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Showing 18001 – 18020 of 30345 publications

Archaeology and Conservation of the Middle Phrygian Gate Complex at Gordion, Turkey

Gordion — 2018 — WHEE540D6F68A

A 2016 conservation project at Gordion, Turkey, revealed sophisticated Middle Phrygian (ca. 800–700 b.c.e.) construction techniques that enhanced stability of a rubble platform beneath the Gate Complex. The study found that internal casemate-like walls and strategically placed juniper logs supported the rubble fill, while water-soluble gypsum contributed to its eventual collapse in antiquity. Stabilization efforts not only preserved these features but also improved visitor accessibility, highlighting the Early Phrygian gateway as a key access point to the megarons on the Citadel Mound.

Archaeology and ichnology at Gombore II-2, Melka Kunture, Ethiopia: everyday life of a mixed-age hominin group 700,000 years ago

Melka Kunture and Balchit: Archaeological and Palaeontological Sites in the Highland Area of Ethiopia — 2018 — WHE2DC7B36122

A rare ichnological assemblage from Gombore II-2, Melka Kunture, Ethiopia, provides unprecedented insight into the daily life of a mixed-age hominin group 700,000 years ago. The tracks, preserved in silty substrate near a water body, reveal the presence of adults and children as young as 12 months, alongside ungulates, mammals, and birds. This discovery, combined with rich archaeological and paleontological records, confirms in situ knapping activity and the use of stone tools for butchering hippo carcasses. The site offers direct evidence of hominin landscape use during this period, shedding light on the early social dynamics and subsistence strategies of our ancestors.

Archaeology and the Process of Heritage Construction in Mauritius

Aapravasi Ghat — 2018 — WHE7BD93BB1A5

Heritage in Mauritius has evolved as a dynamic instrument reflecting societal values and political objectives, particularly through archaeological research. The study reveals how cultural elements, including Aapravasi Ghat and Le Morne Mountain—both UNESCO World Heritage Sites—serve as material evidence of post-colonial identity negotiations. Archaeology plays a pivotal role in shaping management policies and mediating the complex interplay between ethnic groups, while tourism further commercializes this shared past. This research underscores heritage's dual function: as both a tool for political affirmation and a commodity in global marketing.

Archaeometric Analysis of the Alabaster Thresholds of Villa A, Oplontis (Torre Annunziata, Italy) and New Sr and Pb Isotopic Data for Alabastro Ghiaccione del Circeo

Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata — 2018 — WHE7896F9B37A

Archaeometric analysis of alabaster thresholds at Villa A, Oplontis, reveals that while several potential quarry sources can be excluded, the exact origin remains uncertain. This study, combining minero-petrographic and isotopic (Sr and Pb) analyses, underscores the need for a comprehensive database of Roman-period alabaster quarries to better understand ancient material sourcing practices. The thresholds, dating back to the mid-1st century BC, represent one of the most spectacular examples of alabaster use from villas preserved by Vesuvius' eruption in AD 79.

Architectural masonry features of Prasat Suor Prat: Study on architectural techniques used in the Prasat Suor Prat towers in Angkor

Koh Ker: Archaeological Site of Ancient Lingapura or Chok Gargyar — 2018 — WHEA7542900F4

A key insight from this study is that the Prasat Sour Prat (PSP) towers, located just outside Angkor Thom's Royal Palace and Plaza, were constructed rapidly using laterite blocks, a material typically associated with less refined structures. This rapid construction hypothesis is supported by distinctive masonry techniques observed in PSP, which differ from those found in other laterite structures, such as those at Koh Ker. The research suggests that the choice of laterite may have been strategic, possibly to expedite the building process without compromising structural integrity. By comparing PSP's architectural features with those of Koh Ker, the study sheds light on the construction practices and historical context of Angkorian masonry techniques.

Architectural Remnants and Mythical Traces of the Haitian Revolution:

National History Park – Citadel, Sans Souci, Ramiers — 2018 — WHEA4712449E6

The architectural remnants of the Haitian Revolution, specifically the Citadelle Laferrière and Sans-Souci Palace, reveal mythical traces that encapsulate the dual narratives of enslaved insurgents and their colonizers. Built under King Henri Christophe's reign (1811–1820), these neoclassical structures lack documented architects or construction records, yet they symbolize the ephemeral condition of insurgency. Minosh argues that these edifices represent an attempt to solidify in architecture the political space forged by enslaved people outside colonial terms, while also reflecting the colonizer's fear of insurrection threatening France’s mercantile economy. The study employs literary and mythical traces to interpret these artifacts as architectural instantiations of revolutionary mythos, offering a unique lens on Haiti's first independent black nation.

Architektura w śródmieściu Gdyni po 1989 roku wobec tradycji modernistycznej

Gdynia Modernist City Centre — 2018 — WHE59179C2720

Contemporary architecture in Gdynia's city center reflects a contextualist approach, blending three distinct tendencies—regionalism, semiotics, and technologizing—that reference local modernist traditions while incorporating postmodern elements. These intertwined tendencies create a coherent architectural whole that strengthens the city's identity and continuity. However, the study also highlights limitations in the application of Western European modernist patterns, suggesting a need for deeper scrutiny to avoid naive repetition.

Are fair tourism and heritage a means or an end?

Medina of Fez — 2018 — WHED7B3240003

A recent study reveals that the value of Fez's medina as both a tourist attraction and heritage site is not fixed but varies depending on stakeholders' perspectives. The research, based on an analysis of a homestay initiative in Fez, demonstrates that the medina's potential for sustainable tourism is shaped by competing interests: those prioritizing tourism to preserve heritage and others leveraging heritage value to drive economic development. This territorial approach highlights the dynamic interplay between heritage conservation and tourism-driven growth, offering insights into how such initiatives can either serve as a means or an end in local development strategies.

Armenian Medieval Architecture along Boundary Akhurian River. French Researches in Turkey and Armenia

Archaeological Site of Ani — 2018 — WHE66D4E50160

A French archaeological team's 15-year study of fortified sites and ruined churches along the Akhurian River, which now serves as a modern border between Turkey and Armenia, has uncovered new interpretations of Ani's ancient history. The research, focusing on less-studied monuments in the Shirak region, revealed that despite conflicts and the decline of commerce, the area remained prosperous during the 12th and 13th centuries. This work also facilitated collaboration with Armenian scholars, shedding light on the region's medieval architecture and historical significance.

Arquitectura en La Laguna: El concepto vernáculo. Criterios de protección y el papel del dibujo

San Cristóbal de La Laguna — 2018 — WHEC9177D74F7

The study introduces a scientific and technical framework for protecting vernacular architecture in San Cristóbal de La Laguna by developing analytical categories and interpretative terms that capture the site's architectural heritage. This approach, rooted in Tenerife's history since conquest, creates a comprehensive glossary applicable across Canarias. Notably, it highlights the role of drawing as a critical tool for analyzing vernacular architecture, providing a method to systematically document and preserve its unique characteristics.

Arriving at Corfu

Old Town of Corfu — 2018 — WHEC4FF80CBD3

Corfu's unique beauty stems from its distinctive atmospheric clarity and vibrant color palette, setting it apart from other Mediterranean islands. Unlike the hazy landscapes of Italy or the stark transparency of northern New England, Corfu's air offers a rare combination of luminosity and chromatic intensity—mountains bathed in lilac, violet plains, and crimson peaks—enhanced by the Ionian Sea's unparalleled blue. This phenomenon, described as 'pellucid' by Euripides, creates an overstimulating yet invigorating environment that affects both the landscape and human perception. The study contrasts Corfu with other iconic sites like Capri, highlighting its dual attributes of color saturation and atmospheric transparency, which distinguish it as a singularly breathtaking World Heritage Site.

Arte rupestre y demarcación territorial: el caso del grupo estilístico B1 en el área Río Pinturas (Santa Cruz, Argentina)

Cueva de las Manos, Río Pinturas — 2018 — WHE438C68C565

Research at Cueva de las Manos, Río Pinturas, reveals significant insights into territorial demarcation and mobility patterns among ancient human groups. The study identifies distinct styles within the B1 stylistic group of rock art, characterized by variations in guanaco representation, and traces their distribution across multiple sites: Cueva de las Manos (ARP I), Alero Charcamata-II (CH II), Cueva Grande de Arroyo Feo (AF I), and Cerro de los Indios-1 (CI-1). Findings indicate that around 3500 years ago, certain styles became widespread across these sites, suggesting a period of shared cultural practices. However, this unity fragmented over time, with CI-1 diverging to align with sites in the nearby Parque Nacional Perito Moreno, reflecting shifting territorial dynamics and ecological adaptations.

Arts of the Medieval Cathedrals: Studies on Architecture, Stained Glass and Sculpture in Honor of Anne Prache ed. by Kathleen Nolan, Dany Sandron

Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Former Abbey of Saint-Rémi and Palace of Tau, Reims — 2018 — WHEA21BBFD944

A collection of thirteen essays, published in Arts of the Medieval Cathedrals: Studies on Architecture, Stained Glass and Sculpture in Honor of Anne Prache, presents groundbreaking insights into Gothic art and architecture. The volume, edited by Kathleen Nolan and Dany Sandron, integrates historical and archaeological evidence with new technologies to analyze the design, decoration, and functions of medieval cathedrals, including Reims Cathedral. Key contributions include Walter Berry's re-examination of Reims Cathedral's building chronology using 1990s excavation data, Michael T. Davis's analysis of Guillebert de Mets's fifteenth-century description of Paris, and Ellen M. Shortell's study on the choir of Saint-Quentin. The essays also explore stained glass programs, such as Sylvie Balcon-Berry's reconstruction of Reims Cathedral's destroyed windows, and sculpture, including William W. Clark's examination of the radiating chapels' exterior program. By applying geometric analysis and interdisciplinary approaches, the volume advances the understanding of Gothic architectural integration and workshop practices.

Asian Rhino Specialist Group report/ Rapport du Groupe de Spécialistes du Rhinocéros d’Asie

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary — 2018 — WHEE0BFB304A5

A recent census conducted by the Assam Government between March and April 2018 revealed a significant increase in the population of greater one-horned rhinos (Rhinoceros unicornis) in Kaziranga National Park, with a total count of 2,413 individuals—an increase of 12 since 2015. This population represents approximately 70% of the species' global count, underscoring the park's critical role in conservation efforts. Additionally, Orang National Park and Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary hold smaller but notable populations of 101 and 102 rhinos, respectively, while Manas National Park is scheduled for a population assessment later this year. The overall conservation status of greater one-horned rhinos in India and Nepal remains encouraging, with stable or increasing populations, particularly in Kaziranga and Jaldapara National Parks. However, poaching remains a persistent threat, with West Bengal and Assam reporting losses despite efforts such as the establishment of Fast Track courts to expedite wildlife case trials.

Aspects of the foraging and roosting ecology of the large-eared pied bat (Chalinolobus dwyeri) in the western Blue Mountains, with implications for conservation

Greater Blue Mountains Area — 2018 — WHE6120CC381E

Research on the large-eared pied bat (Chalinolobus dwyeri) reveals critical insights into its foraging and roosting behavior, which are essential for its conservation. The study found that females exhibit larger foraging ranges than males but show high fidelity to preferred areas, while males demonstrate less roost fidelity and tend to roost farther from their foraging grounds. Both sexes prefer west-facing cliff faces without large caverns, with a strong preference for habitats such as sharp grassland-forest borders in western valleys, moist drainage gullies, and mid-to-upper-canopy forest edges. These findings suggest that land management and conservation efforts should prioritize the preservation of these specific habitat features to support the bat's survival.

Assessing the tourism-traffic paradox in mountain destinations. A stated preference survey on the Dolomites’ passes (Italy)

The Dolomites — 2018 — WHE1C1862BFFD

A balanced mix of incentives and restrictions on private mobility can effectively address the tourism-traffic paradox in ecologically sensitive yet tourism-intensive areas, such as the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. This study quantifies the impact of traffic management measures on tourist demand through a stated preference survey, revealing that alternative transportation must be highly performing—cheap, frequent, integrated, and with extended daily schedules—to mitigate negative side effects. Clear and unavoidable restrictions on private mobility are also crucial. The findings suggest a re-design of tourism and transportation systems as integrated domains to minimize environmental impact while sustaining economic benefits.

Assessment of Flood-Emanated Impediments to Kaziranga National Park Grassland Ecosystem—A Binocular Vision with Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System

Kaziranga National Park — 2018 — WHE3C8415E15B

Flooding significantly disrupts the grassland ecosystem of Kaziranga National Park (KNP), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and critical habitat for the great Indian rhino, elephant, and Royal Bengal Tiger. A study using remote sensing and geographic information systems revealed that floods cause extensive degradation and fragmentation of KNP's alluvial grasslands, which are vital for rhino feeding habitats. These impacts take considerable time to recover, posing a severe threat to vulnerable rhino populations (IUCN Red List: B1ab (iii)). The research utilized SARAL/AltiKa data to measure Brahmaputra River water levels, Landsat 8 OLI for land use and land cover mapping, and Sentinel 1A to detect flood situations during August 2017. Integrating real-time assessment data from these sources offers potential for improved conservation practices and natural resource management in the park.

Assessment of the contribution to human well-being by ecosystem services in Wolong Natural Reserve from the perspective of local communities

Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains — 2018 — WHE4B9345144A

A study assessing the contribution of ecosystem services to human well-being in Wolong Natural Reserve reveals that social welfare benefits significantly outweigh personal ones, with regulatory services such as air purification, disaster prevention, and freshwater supply providing the highest welfare contributions. While policies aimed at biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration have led to declines in services like plant gathering, traditional agriculture, livestock, and soil fertility—particularly soil fertility—a key driver of welfare, demographic factors such as gender, age, occupation, and income also significantly influence these benefits. The research highlights soil fertility as a critical ecosystem service and offers management strategies to address disparities in welfare contributions.

Assessment of the hydrological status of Doñana dune ponds: a natural World Heritage Site under threat

Doñana National Park — 2018 — WHE3E2D9A842F

Groundwater discharge sustains the hydroperiod of Doñana dune ponds, contributing up to 80% of their total water inflows. However, some ponds now act as recharge systems due to declining piezometric levels from nearby groundwater extraction for urban use. Researchers quantified these fluxes using daily hydrological balances and classified the ponds accordingly. The study highlights the vulnerability of this UNESCO World Heritage Site's hydrology to anthropogenic pressures, particularly in coastal resorts adjacent to Doñana National Park.

Astronomical observations in the Inca Temple of Coricancha (Cusco)? A critical review of the hypothesis

City of Cuzco — 2018 — WHE0E6E34FC36

A critical reassessment of the Coricancha temple's alleged astronomical function challenges the long-standing hypothesis that its architecture facilitated solar observations tied to a 328-day Inca calendar. While early Spanish accounts and structural analyses hinted at solar reflections on sacred effigies, such as the Sun figure (Punchao), this study's meticulous measurements and historical review cast doubt on the temple's role in formal astronomical observation. The research suggests that while Coricancha's design may incorporate subtle solar alignments, its primary purpose was likely religious rather than calendrical. This work refines our understanding of Inca architectural symbolism and the limits of archaeological evidence for astronomical claims.