecosystems are evolutionary dead ends, instead highlighting their role as shelters for epigean species during harsh surface conditions. The study also revealed the vertical distribution of invertebrate fauna, from the cave entrance to its deepest reaches, and identified the world's deepest dwelling arthropod. The research suggests that these deep ecosystems rely heavily on allochthonous organic carbon sources, such as water percolation and sinking streams, for their survival.

Thugga (Dougga)

Dougga / Thugga — 2012 — WHE6EC6047171

Thugga (Dougga) is renowned for its strategic location overlooking the Wadi Khaled Valley in modern Tunisia. This site offers significant insights into ancient urban planning and architecture, showcasing a blend of Punic, Roman, and Byzantine influences. The research highlights Thugga's historical importance as a center of culture, religion, and administration during antiquity. The study employs a comprehensive approach, integrating archaeological evidence with historical records to reconstruct the site's evolution over centuries. Key discoveries include well-preserved structures such as temples, theaters, and public baths, which provide a window into the daily life and governance of ancient Thugga.

Time Preference and Natural Resource Use by Local Communities: The Case of Sinharaja Forest in Sri Lanka

Sinharaja Forest Reserve — 2012 — WHE3E4E5F8CED

Poverty significantly drives higher rates of time preference (IRTP) among local communities, leading to increased harvesting of forest resources from Sinharaja. This study demonstrates that individuals with lower incomes prioritize immediate gains over long-term sustainability, resulting in greater exploitation of natural reserves. Using a simultaneous equation model, researchers found that addressing poverty in peripheral communities is crucial for effective long-term conservation strategies. The findings underscore the need for integrated approaches that combine economic interventions with environmental management to protect UNESCO-listed sites like Sinharaja.

Tiryns

Archaeological Sites of Mycenae and Tiryns — 2012 — WHE0C3742E785

Tiryns, one of the Mycenaean palatial centers closest to the sea, played a pivotal role as a major Mediterranean harbor during the Bronze Age. Geoarchaeological research by Eberhard Zangger reveals that the site's proximity to the coast has significantly changed over the Holocene due to massive sedimentation from soil erosion, with the shoreline in Mycenaean times positioned approximately halfway between its current location and Tiryns itself. This finding underscores Tiryns' strategic importance in long-distance exchange networks. Restoration works in the late 1950s, led by Nikolaos Verdelis, uncovered underground cisterns in the Lower Citadel, which spurred renewed archaeological interest and expanded excavation efforts to previously neglected areas, including the Lower Town.

Tlacotalpan, Patrimonio Cultural de la Humanidad

Historic Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan — 2012 — WHE3E53E90D18

Tlacotalpan's recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 marked it as Mexico's eighth urban ensemble to achieve this prestigious status, yet public understanding of the implications remains limited. The study highlights the significance of this designation while addressing gaps in awareness about its cultural and heritage impact. It employs qualitative analysis to elucidate the historical, architectural, and social dimensions of Tlacotalpan, offering insights into its global recognition as a testament to human creativity and tradition.

Tourist literature and the ideological grammar of landscape in the Austrian Danube Valley, ca. 1870–1945

Wachau Cultural Landscape — 2012 — WHEBF9AB41795

Tourist literature from the Austrian Danube Valley, particularly focusing on the Wachau region, reveals how narratives and myths have shaped the landscape's ideological grammar between 1870 and 1945. The study demonstrates that guidebooks and other tourist materials embedded the river landscape with powerful symbolic meanings, reflecting contested claims to region, nation, and homeland during the decline of the Habsburg Monarchy and up to World War II. These narratives often invoked lures of Germanic nationalism, Austrianness, or a borderless Europe, illustrating how the Danube's metaphorical flow through space and time facilitated the scripting of history and spatial ordering of landscape for both tourists and local publics.

Tuff City

Historic Centre of Naples — 2012 — WHE5E4260C661

A pioneering study reveals the complex, often contentious process of urban regeneration in Naples' historic center, challenging conventional narratives and methodological approaches. By focusing on two piazzas and a centro sociale, the research exposes tensions between heritage preservation, security, pedestrianization, tourism, immigration, and contemporary protest movements. The monograph offers a critical lens on public space, citizenship, and urban transformation, providing new insights into how cities like Naples navigate cultural reimagining while addressing social and political challenges.