Archaeological Heritage Research Articles

An Empirical Approach to Archaeological Heritage Conservation Through Tourism Planning: A Proposal in the Case of Tyana, Türkiye

ABSTRACT Archaeological heritage is too important and valuable a resource to be left to tourism professionals and/or archaeologists alone. Protecting archaeological heritage sites and transferring them to future generations is not possible only through legal regulations and archaeological studies. They need to be brought into tourism by involving local people in the scope of archaeotourism planning. To address the issue, the ancient city of Tyana was chosen as a model to theorise and design a micro-level archaeotourism plan. The study aims to reveal the significance and characteristics of the city’s archaeological heritage and to understand local people’s attitudes towards archaeotourism through qualitative research. The study revealed that local people are keen to be a part of tourism activities for better service and that the heritage site is an important chance for development. The study then proposes on how local people can contribute to tourism development in the site in line with these results.

Archaeotourist: A Novel Tourist Type in Heritage Tourism

ABSTRACT Archaeological heritage is one of the oldest attractions that have played a significant role in the promotion of cultural/heritage tourism. Due to its particular demand, we can speak of a specific type of tourist focusing on archaeological areas: the concept of archaeotourist. This study aims to define the ‘archaeotourist’ as a specific type of tourist in cultural/heritage tourism, exploring the interplay between archaeological heritage, archaeological knowledge, expectations and experiences in archaeological destinations. An interview methodology was used to support our definitional approach, and the results will provide a new conceptual perspective and close a gap in the archaeotourism literature.

Comprehensive characterization of waterlogged archaeological wood by NMR relaxometry, diffusometry, micro-imaging and cryoporometry.

Chemical, physical, and biological decay may partially or totally hide the historical and technological information carried by waterlogged wood. Investigation of the above-mentioned decay processes is essential to assess the wood preservation state, and it is important to find new methods for the consolidation and safeguarding of wooden archaeological heritage. A conventional method for assessing the wood preservation state is light microscopy. However, the method requires sample slicing, which is destructive and challenging when dealing with fragile and spongy submerged remains of heritage wood. To this end, a promising alternative non-destructive technique is proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) which considers wood as a porous system. This work aimed to perform a comprehensive analysis of structures, porosity, water distribution, decay, and possible structural inclusions of three archaeological waterlogged wood fragments of the Roman age using NMR relaxometry, micro-imaging (μ-MRI), NMR diffusometry, and NMR cryoporometry. The results were compared with a similar analysis of the three contemporary wood samples of the same species. The multimodal approach presented in this study allowed us to cover all the dimensional scales of wood, from nanometers to sub-millimeters, and reconstruct the alteration of the entire archaeological wood fragment caused by degradation.

Participatory multi-criteria decision making for optimal siting of multipurpose artificial reservoirs

Water resources management is a crucial activity due to climate change concerns and increasing water scarcity. The increase of water storage by building new artificial reservoirs is one of the most common solutions to fulfill the community’s needs for potable water, energy, irrigation, and prevention of flood risk. The siting of the reservoirs is usually assessed based on topographical and hydrological considerations. However, there are additional crucial factors, often disregarded in common engineering top-down design approaches, that should be considered to determine suitable locations, such as bio-physical, socio-economic, regulatory, and environmental factors, especially where there are competing interests in the use of territory. Involving the communities in the initial stages of the decision-making process is therefore crucial. In this work, we present a methodology, based on multi-criteria decision-making analysis (MCDA), for identifying the optimal locations for new reservoirs while simultaneously addressing all the aforementioned factors through community engagement. The presented method aims at overcoming two major challenges in existing works, i.e., retrieving quantitative information from the participatory approach and going beyond standard hydro-morphological suitability of a dam site. In a first step, an algorithm assesses a large number of sites using a Digital Elevation Model (DEM). Then, MCDA is conducted to rank all potential locations. The selection criteria are defined quantitatively, based on a territorial analysis combined with hydrological modelling. The criteria include: geometric and morphological aspects (reservoir volume, etc.), hydrological indicators (water balance, potential flood mitigation), anthropization (population, infrastructures, etc.), landscape, archaeological heritage, ecology, environmental components and natural hazards. A web-based survey tool based on the pairwise comparison is developed to engage the community in the decision-making process, allowing them to express their perspectives on the relative significance of each criterion. The application of this methodology is demonstrated through a case study in the Pesa river watershed, Italy, showcasing its effectiveness in identifying the most suitable reservoir locations while targeting the highest environmental preservation and community acceptance. The results show that sole engineering criteria might not reflect the sensibility of the community and that variations of the size of the dam can lead to distinct trade-offs between costs and benefits where interference with impact elements occurs.

Identification of subsurface archaeology at Mutaredh, United Arab Emirates, using ground penetrating radar

The United Arab Emirates holds great historical importance, as evidenced by many archaeological sites, such as the Jebel Hafit Tombs and the Hili Archeological Park in Al Ain. At the western edge of Mutaredh Oasis, a major new archaeological site was discovered in 2023 during a construction project. Several important archeological features have been documented, including an earthen mosque and boundary walls, Iron Age irrigation systems, and a circular stone tomb dating to the Bronze Age. However, the eastern edge of the Mutaredh site has remained unexplored to date. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) has been proven to be a successful method in mapping archaeological remains. Accordingly, a high-resolution GPR survey was carried out to identify the continuity of the unearthed archeological elements and delineate new unexplored features. A comprehensive 3D model of buried archaeological features was constructed using the acquired high-resolution GPR data in the eastern part of the Mutaredh site. Several selected anomalies have been observed, similar to the uncovered features in the western part of the Mutaredh site and structures documented in other nearby archaeological sites. The geometry and extension of these anomalies have enabled the possible identification of a further two Bronze Age circular tombs, as well as the delineation of a system of water channels (falaj), and irrigation networks with tree pits from the Iron Age. Moreover, walls probably belonging to the Late Islamic Age are identified. These findings suggest that Mutaredh has been a site of intensive human activity from the Bronze Age through to the Late Islamic period. Given the density of identified anomalies, further significant features are anticipated to lie buried in the immediate surrounding areas, promising continued insights into the area’s rich archaeological heritage. The findings of this study may guide archaeologists to specific locations and assist in selecting the most appropriate excavation techniques for the verification stage.

Forgotten Ecological Corridors: A GIS Analysis of the Ditches and Hedges in the Roman Centuriation Northeast of Padua

Studying historical rural landscapes beyond their archaeological and cultural significance, as has typically been addressed in previous research, is important in the context of current environmental challenges. Some historical rural landscapes, such as Roman land divisions, have persisted for more than 2000 years and may still contribute to sustainability goals. To assess this topic, the hydraulic and vegetation network of the centuriation northeast of Padua were studied, emphasising their multiple benefits. Their length, distribution, and evolution over time (2008–2022) were vectorised and measured using available digital terrain models and orthophotographs in a geographic information system (GIS). The results revealed a significant decline in the length of water ditches and hedgerows across almost all examined areas, despite their preservation being highlighted in regional and local spatial planning documents. These findings indicate the need for a better understanding of the local dynamics driving such trends and highlight the importance of adopting a more tailored approach to their planning. This study discusses the GIS metrics utilised and, in this way, contributes to landscape monitoring and restoration actions. Finally, a multifunctional approach to the sustainable planning of this area is proposed here—one that integrates the cultural archaeological heritage in question with environmental preservation and contemporary climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.

RESULTS OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELDWORK IN THE DISTRICTS OF DAK SONG AND DAK MIL, DAK NONG PROVINCE, IN 2018

This study investigates the archaeological potential of Dak Nong Province, Vietnam, as revealed by fieldwork in the Dak Song and Dak Mil districts. We conducted field surveys at various sites, resulting in the discovery of a rich prehistoric heritage in the region, despite challenges posed by complex natural conditions. While artifact distribution and concentration vary across sites, we identified significant concentrations in areas near lakes, rivers, and streams. We find that at locations such as Village 9A, volcanic Lake Dak Mil, and Tay Son Village, traces of concentration are faint. In contrast, at sites such as Dak Peur Border Gate and Tan Lap Village, there are traces of a dense population and long occupation by prehistoric people. The prehistoric inhabitants of Dak Mil and Dak Song districts often lived along lakes, rivers, and streams that did not dry up in the dry season; they lived in a large area and were highly mobile. Our preliminary research highlights the value of Dak Nong Province in studying the early stages of prehistory and cultural development in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam. This also underscores the importance of preserving and promoting archaeological heritage in Dak Mil and Dak Song districts.

THE ATTRACTIONS OF GUAR KEPAH ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE, PENANG, MALAYSIA AS AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE TOURISM SITE

The Guar Kepah archaeological site in Penang, Malaysia, has been the focus of archaeological re search since 1860, revealing important insights into the prehistoric maritime community that inhabited the area approximately 5,000 years ago. Excavations at the site have revealed human skeletons, teeth, stone tools, and pottery, providing evidence of the community's burial traditions and material culture. The primary data collected from these excavations has facilitated the development of the site's tourism sector, with plans underway to establish the Guar Kepah Archaeological Center (GKAC). This study emphasises the importance of utilising primary data to create compelling narratives that contribute to the development of archaeological heritage tour packages. The Guar Kepah site serves as a case study for the development of archaeotourism, highlighting the need for a balance between site preservation and providing authentic experience to cultural tourists. The findings from this site have the potential to shed light on human relations with aquatic habitats, the importance of the mari ne environment in human evolution and ecology, island colonisation, and the establishment of maritime trade networks. The development of the Guar Kepah site as an archaeological heritage tourism location in northern Peninsular Malaysia demonstrates the commitment of the government and stakeholders to promoting sustainable heritage tourism in the region.

Defining Boundaries of Modern Times Archaeological Heritage Sites in Izhevsk and Sarapul, Udmurt Republic

The article publishes the findings made by the staff of the Kama-Vyatka archaeological expedition from the Udmurt State University. The study aims to identify the boundaries of the sites of archaeological heritage dated the Modern Times and located in Izhevsk and Sarapul, the Udmurt Republic. The methodology for identifying the boundaries of the monuments within the urban development includes analysis of archives and maps, combination of archaeological and archival research. The fruitful efforts of the Udmurt State University team and the Udmurt Republic State Body for Protection of Cultural Heritage Sites joint in 2007–2022 allowed to determine boundaries of the Izhevsk Plant settlement, the Troitsky (Nagorny), Mikhailovsky and Nikolo-Pokrovsky cemeteries in Izhevsk, Sarapul settlement and the Voskresensky Cemetery in Sarapul. Some other towns differentiate particular zones or blocks associated with finds of the cultural layer or items. However, in contrast thereto, the boundaries of the Sarapul settlement and the Izhevsk Plant Settlement are outlined as a single territory associated with the historical part of Sarapul and Izhevsk. This allows immediate archaeological rescue works in the monuments. Izhevsk and Sarapul reveal a rather intense dynamics of setting Modern Times archaeological sites, namely – the early cemeteries and historical parts of cities

On methodology of describing archaeological porcelain and faience of Modern and Contemporary Times

The article substantiates why it is important to commit to a number of characteristics to process and describe fine ceramics from the Modern and Contemporary cultural layers and introduce these ceramics for scientific use. Such characteristics imply the material of products (porcelain, faience, semi-faience, maiolica), morphology and function (cups, saucers, plates, dishes, etc.), decor, including decoration techniques (painting, printing, decal, etc.), manufacturers’ stamps including techniques of their application (printing, decal, stamp, stencil, etc.). Archaeologists and museum experts give specific examples that illustrate what information can be extracted from a detailed description of these parameters in the archaeological porcelain and faience. This information can be used for interpretation of both the finds themselves and the cultural layer where they were discovered. The study offers separate description of specifics and significance for individual and mass finds. Individual finds in the first place serve for historical and cultural affiliation and chronology of an archaeological heritage object. Therefore, it is suggested to describe such finds committing to the characteristics that make it possible to determine the place and period of origin of the artifacts themselves as accurately as possible. Whereas mass finds are severely destroyed objects not subject to restoration. Some of them might be left behind at the site of archaeological excavations, and irretrievably lost as a consequence. That is why the research suggests options for setting out their most important historical, cultural and scientific parameters in statistic tables. The study raises problematic methodological issues regarding the possible interpretation of the statistical data obtained.

Experience in Applying Methodology for Archeological Heritage Sites Delimitation within the Settlements of Kirov and Nizhny Novgorod Regions in 2021-2022. Case Study

The paper is dedicated to methodology for archeological heritage sites delimitation within set- tlements. There are different options to justify borders of archeological heritage sites. These options are caused by significant difficulties in archeological field works in settlements. The difficulties arise due to a high level of economic development, which is represented by residential buildings and outbuildings, roads, pavements, amenities. The authors review how practice combines test-pitting, topographic situation analysis, use of historical and source maps in delimitating discovered archeological heritage sites in Nizhny Novgorod and Kirov Regions in 2021–2022. In particular, the paper describes the cases of discovery of Ancient Settlement Lvovka (1800s – early 1900s) in Lvovka, Bolsheboldinsky District, Nizhny Novgorod Region, Cultural Layer Site in the North-East of Bogorodskoe (1700s – early 1900s) in Bogorodsk, Bogorodsky District, Nizhny Novgorod Region, Cultural Layer Site at the southern edge of Diveyevo (1700s – early 1900s) in Diveyevo, Diveyevsky District, Nizhny Novgorod Region, Bogoslovskoe Cemetery of Khlynov-Vyatka (1700s – 1900s) in Kirov, Kirov Region, Ancient Settlement Pavlovo-4 in Pavlovo, Pavlovsky District, Nizhny Novgorod Region.

Studies of the cultural layer of the cities of Ufa and Birsk (based on the example of the work of the archaeological expedition of the "Ancient Ufa" museum-reserve)

The article presents the results of an analysis of the latest data of recent years, obtained during archaeological research of the first fortified settlements on the territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan. In the course of the work the analysis reviewed materials from archaeological heritage sites located in the historical center of the modern cities of Ufa (“Hillfort Ufa-II” and “Cultural layer of Ufa dated the late 18th – early 20th century at 29 Sochinskaya street”) and Birsk (“Old Birsk, historical cultural layer and burial ground”). Despite the fact that archaeological sites are subject to a significant anthropogenic influence, the obtained corpus of sources complements the information about the formation of the Russian population and their local tangible culture in chronological terms between 16th and the early 20th century. Studied fragments of pottery revealed differences and features of pottery traditions in the ornamentation, shapes of dishes and additional processing. The materials obtained from the site of Ufa-II indicate local damage (redeposited layer) of the cultural layer and no stratified layers of the New Age. Despite a more significant anthropogenic impact Sochinskaya Street is found with a local patch of preserved cultural layer dated by the period in question. Thus, it will make the reconstruction of the main stages of development of the immediate surroundings of the Ufa Kremlin possible. Alongside it will allow analysis of the adjacent territory. The research on the territory of Birsk documents a good condition of the lower cultural layer of the 17th–18th centuries. The potential of archaeological research of the city lies not only in studying the local features of the tangible culture of the local population, but also in the opportunity to describe the period of the early Russian settlement in Bashkiria in the 16th–18th centuries.

Community Engagement and Sustainable Heritage Tourism: Mediating Role of Archaeological Heritage Interpretation

ABSTRACT This article aims to explore the role of archaeological heritage interpretation in promoting sustainable heritage tourism and community engagement. Antandros heritage site in Türkiye is selected as the research case. The study employs qualitative analysis methods, to examine the archaeological heritage interpretation practices implemented by the Altinoluk Association for Recovery Conservation and Sustention of Antandros Ancient City, a local NGO in Altınoluk, Türkiye. The findings highlight the significance of archaeological heritage interpretation in sense-making and creating awareness among visitors about the value of heritage in guiding the preservation, presentation, and promotion of heritage, and engaging communities through a multi-stakeholder approach where a local NGO has a prominent position in incorporating heritage interpretation into sustainable development plans.

Disseminating archaeological heritage knowledge for development in Africa with special reference to Zimbabwe

In recent years, culture has gained recognition as a vital element in sustainable development efforts, both globally through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in Africa through the African Union’s Vision 2063. However, there remains a significant gap between the scientific community and local communities in terms of understanding and benefiting from archaeological heritage resources. This article draws on a research project conducted in north-western Zimbabwe to explore strategies for effectively engaging communities and empowering them with archaeological knowledge that is traditionally confined to academic circles. In doing so, the discussion draws attention to the need for the adoption of more inclusive approaches to the utilisation of archaeological heritage knowledge for community and national development.

Assessing the impact of the 2021 flood event on the archaeological heritage of the Rhineland (Germany)

BackgroundArchaeological sites are increasingly threatened by climate-related hazards. In response, heritage management authorities initiated projects to document damage and plan risk assessment measures. We present a project initiated after the heavy rainfall and subsequent flood event of July 2021, which involved extensive fieldwork to document the damage to archaeological sites in the Rhineland. We use this database to characterise and assess the damage and investigate site-specific and geospatial factors to identify potential predictive parameters for site damage.ResultsDuring fieldwork, we found that the flood damaged 19% of the 538 archaeological sites surveyed. The majority of damaged sites are relatively recent, dating from the medieval or modern periods, and are associated with the use of water power. Damage was mainly caused by erosion, floating debris and washout, e.g. mortar. In a case study, we tested the option of comparing pre- and post-disaster Airborne Laser Scanning elevation data to identify damages. It showed that not only the damage detected during fieldwork was found but also additional areas of loss. In general, however, and quantified based on the entire dataset, the ordnance survey Airborne Laser Scanning data were of limited use for monitoring flood-related damage and could not replace fieldwork. Our statistical analysis of possible risk factors, including both site characteristics and geospatial parameters, using Naïve Bayes Modelling and chi-squared tests, showed that no set of parameters could consistently predict the preservation or damage of archaeological sites across all catchments. In contrast, some external geospatial factors correlated with the occurrence of damage.ConclusionsThe study highlights both the strengths and limitations of the approaches used to assess and predict the damage to the archaeological heritage in the 2021 flood zones of the Rhineland. It also demonstrates the complexity of the data and spatial processes involved, which limits generalisation but can still inform decision-making for archaeological site management and on-site protection measures in flood-prone areas. With the prospect of more frequent heavy rainfall due to climate change, the specific needs of the archaeological heritage should be integrated into broader prevention and disaster management plans.

A multidisciplinary approach for the evaluation of the archaeological heritage of Borbona (Rieti, Italy)

The area of Borbona (Rieti, Italy) has been sparsely researched from a historical and archaeological perspective. In order to obtain new data on unexplored areas, a systematic study was carried out combining archaeological explorations, photogrammetric surveys and geophysical prospections. All data was stored in a Geographic Information System, which enabled spatial analysis and the creation of thematic maps. The aim of the research was to discover the unknown territory and trace its origins. The project identified ancient habitats and significant Roman architectural fragments. The research aims to pass on the history and culture of Borbona to future generations and promote a sense of belonging. The protection of historical heritage and archaeologically endangered areas as well as the enhancement and promotion of existing cultural assets are fundamental measures to increase the attractiveness of the land in the present and preserve its identity in the future.

Peculiarities of criminal liability for intentional destruction or damage to someone else’s property

The article reveals the specifics of criminal liability for intentional destruction or damage to someone else’s property provided for in Article 194 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The problematic issues of the composition of the criminal offense of intentional destruction or damage to someone else’s property are analyzed, the difference between this composition and the intentional destruction or damage to property that has special features (objects of the electric power industry, nature reserve fund, archaeological heritage, weapons, military supplies, official documents, military property, etc.). Intentional destruction or damage to someone else’s property, which has special features to be qualified according to the special norms provided for by articles: 113, 1941, 252, 258, 292, 298, 338, 357, 360, 378, 399, 411, 437, 433, 438 of the Criminal Code, is proposed. of Ukraine. On the basis of the analysis of judicial practice, it was proposed that in the case of using an explosive device, for the intentional destruction or damage of someone else’s property, such actions of the perpetrator must be additionally qualified under Part 1 of Art. 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The imperfection of the provisions of the current criminal legislation in terms of the formulation of the qualifying signs of intentional destruction or damage to property was revealed. It has been established that the current legislation of Ukraine on criminal responsibility does not include the concept of a generally dangerous method, arson, explosion, the content of the death of people, serious consequences is not disclosed. The concept of a generally dangerous method and its varieties is proposed. The concept of a generally dangerous method and its varieties is proposed. A generally dangerous method of intentional destruction or damage to property is a method that causes property, non-property, physical damage to an individual or legal entity or creates a real danger of causing such damage to two or more people. In order to avoid unnecessary differentiation of criminal law norms, it is proposed to exclude from the Criminal Code of Ukraine articles 347, 3471, 352, and part 2 of Art. 194 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine to add the sign of intentional destruction or damage to someone else’s property in connection with the person’s performance of official powers or professional duties.

Priene, a Monumental Disaster in the Aegean: Digital Approaches to the Doric Stoa’s and the Theater’s Lost Evidence

This paper uses digital approaches to investigate Priene’s (Turkey) archaeological area. The city was built ex novo, after a catastrophic earthquake around 350 BC, on a new site facing the Mediterranean Sea. The city suffered a slow decline following centuries of development and was abandoned after the 12th century. The remains of Priene were discovered in the 17th century, and different excavations and studies have been conducted in the last few centuries. The city’s remains have been studied from various archaeological and historical points of view. It is documented that the city suffered different earthquakes during its existence, as demonstrated by the partial restorations and damage patterns visible within the remains. This contribution offers a methodological and interdisciplinary approach for studying and enhancing archaeological heritage. This paper presents the preliminary results of the first comprehensive digital acquisition of the Aegean city of Priene. The digitization approaches here described focused on digital acquisition and 3D modeling restitution in the form of virtual reconstructions of two monumental buildings: the Doric Stoa near the Temple of Athena Polias and the Theater. The procedure was complementary to the analysis and comprehension of previous numerous studies carried out by British and German institutions, where digital acquisition and restitution techniques have led to the validation of previously obtained results. For the first time, digital models have been used as tools for accessing heterogeneous knowledge, and they have been incorporated into the discourse of archeological studies. Indeed, the interdisciplinary team went beyond archaeological data to attempt to digitally reconstruct monumental complexes and conduct preliminary structural evaluations scientifically.

Architectural Experimentations: New Meanings for Ancient Ruins

Starting from the critical premises that underpin the debate between archeology and architecture, some evidence emerges: sometimes, the musealization of buildings, “urban carcasses” and historical ruins—which are our legacy from the past—is even more harmful than that of any other artefact, for the purposes of their real understanding. In a country like Italy, which has archeological presences more than any other, architecture must contribute to overcoming the consolidated aporia that the Contemporary, conceived not only as a period but also and above all as its “forms and functions”, is structurally in opposition to the conservation of archeological heritage. Spatium ad Omnes, the project presented in this article, is an attempted exercise at “inhabiting archaeology”, that is, trying to re-grant inclusive usability to a historical fragment, which has lost the elements necessary for its liveability, paying attention to the reversibility of the project itself. The set of questions, doubts and steps preliminary for the design have been highlighted more than the final “figure” of the project: an essential form directly connected with the primordial principles of its constitution. Spatium ad Omnes protects and encourages visiting the complex, trying to offer new perspectives, new narratives and new connections that translate into the possibility of being—for those who visit this place—the protagonists of a unique experience made of history, memory and continuous discoveries.

Climate change and the taphonomic signature of Neolithic mounds: the Kur River Basin over five decades of satellite imagery coverage

ABSTRACT This paper discusses the impact of modern land use and climate change on mounded prehistoric sites, considering the evidence from Kur River Basin (southwestern Iran). By applying remote sensing and GIS techniques to historical and recent satellite imagery, we monitored an assemblage of 45 Neolithic mounds in order to map and quantify their taphonomic signatures over the last 53 years. Our results highlight that the deterioration of sites occurred as a result of landscape transformation due to land use and socio-economic dynamics that were exacerbated by current climate change. Increasing demands for fertile land and water led to the over-exploitation of sources, resulting in changing hydrological regimes and ecological systems and loss of the archaeological record. By contextualizing these processes over a historical perspective, our findings contribute to archaeological heritage management efforts.