World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 17501 – 17520 of 30345 publications

The Ancient Borobudur Lake, History, and Its Evidences to Develop Geo-archeotourism in Indonesia

Borobudur Temple Compounds — 2019 — WHEDCF90238B2

Research identifies ten potential geo-archeotourism stop sites around the Borobudur Temple Compounds, leveraging geological evidence of an ancient lake to enrich visitor experiences. These sites, determined through geomorphology, lithology outcrops, stratigraphy, and paleoenvironmental analysis, offer insights into the temple's past environment, linking it to its reliefs and human activities. The study suggests that integrating these geological features could enhance Borobudur's appeal, encouraging longer tourist stays and addressing a decline in international visitors. By combining secondary data analysis with field surveys, the research bridges geo-archeology and tourism, providing a model for developing educational and attractive tourist attractions.

The Antequera megalithic site in the work of Georg and Vera Leisner: a review

Antequera Dolmens Site — 2019 — WHE014B0DA204

A groundbreaking study by Georg and Vera Leisner, published in 1943, remains pivotal in understanding the Antequera Dolmens Site. Despite its limited accessibility due to being written in German, their work provided the most comprehensive analysis of the site during the mid-20th century. Recent research reaffirms the relevance of their findings, addressing enduring questions about these megalithic monuments. The study also includes full English and Spanish translations of the Leisners' text on Antequera, ensuring broader accessibility for future scholars.

The aphesis of the Olympic hippodrome: Dimensions, design, technology

Archaeological Site of Olympia — 2019 — WHE815998FB21

A groundbreaking reconstruction of the ancient Olympic hippodrome's starting-gate (aphesis) offers new insights into its design and technology, addressing long-standing mysteries about one of Olympia's largest monuments. Despite extensive geomagnetic and archaeological investigations failing to locate the racecourse, this study proposes a plausible mechanism based on Pausanias' 2nd-century AD description, integrating perishable materials like wood and ropes with semi-precious bronze components such as dolphins or eagles. The reconstruction challenges previous assumptions about the lack of detail in ancient accounts and contributes to our understanding of ancient Greek hippodrome technology.

The appendicular morphology of Sinoburius lunaris and the evolution of the artiopodan clade Xandarellida (Euarthropoda, early Cambrian) from South China

Chengjiang Fossil Site — 2019 — WHE8BF98FBF97

A groundbreaking study reveals the detailed appendicular morphology of Sinoburius lunaris, a rare and enigmatic early Cambrian euarthropod from the UNESCO-listed Chengjiang Fossil Site. Using X-ray computed tomography, researchers uncovered unprecedented 3D preservation of its ventral anatomy, including biramous limbs with unique features such as reduced antennae and specialized exopods. The findings challenge prior assumptions about arthropod evolution, supporting the monophyly of the Xandarellida clade and proposing a transformation series for key morphological traits like eye slits. This work not only advances our understanding of Sinoburius but also highlights the potential of tomographic techniques to unravel the complexity of Palaeozoic euarthropods.

The application of hemp (Cannabissativa L.) for a green economy: a review

Ellora Caves — 2019 — WHE57341AA1DE

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) emerges as a multifaceted solution for environmental and health challenges, offering eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic materials. Research reveals its historical significance, including its use in ancient earthen plasters like those at Ellora Caves (6th Century), where hemp served as an organic additive. Despite its past reputation due to psychoactive properties, modern applications showcase its potential in food, pharmaceuticals, textiles, paper, and construction industries. Hemp's biodegradable nature, greenhouse-negative impact, and non-toxic properties position it as a key player in transitioning towards a green economy. This review synthesizes scientific evidence on hemp's commercial, industrial, and agricultural potential, advocating for its reintegration into sustainable practices.

The Archaeology of Afghanistan

Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam — 2019 — WHE897073DD6D

A revised and updated edition of 'The Archaeology of Afghanistan' presents groundbreaking insights into the country's rich cultural heritage, positioning it at the crossroads of major civilizations. The book highlights significant discoveries, such as Achaemenid, Greek, and Kushan remains near Balkh, and spectacular Buddhist ruins at Kabul and Mes Aynak, which offer new interpretations of Afghanistan's Bronze Age within the broader context of the Oxus and Helmand Civilisations. It also revisits major historical periods, including Graeco-Bactrian and Kushan coinage, and incorporates recent findings like the Rabatak Bactrian inscription and Sasanian cave paintings at Ghulbiyan. The updated edition features extensive new illustrations, a revised bibliography, and insights into early Islamic urban remains, particularly around the Minaret of Jam, extending our understanding of Afghanistan's archaeological landscape.

The Architecture of Ibadi Mosques in M’Zab, Djerba, and Oman

M'Zab Valley — 2019 — WHEFE578C0638

Ibadi mosques, found in Oman, M'Zab Valley (Algeria), Djerba (Tunisia), and Jebel Nafusa (Libya), exhibit a distinct architectural style shaped by Ibadi religious principles. This study reveals that the strict adherence to puritan Islamic values has influenced not only social behavior but also the design of these mosques, creating a cohesive architectural identity across regions despite variations in materials and construction methods. The research compares representative samples from all inhabited regions, linking specific features to Ibadi Fiqh (jurisprudence) related to building practices. It demonstrates that Ibadi religious principles have significantly impacted mosque architecture, marking a pioneering exploration of this relationship.

The Artistic Trade and Networks of the Italian Community in London Around 1800

Villa Adriana (Tivoli) — 2019 — WHE1BBFE1FFFB

Italian artist Benedetto Pastorini's 1778 print, depicting a bas-relief from Hadrian's Villa (Tivoli), reveals the cultural exchange and artistic networking between Italian expatriates and British society around 1800. Pastorini, who migrated to London in the 1760s through collaboration with the Adam brothers, integrated into the Italian artistic community there, working alongside Francesco Bartolozzi. His work exemplifies the commercial transfer of aesthetic values from Italy to Britain during this period. The print's caption also reflects a fascination with Roman antiquity and its perceived connection to British heritage. Pastorini's later engravings of Leonardo da Vinci drawings further highlight the enduring transnational collaboration among Italian artists in London, underscoring the significance of Hadrian's Villa as both an artistic inspiration and a symbol of shared cultural history.

The Bauhaus: its influence on hospital design and wine labels

White City of Tel-Aviv – the Modern Movement — 2019 — WHEFA1EA99142

The Bauhaus movement, founded by Walter Gropius in 1919 and lasting only 14 years, left an enduring legacy through its principles of functionality, simplicity, and innovation. Its influence extends beyond architecture—shaping hospital design, wine labels, and everyday objects like the iPhone. While initially rooted in socialist ideals, much of this philosophy was abandoned post-1936. The movement's global impact is evident in landmarks such as the Seagram Building and modern retail spaces like IKEA. Tel Aviv exemplifies Bauhaus architecture, reflecting its migration to regions including Israel during Nazi persecution.

The Berlin curse in Tanzania:(re)making of the selous world heritage property

Selous Game Reserve — 2019 — WHEA23C1F5F7D

A critical analysis of the Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania's UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals striking parallels between contemporary border-making processes and colonial-era practices. The study highlights how both top-down and bottom-up mechanisms continue to shape internal borders, challenging the focus on state borders in African scholarship. It argues that these processes, akin to those sanctioned at the Berlin Conference, have significant material impacts on governance and ecology within post-independence Africa. The research calls for a deeper examination of sub-national borders, emphasizing their production by both internal and external forces.

The Body in the Ditch: Alternative Funerary Practices on the Northern Frontier of the Roman Empire?

Frontiers of the Roman Empire — 2019 — WHEF9C62AA6B5

Disarticulated human remains of a male individual, recovered from a first-century fort ditch at Vindolanda on the Roman Empire's northwestern frontier, challenge traditional views of funerary practices. Ancient DNA analysis confirmed the skeletal remains' identity, while forensic taphonomic analysis suggested primary deposition in a waterlogged environment without formal burial. This discovery highlights the complexity and variability of Roman-era disposal practices, contradicting historical sources that imply more standardized rituals. The study underscores the need to reconsider how ancient societies managed their dead, particularly on empire frontiers.

The Borobudur temple: the Buddhist architecture in Indonesia

Borobudur Temple Compounds — 2019 — WHE5F39FE35E1

Borobudur Temple, located in Java, Indonesia, stands as a timeless masterpiece of Buddhist architecture and sculpture, embodying intricate symbolism and cosmology. This study reveals the temple's profound synthesis of Buddhist beliefs with regional Javanese culture, translating complex religious concepts into a three-dimensional mandala structure. The research explores the temple's genesis, its rediscovery after centuries of neglect, and the deep cultural significance embedded in its architectural form, reliefs, and sculptures. Borobudur not only represents an exceptional example of intercultural fusion but also underscores the need for its preservation due to its enduring influence on local Buddhist communities.

The Bridge Across small spaces

Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar — 2019 — WHEDB63CE10A3

The Mostar Bridge (Stari Most) emerges as a potent symbol of post-war reconciliation, embodying the complexities of healing and unity in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Unlike the Øresund Bridge, which effortlessly connects regions with minor linguistic differences, the Mostar Bridge represents the arduous journey toward peace after conflict. This study contrasts these two bridges to explore themes of translation—both literal and metaphorical—as mechanisms for bridging divides. By analyzing the cultural and historical significance of the Mostar Bridge, the research highlights its role in symbolizing resilience and the challenges of post-conflict society. The approach combines qualitative analysis with comparative case studies, offering insights into how physical structures can serve as metaphors for social transformation.

The byres tale: farming nutrient-poor coversands at the edge of the Roman Empire (NW-Belgium)

Frontiers of the Roman Empire — 2019 — WHE8289A7BDFB

Archaeological research at the edge of the Roman Empire in northwest Belgium reveals that sunken byres, or 'potstallen,' were likely used for intentional fertilisation rather than simply as stable floors. The study suggests a gradual process of deepening these features over time, with evidence pointing to the application of plaggen fertilisation—mixing dung with sods—in at least some phases of use. This challenges the assumption that such byres were dug out post-occupational or levelled after abandonment. The research combines field observations, analytical data, and micromorphological analysis to reconstruct the infill process and origin of these remarkable features in nutrient-poor cover sands.

The Casas Grandes Polity in the International Four Corners

Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes — 2019 — WHE19C5F2B242

Archaeological evidence from the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Archaeological Zone of Paquimé (Casas Grandes), reveals that this prehistoric settlement was one of the most highly centralized political systems in northern Mexico and the Southwestern United States. Located in northwestern Chihuahua, Casas Grandes exhibited significant economic differentiation and centralization during its Diablo phase, suggesting an increase in population and complexity compared to earlier periods. The study highlights the nonsubsistence economy, particularly focusing on ritual architecture and trade, which positioned Casas Grandes as a major trading hub known as 'a fallen trading center of the Gran Chichimeca.' This research underscores the advanced sociopolitical organization and economic strategies of prehistoric societies in the region.

The Casbah of Algiers’s Transformation Between 1833 and 1859: Expropriation, Concession, and Plot Remodeling

Kasbah of Algiers — 2019 — WHE2EB5FAD70F

Between 1833 and 1859, the Casbah of Algiers underwent significant transformation due to expropriation regulations and land concessions, marking the beginning of colonial urban development. This study reveals that the remodeling of plots and the opening of new streets were driven by declarations of public utility, leading to an increase in requests for land concessions. These changes had profound impacts on domestic architecture, reshaping the precolonial street network into a more structured, colonial layout. The research employs historical analysis of urban development policies and their consequences, providing insights into the intersection of legal frameworks and architectural evolution during this period.

The Challenging Implementation of World Heritage Historic Centres’ Preservation Programmes: A Comparative Case-Study Analysis in Portugal

Historic Centre of Évora — 2019 — WHE3C8EAA14C7

Local political support, funding, and management structure are the most decisive factors for the successful implementation of World Heritage historic centres' preservation programmes, according to a comparative case-study analysis of Évora, Porto, and Guimarães in Portugal. This study reveals that despite municipalities being major funders and promoters of heritage preservation, institutional capacity difficulties often hinder effective policy execution. By analysing programme documentation and conducting interviews with local managers, researchers identified these critical factors, shedding light on the challenges faced by Portuguese World Heritage sites. The findings underscore the need for stronger political commitment, sustainable funding models, and streamlined management structures to ensure the long-term preservation of these culturally significant areas.

The Charterhouse of St. Lorenzo in Padula, an ideal mystical city of modern Campania

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula — 2019 — WHE28358FCEE6

The Certosa di Padula, a 14th-century Carthusian monastery in Campania's Vallo di Diano, embodies a unique architectural vision blending Eastern influences, local traditions, and classical Greek elements without adhering to early Christian models. Unlike typical monastic retreats, it functions as an 'ideal mystical city,' reflecting Thomas More's Utopia through its rigid separation of cloistered contemplation spaces and communal areas, bounded by the desertum—a cultivated green space symbolizing the transition to Civitas Dei ('City of God'). This study reveals how the monastery’s design, rooted in models from Trisulti (Lazio) and Grenoble, challenges conventional classifications while serving as both a spiritual sanctuary and an interactive urban ideal. The research analyzes its evolution from foundation to 18th-century renovations, highlighting its dual role as a hermit’s domain (upper domus) and a cenobitic community (lower domus), marked by the threshold inscription 'Felix coeli porta' ('Blessed gate of heaven').

The Chemical and Structural Peculiarities of the Kazan Khanate Cast-Iron Cookware in the 14th–15th Centuries

Historic and Architectural Complex of the Kazan Kremlin — 2019 — WHEE90CD2CB93

Research on cast-iron cookware fragments from the Kazan Kremlin, dating to the 14th–15th centuries, reveals diverse technological and chemical compositions, including both pro-Bolgar samples and those distinct from Bolgar. Using scanning electron microscopy and optical emission spectroscopy, scientists analyzed micro-trace elements in Kazan, Bolgar, and Juketaw cast-iron, identifying potential markers of iron ore sources in the Volga region. This finding suggests a link between iron foundry traditions across the Middle Volga during the Golden Horde period, offering new insights into the spread and continuity of metallurgical practices in the region.

The Chimpanzees of the Taï Forest

Taï National Park — 2019 — WHEFAB48093EA

The Taï Chimpanzee Project, established in 1979 and now in its 40th year of continuous research, has provided groundbreaking insights into the cooperation, cognition, and culture of chimpanzees, our closest living relatives. Unlike other long-term study sites such as Gombe and Mahale, Taï chimpanzees exhibit unique behaviors including lower levels of violence, regular adoptions, and complex cultural variations between groups. This comprehensive research has advanced fields like behavioral ecology and anthropology while highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect this endangered species. The project's interdisciplinary approach encompasses studies on ecology, reproductive behavior, tool use, communication, and cognition, offering an in-depth understanding of how Taï chimpanzees adapt to their jungle environment.