Based on Archard’s friction theory, an Archard model considering both anthropogenic wear (related to gait, material hardness, and wear coefficient) and environmental weathering wear is established to predict stair wear depth distribution. A probabilistic model for pedestrian footprint distribution is developed using the beta function (for footfall timing), two-dimensional normal distribution (for footfall center), and random step angle deflection. Monte Carlo simulation is applied to generate random pedestrian stepping events, simulating movement tendencies (up/down) and habits (single/side-by-side walking). Model validation shows good agreement between predicted wear volume (15540 cm³) and actual data (15303 cm³). Sensitivity analyses confirm model stability. Results indicate that step wear morphology can infer pedestrian habits, step age, and refurbishment history, providing valuable references for ancient site research.

To understand ancient hominins' locomotion, our best comparison is with modern humans, and it is easiest to study humans walking in a laboratory setting. However, trackways made on tile or concrete might not be representative of those made in softer substrates like dirt or sand, suggesting that some laboratory studies might not be applicable to ancient hominins. Therefore, a number of authors have considered different substrates in their experiments and sometimes have tried to match the substrates in the laboratory with those at various ancient sites. We expand on those efforts by evaluating some aspects of human trackways that might be expected to differ in different substrates. A group of 20 subjects walked on hard, medium, and soft substrates, and three parameters were measured: foot angle, step length, and step width. Linear, mixed-effects regression was used to evaluate the effects of substrate on these parameters. Step width (p = 0.74) and step length (p = 0.19) were not significantly affected by substrate type. However, foot angle was (p = 0.002). Even so, the effect was very small and substrate accounted for only 1% of the variation in foot angle, whereas individual variation accounted for 50%. Also, the variance of all three measured parameters increased with softer substrates. This work on trails of footprints complements pre-existing research on individual prints on various substrates. Results here are encouraging for those interested in laboratory research to compare modern human trackways with those of ancient hominins. Even trackways produced on hard floors are similar to those made in softer, sandy substrates and may therefore be useful in understanding our ancient relatives' locomotion. However, because variation in parameters increases as the substrate becomes softer, some differences due to substrate may be obscured by large variances.

Archaeobotanists often come across small, amorphous carbonized objects (ACOs) in their flotation samples. Although their identification remains difficult and requires a range of characterization techniques, the study of ACOs recovered from sites in Europe and the Levant have allowed researchers to reconstruct ancient recipes. However, similar materials from sites in pre-Hispanic Central America have been overlooked, hampering our understanding of their ancient cooking traditions. This article proposes a new pipeline to study such remains through three types of non-destructive imaging techniques: optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and synchrotron radiation-based phase-contrast X-ray computed microtomography (SR micro-CT), key techniques to consider for the imaging of archaeological materials. The approach was developed by establishing a reference collection from modern foods based on traditional ingredients (e.g., maize, manioc) used in the region of interest. This pipeline was then tested on archaeological samples from the ancient site of Teotihuacan (Mexico), which successfully captured the presence of the remains of complex, multi-component food preparations from a feasting context. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time in which the combination of imaging techniques has been used to discriminate between actual food remains, or simply seeds or plant parts in archaeological contexts from Prehispanic Central America. This study allows to shed more light on ancient recipes and culinary traditions and can be applied more broadly to other contexts in Mesoamerica.

Earthen sites are ancient sites that hold significant historical, cultural, and scientific value, with earth serving as the primary building material [...]

ABSTRACT India has 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 56 sites on the ‘Tentative List’ and numerous sites of cultural importance. However, comprehensive information on their historical and morphological development is limited despite their significance, as few heritage sites have been systematically documented. This paper examines the historical developments that have shaped the evolution, the existing characteristics of the built environment, and the challenges of Ekamra Kshetra, one of the prominent ancient sites currently included in the UNESCO ‘Tentative’ World Heritage list. The methodological framework adopted for this research included an extensive review of literature, field observations, cartography, and systematic documentation addressing the historical evolution of the site, the characteristics of its existing built environment, and its developmental challenges. Additionally, in-depth interviews with experts on this subject were conducted to understand the site’s existing issues better. The outcomes of this research delineate the morphological development patterns and transformations of the architectural characteristics of Ekamra Kshetra. Furthermore, this research highlighted that mismanagement, poor planning and inadequate conservation practices have resulted in the loss of heritage identity for this 2500-year-old site. The findings aim to provide a series of guidelines for decision-makers to formulate policies for the conservation and sustainable management of Ekamra Kshetra.

Abstract Manuscripts dating from the second-century bce to the first-century ce, recently recovered from tombs and other ancient sites, provide new details on the transmission of medical knowledge and practices in the early imperial era in China. The texts show that the correlative cosmology reflected in the transmitted medical canons was not fully formed in the early imperial era and that the definitions for illnesses and for parts of the inner body remained in flux. Notably, they show the persistence of ancient understandings traceable to the pre-imperial era, including the reliance on demonic or supernatural explanations of disease. This essay reviews the recently discovered bamboo texts written on the subject of the “heart” (xin 心) and notes that, while it is obvious that the transmitted medical literature had certainly been influenced by the practices and ideas reflected in the recovered manuscripts, the transmitted canons represent an endpoint of ideological development that was not yet achieved during the Qin-Han era.

Cities ‘Lost’ and ‘Found’: The Impact of Western Research on Ancient Sites in the Perception of their Urbanism

In the 19th century, the British archaeologist Sir Alexander Cunningham identified the remains of an unidentified Buddhist monastery at Jamāl Gaṛhī, an ancient site located approximately 13 km from present-day Mardān, Pakistan. Subsequent excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India between 1920 and 1921 unearthed a schist inscription dated to the year “359”. Heinrich Lüders, the renowned German Indologist and epigraphist, attributed this inscription to the Dharmaguptaka sect/school. Despite this early attribution, the Monastery’s precise sectarian characteristics have remained largely unexplored in later scholarship. This article reevaluates the site’s sectarian identity by employing a “ground-to-text” methodology that integrates archaeological evidence with textual analysis, with a particular focus on the Chinese translation of the Dharmaguptaka Vinaya. Through this comparative framework, this study seeks to elucidate the religious ideas reflected in the site’s material culture and their relationship with Dharmaguptaka disciplinary thought. The analysis encompasses the architectural remnants of the stūpa excavated by Cunningham and the “Fasting Buddha” statuary, now preserved in the National Museum of Pakistan, the British Museum, and other sites, situating these artifacts within the distinctive visual and contemplative traditions linked to the Dharmaguptaka Vinaya. By integrating architectural, sculptural, textual, and epigraphic materials, this article provides a nuanced understanding of sectarian developments at Jamāl Gaṛhī and argues that an explicit emphasis on the ‘Middle Way’ ideology constituted a defining feature of the Dharmaguptaka tradition during this period.

The year of 2025 witnesses the 50th birthday of archaeologist Fedor N. Petrov, Ph D. This bibliographic note examines the main milestones of the researcher’s activity, his contribution to the study of the Bronze Age, Ancient Russian archeology, mythology and the worldview of ancient societies. The main area of his scientific interests since school years is the Bronze Age of the Southern Trans- Urals. His leadership resulted in discovering and studying many Bronze Age sites in the steppe and forest- steppe territory of the Chelyabinsk region. One of his important research directions involves a study of megalithic sites that has not been systematically studied before. The excavations of Levoberezhnoye settlement (Sintashta II) in 2016-2019 was a great contribution to the study of the fortified settlements of the Sintashta culture. F. N. Petrov is also the author of a number of scientific papers on ceramics, metal cutting and piercing tools and other objects of Bronze Age material culture. Other areas of his activity include exploration and excavation of ancient sites in the Moscow region, scientific expeditions to study the worldview of nomadic peoples in Altai and Mongolia, the study of eschatological myth, etc.

Abstract This article deals with the first example of measures taken by the state of Montenegro to preserve its ancient cultural heritage. Based on archival material from the State Archives of Montenegro, it deals with the period after the international recognition of this small Balkan state at the Congress of Berlin in 1878. In July 1882, some local residents invaded the most important ancient site in Montenegro, Doclea (Duklja), and robbed one of the site's most important tombs. Then, they took the excavated finds to Shkodër (Skadar) – which is part of present‐day Albania but belonged to the Ottoman Empire at the time – with the intention of selling everything. The Montenegrin government launched an investigation, arrested two suspects and launched a manhunt for the other two who were in Shkodër to return the artefacts they had taken. Previously unused archival sources show that the Montenegrin government was prepared to make maximum efforts to retrieve its stolen cultural heritage. The case thus sheds light on the emerging government policy of the preservation of old cultural heritage in the new state.

The paper dedicated to the 85th birth anniversary of the renowned scientist Lidiya Ivanovna Ashikhmina analyzes her contributions to the archaeological study of the Udmurt Pre-Kama region. The chronology and geography of the expeditions with her participation are being reconstructed. In the late 1960s–mid-1970s, the ancient sites of the Pre-Kama region were the main object of study of the Nizhnekamsk archaeological expedition. The formation of L. I. Ashikhmina as a field researcher took place during these years, which was facilitated by her involvement in large-scale archaeological work from her student days, and the general atmosphere of intense scientific life, and the unquestionable authority of her scientific supervisor V. F. Genin. The professional background of the researcher includes the discovery and study of more than 30 archaeological sites in the Udmurt Pre-Kama region alone. L. I. Ashikhmina’s views on the development of the antiquities of the Pre-Kama region in the Late Bronze – Early Iron Ages have been adjusted over the past 50 years, but primarily due to the multiple increase in archaeological sources, they are still an important part of the history of archaeological study of the Pre-Kama region and, more broadly, the Volga-Kama region.

ABSTRACT Interventions on built and archaeological heritage require a comprehensive understanding of all its components, particularly the building materials used and the construction techniques employed. To assist various stakeholders involved in restoration and reconstruction efforts, a Digital Materials Library (DML) dedicated to the Algerian heritage is being developed. This tool will serve as a knowledge system, covering ancient materials from different regions and historical periods. The aim of this paper is to propose a methodological framework for identifying the most common materials used during the Roman period in Algeria. The study, based on an analysis of three ancient sites — Timgad, Djemila, and Tipaza — led to the identification of a range of materials that have been categorized into three major families: Clay-based materials, natural mineral stones, and wood. The discussion explores different applications of these materials, drawing from on-site observations of existing examples and reliable sources. It also examines the origin of materials, both local and imported, shedding light on the trade networks that linked these sites to material sources. Finally, the article considers the current availability of certain replacement materials, which is crucial for future reconstruction efforts.

The Surkhan Valley in Uzbekistan is a significant archaeological region rich in ancient sites that offer valuable insights into Central Asian history. The integration of digital technologies has transformed the study and preservation of these archaeological treasures. This article explores the impact of digital tools such as 3D laser scanning, photogrammetry, GIS, and remote sensing on documenting, reconstructing, and analyzing the ancient sites of the Surkhan Valley. These technologies facilitate precise recording, virtual visualization, and non-invasive exploration, ensuring the protection and accessibility of cultural heritage for future generations. Additionally, digital platforms enhance public engagement and educational outreach, fostering a broader appreciation of the region’s historical significance. The paper underscores the crucial role of digital innovations in advancing archaeological research and heritage conservation in the Surkhan Valley.

Over the past several decades, archaeological and historical sites and monuments have faced significant challenges from antiquities looting, particularly as the political strife on the ground has intensified. This ongoing global phenomenon has led to the partial or complete destruction of hundreds of thousands of ancient sites and features, as well as the removal of a large number of art and archaeological objects from their contexts without any kind of documentation. Over the past few decades, looters have increasingly relied on supernatural intermediaries, such as jinn and dowsing rods, to identify buried treasures and other valuable objects, causing damage to archaeological sites and the irretrievable loss of cultural heritage. The two principal goals of this study are to describe a deadly accident involving antiquities looters digging a10-meter-deep shaft-tunnel in Tulkarm, Palestine, and to present the results of a "dowsing blind test" undertaken immediately following that horrific catastrophe

Abstract This study delves into the comprehensive examination of an anta capital discovered during the 2008 excavations at the ancient site of Alabanda in Caria, now housed in the Aydın Archaeological Museum. Employing a typological and stylistic analysis, the research attributes the capital to the latter part of the fifth century BC, emphasising its intricate architectural ornamentation and sculptural details that reflect significant artistic and cultural developments of the period. The capital features elaborate ornament bands and mythological reliefs, including depictions of Bellerophon-Pegasus and Chimera, and a griffin attacking a horse, which are analysed for their iconographic and symbolic significance within the broader Anatolian and Mediterranean contexts. The study also explores the potential original architectural setting of the capital, suggesting its use in a monumental tomb, a hypothesis supported by its dimensions and decorative complexity. Furthermore, the article discusses the role of such imagery in asserting local identities and engaging with wider Hellenic cultural and political themes, particularly considering the complex interactions between local Carian traditions and the dominant Greek culture of the period. The findings not only contribute to our understanding of Carian art and architecture but also highlight the region’s active participation in the cultural dialogues of the Classical world.

This article explores the evolving discursive strategies of international and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) opposing the construction of the Ilisu Dam in Turkey in light of broader conflict dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Ilisu Dam, a cornerstone of Turkey’s Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP), has sparked significant controversy because of its environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic ramifications, including large-scale displacement and the destruction of ancient sites. This study examines how NGOs have strategically reframed their opposition over time, incorporating arguments around human rights, cultural heritage, and international law to complement environmental advocacy. Central to this analysis is the Mesopotamian identity marker as a unifying discursive tool, which contrasts with the divisive nationalist rhetoric and aims to foster regional solidarity and international cultural engagement. Process tracing was employed to identify the critical stages of these strategic adaptations, highlighting the role of shifting geopolitical conditions, transnational alliances, and identity framing in influencing public perception and advocacy outcomes. The findings underscore how such strategies resonate with regional and global audiences, shaping cross-border support and pressuring external stakeholders. By situating the Ilisu Dam controversy within the context of regional conflicts over resources, identities, and governance, this article contributes to the understanding of how local and transnational actors navigate the complex intersections of environmental and socio-political challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Cultural tourism in the form of faith-based tourism is becoming very popular among both Thai and foreign tourists. This can be seen from the religious activities that occur almost all year round. This type of tourism often creates encouragement for tourists who come to experience it. Nakhon Si Thammarat is an ancient city with cultural and artistic significance. With its potential in tourism, Nakhon Si Thammarat has become a city that tourists have continuously traveled to experience up until now. The objective of this research is to find the spatial distribution of cultural tourism sites of the type of faith-based tourism in Buddhism in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand, and to create a map of the cultural tourism route of faith-based tourism in Buddhism using geographic information technology. The methodology was obtained from field surveys by recording the coordinates of faith-based cultural tourism attractions with Global Positioning System (GPS) and using geographic information systems for mapping. It also adopts the principle of analyzing the density of attractions with Kernel Density. The results of the study found that the Kernel Density showed a high level of density in the eastern coastal plain region of the study area. It can be divided into 3 zones: the northern zone, the central zone, and the urban zone. The northern zone showed that the density of cultural tourist attractions is between 0.002-0.006 km2 . The central zone showed that the density of cultural tourist attractions was between 0.006-0.014 km2 . And the urban zone showed that the density of cultural tourist attractions was more than 0.014 km2 . In addition, there are as many as 16 Buddhist faith-based cultural tourist attractions, including temples, ancient sites, antiques, government offices, and naturally occurring sites. The tourism planning map can be organized within 4 days and 3 nights for tourism in 3 zones in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. For planning each day's tourism, it can be seen that on the first day, it is recommended to finish touring the northern zone first, because it takes time to travel to various places because they are far apart. On the second day, it will be touring the central part of the study area, mostly ancient cities, important historical sites. On the third day, it will be touring the Nakhon Si Thammarat city area, where each tourist attraction is close to each other. This research is useful for tourism agencies, local communities, local tour guides, and both Thai and foreign tourists.

Information on the ancient sites near Cape Shmidt (Iultin District of Chukotka Autonomous Okrug) is provided. Ancient archaeological objects in the area were first discovered by polar explorer A. E. Nordenskiold in the 19th century. In the late 1950s and the mid-1970s, archaeologist N. N. Dikov studied ancient Exkimo graves and dwelllings. T. S. Tein continued excavating an Old Bering Sea dwelling. The article presents unpublished materials obtained by T. S. Tein as a result of these works. The collection includes tools and artifacts made of stone, bone, and wood, as well as ceramics. Most of those are characteristic for the Old Bering Sea culture. The inhabitants of the dwelling were sea hunters. The materials complement the understanding of the Old Bering Sea culture and the tool set of the researched dwelling.

Archaeological excavations conducted during the construction of the Museum of the Acropolis in Athens exposed an urban neighbourhood dated from the classical to the Byzantine periods. This discovery induced a modification of the original architectural plan: museum and excavation were combined into a unique exhibition ensemble. Its visitors further created another, peculiar and makeshift, spatial innovation in the excavation quarters. This study focuses upon multiple enacted receptions of historical spaces on the site, diachronically. Byzantine dwellers perceived and used the ancient site; the Museum creators integrated the Byzantine neighbourhood; contemporary visitors spontaneously signified the entire complex with new symbolic meaning.

In recent years, significant progress has been achieved in the study of the spatial and temporal distribution of ancient sites and their influencing factors. As an integral component of the pluralistic unity of Chinese civilization, the ancient Shu civilization exhibits unique cultural characteristics and historical significance, rendering the Sichuan region a critical area for exploring the origins and development of Chinese civilization. However, existing research lacks a comprehensive compilation of archaeological sites across the entirety of Sichuan Province, and analyses of spatial and temporal distribution characteristics and their influencing factors often lack multi-scale and multi-dimensional perspectives. This study systematically compiles site data from Sichuan Province and employs GIS spatial analysis methods to examine the distribution characteristics of sites and their relationship with natural geographical factors from a geographical spatial perspective. The findings reveal that site distribution in Sichuan Province exhibits significant clustering, predominantly concentrated near rivers and in higher elevation areas. Factors such as altitude, slope, and proximity to water significantly influence site distribution. In terms of altitude, the elevation of sites’ distribution generally declined from the Stone Age to the Warring States period, dropping below 1000 m during the Shang to Spring and Autumn periods before rising again. Regarding proximity to water, a substantial proportion of sites across all periods are located within a 1 km buffer zone, with approximately 50% during the Stone Age and Warring States period, and up to 70% during the Shang to Spring and Autumn periods, indicating a preference for areas close to water for settlement and production. In terms of slope, most sites across historical periods are located in areas with slopes below 15°, with the highest number of sites during the Shang to Spring and Autumn periods. The evolution of human–environment relationships demonstrates a trend of site concentration shifting from plateau to basin areas from the Stone Age to the Warring States period, reflecting changes in population movement, economic development patterns, and socio-political structures. The research provides new insights into the evolution of human–environment relationships in the region and offers valuable references for related studies.