World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 16101 – 16120 of 30345 publications

Ancient Urban Gardens of Persia: Concept, History, and Influence on Other World Gardens

Pasargadae — 2019 — WHE724C90B7D9

Persian garden design, originating millennia before Islam in Iran, represents one of the earliest and most influential garden concepts in human civilization. The chahar bagh or 4-fold garden design, epitomized by Pasargadae—the ancient Persian capital—served as a foundational model that spread globally, shaping gardens from Al-Andalus in Spain to Humayun’s Tomb and the Taj Mahal in India, as well as numerous sites in the United States. This study highlights how Persian gardens, such as Bagh-e-Eram in Shiraz and others like Bagh-e-Shahzadeh and Bagh-e-Fin, integrate climate, art, beliefs, poetry, literature, and romance while often serving as gene banks for flora. Despite historical destruction by invaders, Persians have continuously rebuilt or created new gardens, which remain significant tourist attractions. The research underscores the enduring legacy of Persian garden design in global horticulture.

Angkor Wat – A Transcultural History of Heritage

Angkor — 2019 — WHE018E97F3EE

Angkor Wat's modern heritage status is the product of complex, interconnected colonial, postcolonial, and global narratives. This study reveals how European and Asian projects shaped its perception over 150 years, from 1860s 'discovery' to its UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1992. It challenges conventional histories by examining physical representations—like plaster casts and hybrid pavilions—as well as on-site restoration efforts during Cambodia's turbulent decolonization (1953–89). Through over 1,400 illustrations, the work traces Angkor Wat's transformation from a French-colonial 'Orientalist' symbol to a global icon of national identity. The research method combines archival analysis with visual documentation, offering a transcultural framework that redefines heritage formation.

Anjtauy: Notas Sobre Su Naturaleza y Localización Entre el Reino Antiguo y el Reino Nuevo

Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur — 2019 — WHE55CB1BAD83

A new understanding of the ancient Egyptian toponym Ankhtawy ('Life of the Two Lands') reveals it initially designated the Wadi Abusir, not Memphis or its necropolis. This conclusion emerges from a multidisciplinary analysis integrating written records, archaeology, geomorphology, and paleoenvironmental evidence, challenging previous interpretations. The study traces the toponym's shifting significance from the Third Millennium BC to the New Kingdom, highlighting its evolving role in both geographic and cognitive landscapes. By synthesizing scarce but fragmented data with novel archaeological and environmental findings, researchers reconstruct Ankhtawy's dynamic nature, offering insights into ancient Egyptian spatial perception and cultural practices.

Annotated catalogue of beetles (Coleoptera) of the Socotra Archipelago

Socotra Archipelago — 2019 — WHE73D2E382A9

A comprehensive catalogue of beetles (Coleoptera) from the Socotra Archipelago reveals that nearly half (47%) of the 645 recorded species are endemic to the region, highlighting its unique biodiversity. The study identified 24 new species for the archipelago and corrected five previous misidentifications. It also documented three species previously unknown on nearby islands, Abd el Kuri and Samha. Additionally, Lithocharis socotrana, a species described from Socotra, was recorded for the first time in continental Yemen. The research combines taxonomic identification with geographic distribution analysis, providing insights into the archipelago's beetle diversity and its connections to broader Afrotropical and Saharo-Arabian regions.

Anticosti foreland basin offshore of western Newfoundland: Concealed record of northern Appalachian orogen development

Anticosti — 2019 — WHE089B23B43F

The Anticosti foreland basin, largely concealed beneath the Gulf of St. Lawrence, preserves a critical record of tectonic events linked to the Ordovician to Devonian evolution of the northern Appalachian orogen. Geophysical data, including magnetic lineaments and seismic profiles, reveal that the basin's geometry and subsidence rates varied significantly over time, reflecting changes in orogenic loading during multiple collisional events. The Middle Ordovician Goose Tickle Group indicates intense arc-continent collision in northern Newfoundland, while the overlying Long Point Group suggests pro-arc loading by Taconian allochthons in Québec, with diachronous subduction polarity reversal placing it in a combined retro-arc and pro-arc setting. The uppermost Silurian to Lower Devonian Clam Bank Formation and Lower Devonian Red Island Road Formation represent later Salinian and Acadian orogenic phases, characterized by broad, shallow subsidence consistent with a cooler, stronger lithosphere.

Antifungal, Antitumoral and Antioxidant Potential of the Danube Delta Nymphaea alba Extracts

Danube Delta — 2019 — WHE16309C4DD5

Danube Delta Nymphaea alba (N. alba) extracts exhibit significant antifungal, antitumoral, and antioxidant properties, with potential therapeutic applications. The study found that both leaf and root methanolic extracts demonstrated strong antifungal activity against Candida glabrata, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 1.717 µg/mL for leaves and 1.935 µg/mL for roots. Antitumoral effects were also promising, particularly against ovarian, prostate, and breast cancer cells, with IC50 values ranging from 23–274 µg/mL for leaves and 18–152 µg/mL for roots. Notably, combining N. alba extracts with cisplatin showed a synergistic effect in reducing tumor cell viability. Antioxidant assays revealed the presence of quercetin, a potent antioxidant compound, in high yields. The study also confirmed the non-toxicity of these extracts to wheat seed germination, suggesting their safety for further biological applications.

Antiguas letras para un arte nuevo: escritura, memoria y publicidad en el sepulcro del cardenal Juan de Cervantes en la catedral de Sevilla (1454-1458)

Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville — 2019 — WHEEA7EF85526

Cardinal Juan de Cervantes' sepulcher in the Cathedral of Seville, carved by Lorenzo Mercadante between 1454 and 1458, represents a significant fusion of humanistic and Gothic artistic sensibilities in fifteenth-century funerary monuments. This monument, located in San Hermenegildo’s Chapel, was designed to perpetuate the memory of the illustrious cardinal, who participated in key ecclesiastical councils in Siena and Basel. The study reveals that its epigraphic program draws parallels with contemporary monuments across Castile and Italy, reflecting new aesthetic sensibilities tied to writing. By analyzing documentary and bibliographical sources, researchers contextualized the foundation of the chapel and explored potential connotations within its epigraphic message, contributing to the broader necrological landscape of the era.

Ants response to mining prospection disturbances across vegetation zones in tropical mountain chains of Mount Nimba, Guinea, West Africa

Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve — 2019 — WHEC803F9BB5A

Ant communities in tropical mountain chains, particularly those in Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve, show significant resilience to early mining disturbances but are more vulnerable in forest habitats. A study comparing ant richness and species composition across three vegetation zones—highland meadows, transition savannahs, and altitudinal forests—revealed that while meadows and savannahs remained relatively stable between mining prospecting sites and nearby undisturbed areas (World Heritage Sites), forest habitats exhibited notable differences. Despite variations in weather and soil variables, such as soil pH, vegetation structure emerged as the primary factor influencing ant assemblage composition. This finding underscores the critical role of native forest protection and rehabilitation in successful mine site restoration efforts.

Apartment Compounds, Households, and Population in the Ancient City of Teotihuacan, Mexico

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2019 — WHE5B092278FE

A new analysis of legacy data from Teotihuacan reveals that the ancient city's Xolalpan-Metepec population likely reached 100,000 persons. Researchers refined wealth-based housing typologies and used network methods to analyze spatial configurations within excavated compounds, providing unprecedented insights into dwelling sizes and urban layouts. By extrapolating these findings across mapped residences, they generated a range of population estimates, with 100,000 identified as the most reasonable figure. This study demonstrates how historical data can address contemporary research questions, offering a significant contribution to our understanding of Teotihuacan's demographic scale and urban organization.

Aphyllophoroid fungi in Teide National Park (Tenerife, Canary Islands)

Teide National Park — 2019 — WHEA4A63F7A3D

A comprehensive survey of Aphyllophoroid fungi in Teide National Park, Tenerife, Canary Islands, identifies 133 species, significantly expanding the known mycobiota of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study, published in Mycotaxon, utilizes annotated species distribution data to document fungal diversity in one of the most biodiverse volcanic landscapes on Earth. Researchers employed field sampling and taxonomic analysis to characterize these fungi, which play crucial roles in ecosystem processes such as decomposition and nutrient cycling. This work contributes to our understanding of fungal biodiversity in extreme environments and underscores the importance of preserving such unique habitats.

Apollonius of Tyana and Hellenistic Taxila

Taxila — 2019 — WHE589578F216

Apollonius of Tyana, a sage from ancient Asia Minor, is recognized as a significant historical 'witness' for Hellenistic Taxila, despite the fictionalized nature of his biography by Philostratus. This chapter highlights Apollonius's extensive travels across the Roman Empire and beyond, including interactions with the Brahmans of Taxila, which provide valuable insights into the cultural and intellectual exchanges during this period. The historicity of Philostratus's account remains a subject of debate, but it offers a unique perspective on the significance of Taxila in Hellenistic times.

Apple of Discord: Struggle of Russia, Canada and the USA for Wrangel Island in 1920s

Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve — 2019 — WHEAC2448C78A

In the early 20th century, Wrangel Island became a focal point of international dispute involving Russia, Canada, and the United States. The conflict was instigated by Canadian polar explorer W. Stefansson, who sought to claim the island for Canada through a private expedition in 1921. However, the Canadian government feared this would undermine its broader Arctic claims. Stefansson later announced that his expedition would guarantee British rights to the island, drawing Russia, Britain, and the U.S. into the dispute. Russia vehemently opposed foreign claims, while the U.S. preferred Russian sovereignty over British or Japanese control. By 1924, Britain and Canada abandoned their claims, resolving the dispute. This study highlights how geopolitical tensions shaped Arctic territorial negotiations, ultimately leading to the establishment of Arctic sectors by Canada and Russia.

Application of GeoSHM System in Monitoring Extreme Wind Events at the Forth Road Bridge

The Forth Bridge — 2019 — WHE97E2481B9D

A two-year monitoring campaign using the GeoSHM system on the Forth Road Bridge revealed significant susceptibility of long-span bridges to wind loads, with extreme events like Storm Ali demonstrating a clear relationship between wind speed and bridge response. The study analyzed data from 2015–2017, highlighting challenges in extracting actionable damage and reliability information for maintenance planning. Supported by the European Space Agency, GeoSHM employed GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and Earth Observation techniques to address gaps in structural health monitoring of critical infrastructure.

Application of Remote Sensing Methods in Research of Nearshore Sandbars, Curonian Spit, Lithuania

Curonian Spit — 2019 — WHEB8EBA32BBF

Nearshore sandbars, dynamic underwater features critical to sediment exchange between beaches and nearshore zones, can be effectively monitored using unmanned aerial system (UAS) imagery. This study demonstrates that UAS flights, combined with echo sounding surveys, provide high-resolution data capable of tracking longshore migration and cross-shore structure changes in sandbars along the Curonian Spit, Lithuania. The findings highlight the potential of UAS technology to complement traditional bathymetric surveys, offering valuable insights for post-storm nearshore monitoring and morphodynamic analysis.

Application of the Takaga-Sugeno neuro-fuzzy model for determining of engineering structures

Muskauer Park / Park Mużakowski — 2019 — WHE6F7AC5E0CF

Geodetic monitoring combined with neuro-fuzzy systems, such as the Takaga-Sugeno model, can effectively predict and assess horizontal and vertical displacements of engineering structures. This approach is particularly useful for rapidly changing phenomena like deformations in buildings or natural disasters. The study demonstrates its application on a historical footbridge in Muskauer Park, highlighting the potential of integrating artificial intelligence with geodetic technologies to improve the qualitative assessment of structural conditions.

Aramaic Graffiti from Hatra

Hatra — 2019 — WHEB0E0800251

Aramaic graffiti from Hatra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in North Iraq, offer unprecedented insights into the daily life of this ancient civilization between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD. Analyzing 48 published and 37 unpublished graffiti, researchers Marco Moriggi and Ilaria Bucci reveal the city's vibrant social interactions through epigraphic and archaeological methods. The study, based on the Archive of the Missione Archeologica Italiana (Turin), provides a comprehensive edition of these texts, including concordances with other Hatran texts and detailed archaeological context. This approach bridges gaps in historical records, showcasing graffiti as a vital but often overlooked source for understanding urban dynamics in antiquity.

Arboreal route navigation in a Neotropical mammal: energetic implications associated with tree monitoring and landscape attributes

Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque — 2019 — WHEB620C78E30

Black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) in Palenque National Park, Mexico, employ route navigation as an energetically efficient strategy to optimize foraging success. The study found that these primates use established routes more frequently when they increase visual access to food resources and avoid costly landscape features like steep slopes or canopy gaps. Highly used route segments (utilized at least four times) were also associated with elevated areas, particularly under conditions of reduced visual access to food, suggesting a balance between energy expenditure and foraging efficiency. The research, conducted over 12 months, mapped the movement paths of five monkey groups using linear mixed models to analyze the influence of food distribution and landscape attributes on route selection.

Arborização de Ruas e Praças em Salvador, Bahia

Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia — 2019 — WHE7845A9F9A6

A study of Salvador de Bahia's urban tree population reveals a dominance of exotic species (53.3%) over native ones, with only 17.1% representing the local Atlantic Forest ecosystem. The research, based on quantitative inventories of street and plaza trees, identified 82 species from 61 genera and 27 families, predominantly Fabaceae, with Terminalia catappa, Clitoria fairchildiana, and Pachira aquatica making up 28.4% of the community. Notably, only 26.4% of species provide food for local fauna, while six toxic or allergenic species, including Nerium oleander and Thevetia peruviana, were found. Ten potentially invasive species, such as Casuarina equisetifolia, also emerged as significant. The analysis underscores the need for balanced urban forestry practices to preserve biodiversity and mitigate ecological risks.

Arch Construction in Palmyra (Syria)

Site of Palmyra — 2019 — WHE50828DED2E

A significant shift in architectural techniques occurred in Palmyra, Syria, around the 3rd century AD. Prior to this period, arches and vaults were constructed using a corbelled system, even in iconic structures like the Monumental Arch of Palmyra. This method was unique compared to other ancient Syrian sites. The study analyzes the development and evolution of building construction techniques in Palmyra, providing insights into how local architectural practices diverged from broader regional trends during this transformative period.

Archaeological Gazetteer of Afghanistan

Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam — 2019 — WHE42334B0DD1

A newly revealed city at the Minaret of Jam, along with significant discoveries such as the Rabatak inscription detailing Kushan kings' genealogy and a vast archive of Bactrian documents, has been documented in the revised edition of the Archaeological Gazetteer of Afghanistan. This comprehensive reference work, now featuring over 1500 catalogue entries, synthesizes new fieldwork, previously unpublished materials, and older findings, providing an unparalleled resource for Afghanistan's cultural heritage. The gazetteer incorporates site plans, drawings, and satellite imagery-derived maps, offering a detailed record of archaeological sites from the earliest times to the Timurid period. It serves as an essential tool for researchers, students, and those interested in Afghanistan's rich historical legacy.