World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 19541 – 19560 of 30345 publications

3D Modeling of Two louteria Fragments by Image-Based Approach

Archaeological Area of Agrigento — 2017 — WHE1496D70306

A groundbreaking digital approach has successfully reconstructed and analyzed two small fragments of louteria, a large terracotta vase from the Greek colony of Akragas (modern-day Agrigento, Sicily). By employing high-precision 3D modeling techniques based on image analysis, researchers achieved unprecedented detail in documenting these archaeological artifacts. The resulting models revealed intricate decorative features and geometric characteristics that were previously obscured or challenging to study. This method not only preserves the fragments digitally but also provides a new framework for interpreting and understanding their historical significance within the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Area of Agrigento.

3D-ICONS Ireland – fulfilling the potential of a rich 3D resource

Brú na Bóinne - Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne — 2017 — WHE829D4928EC

The 3D-ICONS Ireland project successfully developed a pipeline to produce lightweight, photorealistic 3D models of iconic cultural heritage sites, including Brú na Bóinne's Neolithic mound at Knowth. Using advanced digitization techniques such as airborne laser scanning (ALS), phase-based terrestrial laser scanning, and structured light scanning, the project generated high-resolution point cloud data that was transformed into interactive models for public access. These models have significantly enhanced educational use in secondary schools and enabled immersive experiences at visitor centers, demonstrating the potential of 3D technology to preserve and engage with archaeological heritage.

4th Corfu Symposium on Managing and Marketing Places, 24-27 April 2017

Old Town of Corfu — 2017 — WHE67DF697C98

The 4th Corfu Symposium on Managing and Marketing Places (2017) highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of place management, emphasizing how different academic disciplines theorize places. It explored the practical implications of these varied perspectives for managing and marketing destinations like Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a tourism-dependent economy. The symposium built on previous discussions about sustainable tourism, authenticity in travel experiences, and historical narratives, reflecting Corfu's complex heritage from ancient empires to modern conflicts. A key focus was the legacy of Professor John Urry, whose research influenced the theme 'Place Making from Various Gazes.' This approach underscores the need for adaptive strategies that integrate diverse academic insights to address challenges in place management.

57Fitzroya Architecture: Chiloé Archipelago Churches of Southern Chile

Churches of Chiloé — 2017 — WHEAA9ACBB4B9

A unique architectural tradition in southern Chile, dating back over 13,000 years, relies on the endangered Fitzroya cupressoides conifer. Sixteen UNESCO World Heritage-listed churches on Chiloé Archipelago continue to use this rare wood, highlighting its cultural significance while raising awareness about deforestation and species conservation. The study examines the intersection of craftsmanship, endangered species preservation, and design disciplines, offering insights into sustainable heritage practices.

80th Annual Meeting of the Meteoritical Society (2017)

Lut Desert — 2017 — WHE616CB2F859

The Lut Desert, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iran, is notable for its unique geomorphological features and high meteorite recovery potential. Preliminary findings from a joint Italian-Iranian expedition highlight the region's significance as a source of extraterrestrial material, contributing to the understanding of meteoritic composition and origin. The study employed field surveys and meteorite recovery techniques to assess the area's characteristics, offering insights into its geomorphological diversity and scientific value.

A ‘communal’ building of the beginning of the Early Bronze Age at Arslantepe-Malatya (Turkey). Spatio-functional analysis and interpretation of the archaeological context

Arslantepe Mound — 2017 — WHEC9D300C77F

A recently excavated 'communal' building at Arslantepe Mound, dating to the beginning of the Early Bronze Age (VIB1 period), reveals insights into the social and political dynamics following the collapse of a centralized Uruk-derived system. This large brick structure, built directly on the ruins of a monumental palatial complex from the VIA period, suggests sustained architectural continuity despite significant societal changes. The building was destroyed by a violent fire, preserving extensive in-situ artifacts (83 ceramic vessels, metal and stone tools) that provide clues to its function as a ceremonial or communal gathering space. Analysis of architectural data combined with faunal evidence indicates that the site during this period may have been occupied by pastoral communities influenced by Kura-Araxe traditions from eastern Anatolia and the southern Caucasus. The study highlights how emerging elites, shaped by these external influences, likely used such structures to consolidate power through collective rituals and feasting, marking a transition from centralized governance to more decentralized social organization.

A ‘Reflexive’ Multi-Stage Survey Methodology for Historical Landscape Research in Central India:Field-Walking, Local Knowledge, and Satellite Imagery as Archaeological Site Prospection and Mapping Tools in the Sanchi Survey Project

Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi — 2017 — WHE217240D557

A 'reflexive' multi-stage survey methodology, integrating systematic and unsystematic field-walking, local knowledge, and satellite imagery, proved highly effective for archaeological prospection and mapping at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi in Central India. While satellite imagery served as a supplementary tool in later stages, initial site identification relied more heavily on ground-based explorations and a deep engagement with local memory and socio-ritual landscapes. This approach underscores the critical role of local perceptions of place and history in shaping regionally specific research designs, contributing to broader debates in public archaeology.

A “New” Economic Document of the 15th Century from the Archive of the Trinity Monastery of St Sergius: Dating and Attribution

Architectural Ensemble of the Trinity Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad — 2017 — WHE526300A0C6

A previously overlooked economic document from the Trinity Monastery of St Sergius, initially dated to the 16th century, has been reattributed to the 15th century through toponymic localization and paleographic analysis. The 'inset' document, found during restoration of an act, describes peasant payments linked to the settlement of Priseki in the Bezhetsk Upland, aligning with a 1440 grant to the monastery. Its archaic terminology ('dezha', 'kerb’') reflects mid-15th-century vocabulary from the upper Volga and Novgorod regions, placing it within a broader circle of birch bark manuscripts and state cadastral practices. This reattribution provides new insights into the economic organization of the Lavra's estate and early Russian land documentation.

A city and its landscape across time: Samarkand in the ancient Sogdiana (Uzbekistan)

Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures — 2017 — WHE03A5964E00

Samarkand, a pivotal city along the ancient Silk Road, experienced significant urban growth and landscape transformation, particularly during the post-Hellenistic period (3rd-1st centuries BCE) and before the Arab conquest in the early 8th century CE. This study reveals that its development was intricately linked to the exploitation of its territory, with a complex irrigation system supporting extensive farming and daily-life activities in the floodplain, while rain-fed foothills served as pastures. Using GIS remote sensing and field validation, researchers reconstructed Samarkand's urban evolution, identifying key archaeological features such as anthropic mounds, canals, and burials to map land use and resource exploitation over time.

A colour variation of Clibanarius virescens (Krauss, 1843) (Decapoda, Anomura) collected from Amami Oshima Island and Okinawa, Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2017 — WHE72E1CE958F

Researchers have identified a previously undocumented color variation of the hermit crab species Clibanarius virescens (Krauss, 1843) from Amami Oshima Island and Okinawa Island in Japan. Unlike typical specimens, these crabs exhibit whitish ambulatory legs and shields, distinguishing them from known morphological traits of the genus. To confirm species identification, the study employed a combination of morphological observations and phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and nuclear histone H3 genes. The findings confirm that despite their unique coloration, these specimens belong to C. virescens, contributing new insights into the genetic and phenotypic diversity of this species in the region.

A Companion to Medieval and Renaissance Bologna

The Porticoes of Bologna — 2017 — WHEE1C4C4D79E

Medieval and Renaissance Bologna emerges as a pivotal center of innovation, shaping economic, political, legal, and intellectual landscapes in Italy. The city's transition from a medieval commune to the second-largest urban hub of the Renaissance Papal State is highlighted through a collection of essays by contemporary historians, many presented in English for the first time. These contributions offer a comprehensive perspective, spanning from Bologna’s architectural marvels like its porticoes and the tumultuous conflicts that marked its streets, to the scholarly disputations and artistic masterpieces that laid the groundwork for Baroque art. This work underscores Bologna's enduring legacy as a cultural crossroads, bridging historical eras and disciplines.

A Comparative Analysis (SWOT) of Technical Intervention Plans Carried Out in Sistani House and Payambar Mosque of Bam Citadel

Bam and its Cultural Landscape — 2017 — WHE54B4279946

A comparative analysis of technical intervention plans for Bam Citadel's Sistani House and Payambar Mosque reveals distinct approaches to retrofitting adobe structures in high-seismic zones. While both plans aimed to balance heritage preservation with modern stabilization techniques, they differed in materials and methods used. The study highlights that a SWOT analysis can effectively evaluate such interventions, offering insights for future restoration projects on similar World Heritage Sites. This approach allows for the identification of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, providing a strategic framework for decision-making in conservation efforts.

A comparison of fecal steroid metabolite concentrations between harem and bachelor stallions in a free‐Ranging population of przewalski's horses (Equus ferus przewalskii)

Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta — 2017 — WHE3D69C8C191

A study comparing fecal steroid metabolite concentrations between harem and bachelor stallions in a free-ranging population of Przewalski's horses (Equus ferus przewalskii) at Hortobágy National Park, Hungary, revealed significant differences based on sociosexual status. Harem stallions exhibited notably higher levels of estrogen and epi-androsterone metabolites compared to bachelor stallions, with no significant difference in testosterone concentrations. This finding underscores the impact of social dynamics on androgen levels in Przewalski's horses, providing insights into their reproductive behavior and endocrinology.

A Complicated Legacy: The Original Collections of the Semitic Museum

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2017 — WHE4EB8B07B4E

The original collections of the Semitic Museum at Harvard, assembled by founding curator David Gordon Lyon between 1889 and 1929, reflect a problematic legacy of archaeological acquisition. These collections, acquired primarily through purchases from dealers or gifts, lack documented provenance, making them inherently tainted by modern ethical standards. Despite this, they represent an era before strict international conventions on cultural property trade. The study highlights Lyon's comprehensive vision for the museum, blending archaeology, ethnography, and natural history to depict ancient Semitic life. Notably, Lyon's 1907 salvage excavation at Samieh, near Jerusalem, revealed a significant Bronze Age necropolis, though its findings remain unpublished. The research underscores the ethical complexities of legacy collections and their enduring significance in understanding Palestinian cultural heritage.

A Conservation Approach of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS): Improving Traditional Agricultural Patterns and Promoting Scale-Production

Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces — 2017 — WHEABEDFB1717

A conservation strategy for the Honghe Hani Rice Terraced System (HHRTS) demonstrates that improving traditional agricultural patterns can protect globally important agricultural heritage systems by increasing economic benefits for farmers. The study found that while hybrid rice monoculture with chemical inputs offers lower costs but leaves terraces unused for half the year, improved rice-fish-duck coculture (IRFDC) requires more labor and initial investment but yields higher returns. This approach can incentivize farmers to continue cultivating their land, reducing abandonment and destruction of terraces. The research used semi-structured interviews and questionnaires to analyze agricultural inputs, outputs, and household employment, revealing that large-scale farming by peasant households could mitigate labor shortages without compromising conservation efforts.

A Contribution to the Flora of Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh, India

Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area — 2017 — WHEE4E2171D28

A recent botanical survey of the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) in Himachal Pradesh, India, identified 39 previously unreported plant species belonging to 26 families. This significant contribution expands the known flora of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is renowned for its biodiversity and ecological importance. The study provides detailed descriptions of each species, including field characteristics, phenology, distribution patterns, and ecological notes, offering valuable insights into the park's rich botanical diversity. Such findings are crucial for conservation efforts, as they enhance our understanding of the region's unique ecosystems and support sustainable management practices.

A Decorated Bone 'Spatula' from Göbekli Tepe. On the Pitfalls of Iconographic Interpretations of Early Neolithic Art

Göbekli Tepe — 2017 — WHE5D475770F2

A decorated bone 'spatula' discovered at Göbekli Tepe in 2011 carries a partially preserved carved depiction featuring two hatched T-shaped forms, one of which is completely intact. This finding initially suggested an iconographic link to the site's iconic T-shaped pillars, a prominent architectural feature. However, the study cautions against overinterpreting such associations due to the fragmentary nature of the artifact and the limitations of early Neolithic art analysis. The research examines the pitfalls of drawing direct parallels between small-scale artifacts and large-scale structures in prehistoric iconography.

A disappearing world

Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar — 2017 — WHEAF571B3C6E

Porto's historic centre faces a paradoxical duality, serving as both the city's primary tourist attraction and one of its most degraded and impoverished areas. This contradiction arises from urban renewal policies that aim to revitalize the downtown area for younger, more qualified residents, while simultaneously attracting tourists. The study highlights Neil Smith's influential work on gentrification, which framed research on Porto's urban and social transformations in the early 2000s. It demonstrates how state action shifted towards a 'Back to Downtown Porto' movement, reflecting broader global strategies of urban renewal. The research empirically illustrates these changes, providing insights into the complex dynamics of urban development and social inequality.

A European Court on the Thames

Maritime Greenwich — 2017 — WHEE613CC9A8D

A three-day conference at the National Maritime Museum and Queen's House in Greenwich, UK, shed light on the significance of Greenwich Palace as a European court center between 1500 and 1750. The event, titled 'European Court Culture and Greenwich Palace, 1500–1750,' explored how the palace served as a hub for political, cultural, and social interactions among European elites. Organized by Janet D..., the conference brought together scholars to discuss courtly practices, architecture, and the palace's role in shaping European diplomacy during this period.

A few Notes on a Flying visit to Japan - Paper IV: The Torii of Japan and the Torans of India

Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi — 2017 — WHEE21F84B672

This study highlights the architectural similarities between the Torii of Japan and the stone torans of Sanchi, India. The author, during a visit to Sanchi on January 12, 1923, observed that these structures drew special attention due to their resemblance to the Torii in Japan and the pilou in China. This observation was made during a flying visit to Sanchi, which was part of a broader trip involving participation in the 10th Indian Science Congress held in Lucknow. The study emphasizes the significance of Sir John Marshall's work in documenting and excavating these Buddhist monuments, which has been crucial for understanding later archaeology in India.