Publications
Determining Rockfall Hazard and Risk in Historical Sites
Rockfall risk at the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Delphi is significant, with potential impacts ranging from low-energy events (2.5 kJ for 0.008 m³ blocks) to high-impact scenarios (thousands of kJ for 5 m³ blocks), posing threats to monuments and intangible heritage. The study employs Rockyfor3D software to model rockfall propagation, assessing reach probabilities (3–29.93%) without protective measures. Findings underscore the necessity for steel fences and interception systems to mitigate risks, balancing preservation with safety at culturally critical sites.
Combining 3D Surveying with Archaeological Uncertainty: The Metopes of the Athenian Treasury at Delphi
A novel approach to visualizing archaeological reconstructions, combining terrestrial laser scanning with probabilistic reasoning about past forms, offers multiple hypotheses for the metopes of the Athenian Treasury at Delphi. This method addresses inherent uncertainties in monument reconstruction by incorporating archaeologists' assessments of evidence, providing a dynamic 3D visualization system that reflects the complexity and variability of historical interpretations. The study demonstrates how this framework can be applied to real-world case studies, such as the positioning of metopes at Delphi, offering a more nuanced understanding of ancient structures.
Flood Hazard Mapping and Assessment on the Angkor World Heritage Site, Cambodia
A flood hazard mapping study at the Angkor World Heritage Site, Cambodia, identified nine monuments at risk from potential floods among 52 components. The research developed a flood hazard index (FHI) model using GIS and SAR data to analyze historical floods from 2007 to 2013. Key indices—flood affected frequency, absolute elevation, elevation standard deviation, and drainage density—were weighted using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Delphi method. The findings revealed that high and moderate-to-high hazard areas, primarily around the West Baray, pose no direct threat to core archaeological monuments but require attention due to their potential impact on 19.4 km² of the core zone (9.13% of its total area). Moderate hazard zones near the Siem Reap and Roluos rivers, as well as Tonle Sap Lake, were flagged as critical risks. The buffer zone, with fewer sites, showed minimal flood impact. This study offers a scalable approach for assessing flood hazards at other Southeast Asian heritage sites.
Mobile Augmented Reality Games As An Engaging Tool For Cultural Heritage Dissemination: A Case Study
Mobile augmented reality (AR) games emerge as a promising tool for engaging students with cultural heritage, particularly at open-air archaeological sites. A pilot study using the 'Oracle of Delphi app' demonstrated that location-aware AR can effectively guide secondary school students through the sacred site of Delphi, fostering playful exploration and learning about its monuments. This innovative approach addresses gaps in current literature by evaluating usability, effectiveness, and user acceptance of mobile AR in educational contexts. The research provides actionable insights for cultural heritage administrators and educators, highlighting key factors to consider when designing digital strategies for archaeological site visits. As the first such study for Delphi, it offers a model for integrating technology with heritage dissemination.
Oracles on Faults: A Probable Location of a “Lost” Oracle of Apollo Near Oroviai (Northern Euboea Island, Greece) Viewed in Its Geological and Geomorphological Context
A newly discovered archaeological site at Aghios Taxiarches, Northern Euboea, Greece, may be the location of Apollo Selinountios' 'lost' oracle. This hypothesis is supported by inscriptions on two votive stelae found in 2001 alongside Hellenistic pottery and ancient wall ruins, along with its geographical context. The site's steep bedrock escarpment, hanging valley, waterfall, and cave are linked to an active fault zone, mirroring the geological features associated with Apollo's oracle at Delphi. This connection suggests a similar function for Aghios Taxiarches, though further archaeological and geoscientific studies are needed to confirm this. The research integrates geological, geomorphological, and historical evidence to propose a significant addition to ancient Greek religious sites.
Late Helladic And Later Reuse Phases Of Kastrouli Settlement (Greece): Preliminary Dating Results
Research at the Kastrouli settlement in Delphi, Greece, reveals that this archaeological site was initially occupied during the Late Helladic period and subsequently reused across multiple historical phases, including the Middle Geometric, Early Archaic, and Classical periods. This discovery was made through a combination of optical luminescence dating (OSL) on ceramic samples and radiocarbon (C-14) dating of a bone sample, providing a preliminary but significant timeline for the site's occupation. The study highlights the site's continuous relevance in different historical contexts, offering new insights into the long-term use and significance of Delphi as a cultural and archaeological landscape.
Reconstructing concealed cultural remains through integrated geophysical tomographic methods.
Integrated geophysical tomographic methods, including Seismic Refraction Tomography (SRT), Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), successfully reconstructed buried archaeological structures at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delphi. The study demonstrated that these non-invasive techniques can accurately map subsurface cultural remains up to 5 meters deep, providing high-resolution 3-D models of walls and other features within a relatively uniform soil matrix. By employing advanced tomographic inversion algorithms for SRT and ERT data, along with signal enhancement filters for GPR, researchers validated the existence of concealed archaeological elements, offering a robust tool for cultural resource management and preservation efforts.
Towards understanding youth travel experiences in cultural heritage destinations: an integrated framework of youth cultural tourists' behaviour
Youth cultural tourists are not monolithic; their travel experiences at heritage sites like Delphi are shaped by diverse motivations, leading to distinct behavioral patterns. This study identifies two primary types of youth cultural tourists: general and specific, distinguished by factors such as individual background, ethnic origin, family/social context, education, and marketing influences. Through semi-structured interviews, the research reveals that while youth constitute a significant segment of visitors, their engagement with cultural heritage is nuanced and varies significantly. The findings underscore the need for targeted approaches in understanding and catering to youth travel behavior, offering valuable insights for both academic research and practical applications in tourism management.
Youth Visitors' Satisfaction in Greek Cultural Heritage Destinations: The Case of Delphi
Young visitors to the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Site of Delphi express high satisfaction with the site's core cultural assets, including its monuments and landscape, yet show significant dissatisfaction with man-made facilities and operational features. This indicates that while Greece's rich cultural heritage holds strong appeal for youth travelers, there is a critical need for improved infrastructure and management to fully capitalize on this market segment. The study, based on quantitative surveys of 15-35-year-olds, reveals that Delphi's youth visitors differ demographically from the broader Greek tourist population, underscoring their unique preferences and potential as a key demographic for cultural tourism development.
“Young faces in old places”: perceptions of young cultural visitors for the archaeological site of Delphi
Young cultural visitors play a crucial role in the sustainability and value maximization of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, challenging the misconception that such destinations appeal primarily to older age groups. A study at the Archaeological Site of Delphi revealed four key factors influencing young travelers' perceptions: organization and facilities, learning and experience, operation and accessibility, and place and promotion. These findings highlight the need for tourism authorities to focus on young visitors to enhance their cultural engagement and ensure positive experiences. The research, though limited to one site, provides valuable insights into the unexplored market of younger audiences and suggests that addressing their needs can lead to more sustainable management of cultural heritage sites.
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