Publications
Designing and Evaluating a Game-Based AR Application for Heritage Learning: Insights from the Choirokoitia Mystery Game
A game-based Augmented Reality (AR) application designed for heritage learning at the Neolithic site of Choirokoitia demonstrates significant pedagogical and technological potential. This study, rooted in design-based research (DBR) and multimodal theory, reveals how iterative processes can effectively integrate AR into culturally rich educational contexts. The research highlights six key phases, from aligning scenario design with project requirements to identifying future directions, showcasing the complexities and affordances of AR for exploration and collaboration. Task-oriented activities were central to the pedagogical approach, emphasizing the importance of multimodal contexts in enhancing learning experiences within higher education settings.
Khirokitia, an idiosyncratic Neolithic settlement in Cyprus, its putative foreign relations, and integrity in archaeological research
A groundstone artifact claimed by archaeologist James Mellaart to have originated from the northern Levant and been found at the Neolithic site of Khirokitia in Cyprus was determined to never have existed. The study, which scrutinized Mellaart's archaeological records from the 1960s–70s alongside recent research, found no citation or physical evidence supporting the claim. This case is part of a broader pattern of suspect claims by Mellaart over six decades, highlighting the serious academic consequences of fabricating ancient material culture. The research underscores the need for greater attention to integrity in archaeological studies.
Le Brun A. (dir.) 2021 – Fouilles récentes à Khirokitia (Chypre) 1993-2009, Nicosie, Département des Antiquités, Chypre, 444 p. Par Maxence Bailly
Recent excavations at Choirokoitia, Cyprus, have significantly advanced our understanding of Neolithic architecture in the Eastern Mediterranean. The site's unique domestic structures, characterized by multi-room houses with central courtyards, offer unprecedented insights into early settlement patterns and social organization. Maxence Bailly's analysis of findings from 1993 to 2009 builds upon earlier research, providing a comprehensive documentation that challenges conventional narratives about Neolithic development in the region. The study employs a meticulous archaeological approach, combining stratigraphic analysis with artifact studies to reconstruct daily life and cultural practices during this pivotal period.
Monitoring Climate Change in Cultural Heritage Sites Through Enhanced Visualisation Experiences and Crowdsourcing
Climate change poses significant threats to cultural heritage sites, necessitating innovative risk assessment and mitigation strategies. The TRIQUETRA project addresses this challenge by integrating advanced technologies such as remote sensing, laser-based spectroscopy, and crowdsourcing to monitor climate risks at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Choirokoitia in Cyprus. This approach quantifies the severity of hazards, tracks their progression, and informs adaptive preservation measures. By leveraging a dynamic web and mobile platform, TRIQUETRA engages citizens and visitors to contribute real-time data through photo uploads, enhancing 3D models and providing stakeholders with actionable insights. Additionally, immersive Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) experiences enrich visitor engagement while raising awareness about climate-induced vulnerabilities. The project establishes a scalable framework that combines technological innovation with community participation to safeguard cultural heritage globally.
Monitoring cultural heritage sites at risk using citizen engagement through crowdsourcing
Climate change poses significant risks to cultural heritage sites, threatening their physical integrity and the socio-economic systems they support. The TRIQUETRA project addresses these challenges by integrating advanced technologies like remote sensing and laser-based spectroscopy with citizen engagement through crowdsourcing. This innovative approach enables visitors to actively participate in monitoring by capturing and uploading site photos, which complement existing 3D models and provide up-to-date imagery for authorities. The project also incorporates augmented reality (AR) experiences to raise awareness about at-risk features and structural vulnerabilities. Applied to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Choirokoitia in Cyprus, TRIQUETRA offers a replicable framework that enhances risk assessment and promotes active preservation efforts, benefiting cultural heritage sites globally.
Alain Le Brun (dir.), avec les contributions de L. Astruc, Fr. Briois, J. Clarke, O. Daune-Le Brun, S. J. M. Davis, A. Legrand-Pineau et C. Mourer-Chauviré, Fouilles récentes à Khirokitia (Chypre) 1993-2009
Recent excavations at Khirokitia (Cyprus), spanning from 1993 to 2009, have shed new light on the significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site as a key Neolithic settlement in the Eastern Mediterranean. Occupied primarily during the 7th and early 6th millennia cal. BC, Khirokitia's strategic location on a steep hillside, bordered by the Maroni River, offers unique insights into early human adaptation and societal organization. This monographic volume, building upon Porphyrios Dikaios' seminal work from 1953, presents detailed findings from extensive archaeological research, contributing significantly to our understanding of Neolithic Mediterranean cultures.
Étude fonctionnelle de l’industrie lithique taillée
A pioneering functional analysis of lithic tools from Choirokoitia, Cyprus, reveals diverse subsistence and craft activities during the late 10th to early 9th millennium BCE. The study confirms that pedunculated points and lustrous flakes served as projectile armatures and sickle elements, respectively, while also identifying tools for processing animal hides, bones, shells, and plant materials like reeds. Low tool-wear rates suggest a mixed-use context, blending on-site knapping with subsistence tasks (hunting, harvesting) and small-scale artisan work. Findings contextualize Cypro-PPNA industries within broader Neolithic trajectories in Cyprus, drawing parallels to Shillourokambos and Khirokitia, while also comparing them to contemporary Mureybet III sites in the Euphrates valley.
The extinct small Cypriot wild boar (Sus scrofa circeus): osteological description, origins, and insular evolution
A new subspecies of extinct wild boar, Sus scrofa circeus, has been identified from Cyprus, characterized by significant insular evolution. This small Cypriot wild boar exhibited a 13% size reduction compared to its Near Eastern continental counterpart and displayed unique morphological traits, including reduced dewclaws and molar forms resembling those of the Corsico-Sardinian subspecies. The study, based on comprehensive morphometric analyses of 2814 linear measurements and geometric morphometrics, suggests that these boars originated from Late Glacial populations in the north Levant plains rather than southern regions. Furthermore, domestic pigs in Cyprus were locally domesticated from this endemic wild boar around 7500 BC, with no detectable continental input.
The monitoring of cultural heritage sites using digital twins
Digital twins offer a transformative approach for monitoring and preserving cultural heritage sites, providing dynamic visualization to track changes caused by natural hazards and climate change. This study highlights their potential as tools for documentation, monitoring, and management, with case studies demonstrating their application in real-world scenarios. Notably, the TRIQUETRA project uses Choirokoitia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Neolithic settlements in the Mediterranean, to assess the impact of climate change and natural hazards on cultural heritage. Additionally, digital twins were employed during archaeological excavations at Panagia Karmiotissa church, a 14th-century site, under the EXCELSIOR project. These examples showcase the versatility and effectiveness of digital twins in safeguarding cultural heritage through advanced techniques.
The Triquetra Knowledge Base Platform
A groundbreaking electronic repository, the TRIQUETRA Knowledge Base Platform (KBP), has been developed to centralize and streamline access to diverse data related to Cultural Heritage (CH) sites. This platform integrates a comprehensive database of literature review outputs with an advanced WebGIS system, enabling users to efficiently search and retrieve relevant information from multiple datasets. The KBP's architecture supports complex data types and interdependencies, offering robust functionalities that extend beyond its initial project scope. By leveraging cutting-edge technological stacks, the platform demonstrates significant potential for expansion and application in broader cultural heritage contexts.
The Triquetra Knowledge Base Platform
A digital innovation, the TRIQUETRA Knowledge Base Platform (KBP), has been developed to serve as a comprehensive electronic repository for cultural heritage data. This platform integrates advanced search tools and WebGIS capabilities, enabling efficient discovery of information related to multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Choirokoitia. The KBP's architecture supports diverse datasets, from literature reviews to geospatial data, with potential for future expansion beyond its initial scope. By leveraging a robust technological stack, the platform demonstrates how integrated systems can enhance accessibility and analysis of cultural heritage information.
The Use of Digital Twins for the Management of Cultural Heritage Sites
Digital twins emerge as powerful tools for managing UNESCO World Heritage Sites, particularly those vulnerable to natural hazards. A study highlights their potential in monitoring and mitigating risks like rockfall at Choirokoitia, a well-preserved Neolithic site in Cyprus. Using 3D volumetric models and augmented reality (AR) applications, the EXCELSIOR and TRIQUETRA projects demonstrate how digital twins can dynamically visualize sites, track changes from climate-induced stress, and enhance visitor experiences. The research also assesses long-term risks posed by extreme weather and seasonal variations, offering a proactive approach to preserving cultural heritage. This method combines state-of-the-art techniques with practical applications, setting a precedent for safeguarding vulnerable archaeological sites.
Travail des matières osseuses et productions associées : la particularité de Klimonas
A unique bone-working tradition emerged among Pre-Pottery Neolithic A (PPNA) villagers at Klimonas, Choirokoitia, Cyprus. Unlike continental practices, artisans here predominantly used direct shaping and extraction techniques—particularly longitudinal bilateral grooving—to produce pointed tools from elongated supports, often from bird or suid bones. This method, rare on the continent but common in nearby Levantine contexts, suggests a distinct Cypriot adaptation. The study, based on 43 bone artifacts (including waste and finished products), reveals local autonomy in tool production while hinting at broader techno-cultural exchanges between Cyprus and the Levant, with potential shifts observed across later Neolithic periods.
Developing augmented reality applications to promote digital storytelling: The cases of Choirokoitia and Sandby Borg
Research demonstrates that augmented reality (AR) game-based scenarios, grounded in digital storytelling and Kucher's framework for digital game-based learning, can significantly enhance interactive and immersive educational experiences at UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The study applied this approach to two distinct sites—Choirokoitia, a Neolithic village in Cyprus, and Sandby Borg, an Iron Age Ringfort in Sweden—developing scenarios that promote exploration, problem-solving, collaboration, and learning about cultural artifacts and values. By employing a bottom-up design process, the research integrated constructive evaluative feedback and flexible exploration paths, aiming to deepen users' engagement with heritage sites while fostering a deeper understanding of historical contexts.
From Khirokitia to Mars
A groundbreaking exhibition blurs the line between Earth and Mars by leveraging the social sustainability principles of Khirokitia, a UNESCO-listed Neolithic settlement in Cyprus. The research proposes that collaborative awareness and egalitarian participation—key traits of Khirokitian society—can serve as a model for future Martian communities. By activating spaces in three-dimensional and temporal dimensions, the exhibition explores how human curiosity and persistence, mirrored by modern aspirations to colonize Mars, can foster sustainable social structures. This innovative approach merges archaeology, architecture, and futurism, offering a blueprint for equitable space habitation.
Monitoring natural and geo- hazards at cultural heritage sites using Earth observation: the case study of Choirokoitia, Cyprus
A novel approach combining Earth observation techniques, such as SAR and InSAR, with in-situ methods reveals significant potential for monitoring natural hazards at cultural heritage sites. The study, focusing on Choirokoitia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cyprus, demonstrates that these techniques can effectively identify and analyze ground deformation and rockfall risks induced by climate change and seasonal stressing actions. By employing PSI analysis, GNSS stations, UAVs, and photogrammetry, the research provides a systematic framework for early risk recognition, enabling effective conservation planning and visitor safety measures. This methodology offers a scalable solution for monitoring vulnerable cultural heritage sites worldwide.
Changing with the Years
A significant shift in the built area of Khirokitia, an Aceramic Neolithic village in Cyprus, occurred around the end of the 7th millennium cal BC, marking a pivotal moment in its history. This change is evidenced by variations in spatial extent and organization, revealing a dynamic relationship between the village and its environment. Hydromorphological analysis of the nearby riverbed indicates increased torrential flows and erosion, suggesting erratic precipitation patterns during the village's occupation. The study investigates how these environmental changes influenced subsistence strategies, craft techniques, architectural practices, social organization, and rituals, providing insights into the adaptability and resilience of early human settlements.
Exploitation des ressources végétales et impact environnemental des premiers peuplements humains à Chypre : approches anthraclogique et carpologique
Archaeological research at Chypre's Choirokoitia reveals significant human-environment interactions during the 9th to 6th millennia BCE, marked by a transition from hunter-gatherer practices to agriculture and pastoralism. The study, employing anthracological and carpological analyses, demonstrates that early settlements exploited diverse local plant resources within richer, more varied ecosystems than those observed today. Notably, it identifies a major shift in vegetation dynamics around 6800-5500 BCE, coinciding with the reorganization of Khirokitia village, suggesting both climatic and anthropogenic influences, particularly fire. The research also highlights the biogeographical significance of indigenous taxa like carob and almond trees, contributing to long-term paléoenvironmental understanding and opening new avenues for studying plant resource management in insular Mediterranean contexts.
Probable Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) in Pre-Pottery Neolithic Cyprus
A probable case of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), a rare condition characterized by abnormal bone growth, has been identified in a male individual from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic site of Khirokitia in Cyprus, dating to the 7th-early 6th millennium BC. This discovery represents the first documented instance of DISH in the Eastern Mediterranean and Near East during this period, offering new insights into the health status of early Neolithic populations. The study, based on a paleopathological examination of one of the largest series of human remains (MNI = 243) from this era, also revealed co-occurring osteoarthritis in the affected individual. This finding contributes to our understanding of skeletal disorders in prehistoric societies and their potential impact on population health.
A Virtual Tour of a Hardly Accessible Archaeological Site: The Effect of Immersive Virtual Reality on User Experience, Learning and Attitude Change
Virtual reality (VR) enhances user experience and presence but may not always improve learning outcomes compared to traditional desktop interfaces. A study on the archaeological site of Choirokoitia demonstrated that while VR users reported higher levels of immersion and positive experiences, participants using a desktop version showed greater learning gains. No significant differences were observed in attitude changes toward Cypriot archaeology between the two groups. The research involved creating an interactive digital reconstruction of the site accessible via both VR and desktop systems, followed by a feasibility study comparing these technologies to guide future applications based on user objectives.
Monitoring cultural heritage sites affected by geohazards
A proactive approach to assessing geo-hazards in cultural heritage sites, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Choirokoitia in Cyprus, reveals that long-term monitoring can significantly enhance risk assessment and conservation planning. Unlike traditional reactive strategies, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of low-impact techniques like UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and geodetic methods to monitor structural deformation and surrounding geological contexts. By integrating these technologies, researchers can identify potential geo-hazards early, enabling more sustainable and cost-effective conservation efforts. This case study underscores the importance of understanding the broader geological and geotechnical environment to mitigate risks and prioritize maintenance policies for heritage sites.
Monitoring ground deformation of cultural heritage sites using UAVs and geodetic techniques: the case study of Choirokoitia, JPI PROTHEGO project
A novel approach using UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and geodetic techniques demonstrates significant potential for monitoring ground deformation at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, exemplified by the case study of Choirokoitia. The research highlights that high-resolution data collected via UAVs, combined with precise geodetic measurements, can effectively track subtle changes in terrain, offering a scalable solution for preserving cultural heritage. This method provides a non-invasive alternative to traditional surveying, enabling real-time assessment and long-term monitoring of site integrity. The study underscores the importance of integrating advanced remote sensing technologies into conservation efforts to mitigate risks posed by environmental factors or human activity.
The use of UAVs to monitor archeological sites: the case study of Choirokoitia within the PROTHEGO project
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) emerged as a transformative tool for monitoring UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering high-resolution data collection and analysis. This study demonstrated their effectiveness at Choirokoitia, a Neolithic settlement in Cyprus, showcasing UAVs' ability to capture detailed topographic and archaeological features without ground disturbance. By integrating multispectral imaging with photogrammetry, researchers generated precise 3D models and orthomosaics, revealing micro-topographical variations and structural details that are critical for site preservation and analysis. The approach not only enhanced documentation but also provided a scalable solution for large-scale heritage monitoring within the PROTHEGO project.
Methodology for locale-scale monitoring for the PROTHEGO project: the Choirokoitia case study
A novel methodology for locale-scale monitoring of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, demonstrated at Choirokoitia in Cyprus, integrates multiple geospatial techniques to assess ground stability and deformation risks. The study combines radar interferometry (InSAR) with field measurements—including static GNSS, total station surveys, leveling, laser scanning, and UAV data—to validate and refine satellite-derived motion data. By systematically comparing in-situ observations with Persistent Scatterer Interferometry results over two decades, the research aims to identify micro-movements and geohazards threatening archaeological remains. Additionally, it uses archival and current optical satellite images to calibrate risk assessments and urban expansion analyses, providing ground truth for land-use change classification. This approach offers a robust framework for monitoring cultural heritage sites vulnerable to geological instability.
You are here:
World Heritage Explorer > World Heritage Research > World Heritage Sites > Choirokoitia