Next Issue
Volume 8, July
Previous Issue
Volume 8, May
 
 

Heritage, Volume 8, Issue 6 (June 2025) – 54 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Advances in 3D printing technology, miniature computing and laser technology offer exciting new opportunities for numismatics. They enable the development of low-cost, portable analysis devices that can replace complex and expensive laboratory equipment. This opens up the opportunity to examine coins directly at the point of discovery and create comprehensive data sets. This study demonstrates this potential using specular laser reflectometry, a non-destructive method that has been used to allocate Roman coins to minting locations. Using three series of coins, it was shown that this technique enables on-site analysis. The results were validated by comparison with X-ray fluorescence analysis and indicate statistical correlations between coin series and specific minting locations. View this paper
  • Issues are regarded as officially published after their release is announced to the table of contents alert mailing list.
  • You may sign up for e-mail alerts to receive table of contents of newly released issues.
  • PDF is the official format for papers published in both, html and pdf forms. To view the papers in pdf format, click on the "PDF Full-text" link, and use the free Adobe Reader to open them.
Order results
Result details
Section
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
31 pages, 9695 KiB  
Article
Tiles (Azulejos) and Tiling Mosaic (Alicatados) Pieces Within the Alhambra Museum Collections: A Historical, Artistic, and Technical Approach
by Danielle Dias Martins
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060237 - 19 Jun 2025
Viewed by 480
Abstract
This study examines the architectural ceramic corpus—comprising azulejos (tiles) and alicatados (tiling mosaics)—preserved in the Alhambra Museum, with the aim of elucidating its historical, artistic, and technical significance. Through a systematic methodology combining visual analysis, documentary research, and typological classification, a representative selection [...] Read more.
This study examines the architectural ceramic corpus—comprising azulejos (tiles) and alicatados (tiling mosaics)—preserved in the Alhambra Museum, with the aim of elucidating its historical, artistic, and technical significance. Through a systematic methodology combining visual analysis, documentary research, and typological classification, a representative selection of ceramic artefacts was assessed. This article explores the artistic characteristics and technological principles of pieces produced using painted, relief, metallic lustre, incrustación, alicatado, cuerda seca, and arista techniques and reconstructs the historical trajectory of these decorative practices, tracing their origins in the pre-Islamic world to their adaptation within the Alhambra Palatine City. This diachronic perspective contextualises the innovations observed in the citadel, where production strategies reflect both inherited traditions and local adaptations across different historical phases. The findings highlight the richness and diversity of the Nasrid (mediaeval era) and Christian (modern era) ceramic legacy in the Alhambra and contribute to a more nuanced understanding of manufacturing processes and conservation challenges associated with these architectural elements. This preliminary characterisation establishes a basis for future material analysis and supports broader initiatives in documentation and heritage management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Heritage)
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 8100 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Red Sandstone and Black Crust to Analyze Air Pollution Impacts on a Cultural Heritage Building: Red Fort, Delhi, India
by Gaurav Kumar, Lucia Rusin, Pavan Kumar Nagar, Sanjay Kumar Manjul, Michele Back, Alvise Benedetti, Bhola Ram Gurjar, Chandra Shekhar Prasad Ojha, Mukesh Sharma and Eleonora Balliana
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060236 - 19 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1171
Abstract
Urban air pollution poses significant risks to cultural heritage buildings, particularly in polluted megacities like Delhi, India. The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of India’s rich history, is highly susceptible to degradation caused by air pollutants. Despite its [...] Read more.
Urban air pollution poses significant risks to cultural heritage buildings, particularly in polluted megacities like Delhi, India. The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of India’s rich history, is highly susceptible to degradation caused by air pollutants. Despite its great importance as an Indian and world heritage site, no studies have focused on characterizing its constituent materials or the degradation phenomena taking place. This study was developed in the framework of the MAECI (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and the Department of Science and Technology under the Ministry of Science and Technology, India, project: Indo—Italian Centre of Excellence for Restoration and Assessment of Environmental Impacts on Cultural Heritage Monuments. To understand their composition and degradation, Vindhyan sandstone and black crust samples were studied. Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) indicated that the red sandstone predominantly consisted of quartz and microcline, while the black crusts mainly comprised gypsum, bassanite, weddellite, quartz, and microcline. The analysis attributed the formation of gypsum to exogenous sources, such as construction activities and cement factory emissions. This pioneering study provides a basis for further research into the impacts of air pollution on Indian patrimony and promotes conservation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Deterioration and Conservation of Materials in Built Heritage)
Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 3840 KiB  
Article
Coincidence and Complexity: Complex Interaction of Society, Environment, and Conjuncture in the Eastern Roman World ca. 500–1100 CE
by John Haldon
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060235 - 18 Jun 2025
Viewed by 262
Abstract
The eastern half of the Roman Empire between the end of the 5th c. and the end of the 11th c. CE (customarily referred to as the Byzantine Empire) experienced several significant fluctuations in its political and economic fortunes. Climate change, disease, hostile [...] Read more.
The eastern half of the Roman Empire between the end of the 5th c. and the end of the 11th c. CE (customarily referred to as the Byzantine Empire) experienced several significant fluctuations in its political and economic fortunes. Climate change, disease, hostile invasions, internal strife, and subtle longer-term shifts in social and economic structures, as well as cultural ideological identities, have all been invoked to explain this pattern, yet much remains unclear. This paper comments briefly on the palaeoclimatological, palaeoenvironmental, archaeological, and historical evidence for two periods in their broader context. It points out the limitations and challenges inhering in the different types of data; it reinforces the point that changes in climate, rather than having “negative” or “positive” impacts or directly causing societal change, indirectly facilitate or frame longer-term societal transformations. As the evidence for the two case studies indicates, even at the micro-level, it remains extremely difficult in the present state of our knowledge to draw firm conclusions about the role played by climate in stimulating societal change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Archaeology of Climate Change)
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 6838 KiB  
Article
Fields in the Forest Roman Land Division Between Siscia and Andautonia Through LIDAR Data Analysis
by Hrvoje Kalafatić, Bartul Šiljeg and Rajna Šošić Klindžić
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060234 - 18 Jun 2025
Viewed by 342
Abstract
This study investigates the Roman land division system, centuriation, using LIDAR data and historical data to understand the landscape during the Roman period, in this case between Roman cities such as Siscia and Andautonia. LIDAR data analysis provided evidence of the preservation of [...] Read more.
This study investigates the Roman land division system, centuriation, using LIDAR data and historical data to understand the landscape during the Roman period, in this case between Roman cities such as Siscia and Andautonia. LIDAR data analysis provided evidence of the preservation of the Roman centuriation system in the present day Turopoljski Lug forest. The azimuth suggests that centuriation aligned with Siscia’s ager, while the precise territorial limits between the two agers remain unclear. Additionally, the orientation of Siscia’s streets and the alignment of modern roads like Zagrebačka street suggest continuity of the Roman road system. The research also sheds light on the agricultural nature of the region in the Roman period, challenging traditional views of Turopolje as a marshy, forested area from prehistoric periods. The presence of Roman-era drainage systems and the re-evaluation of the historical landscape indicate that the region was actively cultivated. The study also discusses the abandonment of the centuriation system after the Roman period and its subsequent transformation into forested land. Future research should focus on the exact borders between the agers of Siscia and Andautonia and the ongoing influence of Roman land division on later historical landscapes. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 10608 KiB  
Article
Hyperspectral Image Assessment of Archaeo-Paleoanthropological Stratigraphic Deposits from Atapuerca (Burgos, Spain)
by Berta García-Fernández, Alfonso Benito-Calvo, Adrián Martínez-Fernández, Isidoro Campaña, Andreu Ollé, Palmira Saladié, María Martinón-Torres and Marina Mosquera
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060233 - 18 Jun 2025
Viewed by 395
Abstract
This paper proposes an experimental procedure based on hyperspectral imaging (HSI) combined with statistical classification for assessing archaeo-paleoanthropological stratigraphic deposits at the Gran Dolina site (TD10 unit), located in the Sierra de Atapuerca (Burgos, Spain). Representative spectral reflectance signatures were determined and analyzed [...] Read more.
This paper proposes an experimental procedure based on hyperspectral imaging (HSI) combined with statistical classification for assessing archaeo-paleoanthropological stratigraphic deposits at the Gran Dolina site (TD10 unit), located in the Sierra de Atapuerca (Burgos, Spain). Representative spectral reflectance signatures were determined and analyzed using HSI measurements and statistical classification methods in natural light conditions across various capture distances. This study aims to characterize and quantify cave sediments by defining spectral models for feature classification and spectral similarity analysis, evaluating the strengths and limitations of spectral captures at this specific site. HSI technology enhances the analysis and identification of materials at an internationally recognized reference site for human evolution studies. Hyperspectral imaging assessment of archaeo-paleoanthropological stratigraphic deposits emerges as an innovative digital tool, revolutionizing the sustainable management of cultural heritage and environmental sciences by enabling advanced material identification and stratigraphic analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cultural Heritage)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2813 KiB  
Article
Paleoenvironmental Analysis and Rice Farming at the Huangshan Site, Central China
by Hao Lu, Jun Chai, Jun-Cai Ma and Kun Liang
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060232 - 18 Jun 2025
Viewed by 246
Abstract
The Huangshan site in Nanyang, situated at the junction of the Nanyang Basin and the Jianghan Plain, represents a critical region for understanding the northward expansion of rice farming in China. Due to the scarcity of suitable organic material, the dating of the [...] Read more.
The Huangshan site in Nanyang, situated at the junction of the Nanyang Basin and the Jianghan Plain, represents a critical region for understanding the northward expansion of rice farming in China. Due to the scarcity of suitable organic material, the dating of the channel section at Huangshan relies primarily on cultural relics. By employing grain-size analysis, pollen analysis, and phytolith analysis on sediment samples from the site’s river section, we established a comprehensive framework of hydrology, climate, vegetation, and agricultural activities during the Yangshao to Qujialing periods (ca. 7000–4600 BP). The findings indicate a relative decline in temperature during the Yangshao period, followed by a return to warm and humid conditions during the Qujialing period, which coincided with the peak intensity of rice farming. The continuous expansion of rice farming at the Huangshan site during prehistoric times is likely linked to the northward spread of Qujialing culture. The large-scale production of rice not only provided an economic foundation for the growth of the Huangshan settlement but also facilitated its development into a regional hub for jade production and trade. This study offers new environmental archaeological insights into the interactions between the middle Yangtze River region and the Central Plains during the late Neolithic period. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Archaeological Heritage)
Show Figures

Figure 1

32 pages, 7339 KiB  
Article
Graphical Reconstruction of the Lost Paper Mill at Locks 11–12 of the Canal de Castilla
by José M Geijo-Barrientos, Alberto Sánchez-Lite, Victor Julio Romero and Jose Luis Fuentes-Bargues
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060231 - 17 Jun 2025
Viewed by 379
Abstract
Near the 11–12 locks of the Canal de Castilla, there once stood a paper mill built in the 18th century and dismantled in 1983. Despite the scarce physical remains, the absence of original plans, and the limited availability of data, this research aims [...] Read more.
Near the 11–12 locks of the Canal de Castilla, there once stood a paper mill built in the 18th century and dismantled in 1983. Despite the scarce physical remains, the absence of original plans, and the limited availability of data, this research aims to reconstruct its initial layout, characteristics, and operation. To achieve this, an analytical–synthetic method has been followed: in the analysis phase, multiple sources and materials are thoroughly examined from various perspectives, while in the synthesis phase, drawing is employed as a means of reflection, since any hypothesis about this factory must be validated through sufficiently precise graphical representations. The most relevant result is the complete drafting of the factory’s plans, including its machinery, as well as the clarification of its production system. The main conclusion suggests that, although based on the mechanisms and equipment of traditional paper mills, this manufacturing facility sought to be innovative and exemplary in its time. Its dispersed typology was designed to improve and dignify working conditions for employees, while its internal organization optimized the paper production process and increased manufacturing capacity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultural Heritage: Restoration and Conservation)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 4078 KiB  
Article
A Preliminary Study of the Gold Content of Byzantine Coins and a Possible Link to the Supernova of Year AD 1054
by Kasper Mayntz Paasch
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060230 - 17 Jun 2025
Viewed by 273
Abstract
A series of 11 Byzantine gold coins were investigated, including two examples of an extremely rare type called histamenon “stellatus”, from around the reign of the Byzantine emperor Constantine IX Monomachos (AD 1042–1055). The methods applied were X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), specific density [...] Read more.
A series of 11 Byzantine gold coins were investigated, including two examples of an extremely rare type called histamenon “stellatus”, from around the reign of the Byzantine emperor Constantine IX Monomachos (AD 1042–1055). The methods applied were X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), specific density measurement (SD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The debasement (decreasing gold content) of the Byzantine nomisma gold coinage during the 11th century was demonstrated. A method combining XRF and SD measurement combined with a graphical presentation/analysis called a ternary plot was also demonstrated. The measured gold content of the 11 coins was corrected for the possible “outwashing” effect and a potential cleaning of ancient gold. A model for the estimation of the gold content of Byzantine histamenon nomisma gold coins from the period AD 1020–1118, based on the specific density (SD), was derived. It was demonstrated that two analyzed histamenon “stellati” coins likely were minted around AD 1054–1055, possibly during the same period as the occurrence of the supernova SN1054, known as the Crab-nebula. It is further discussed if the gold content and size of the stars shown on those coins can be correlated to the visibility of the supernova from June AD 1054 to January AD 1055. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

36 pages, 4574 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Older Adults’ Engagement with Digital Interpretation Exhibits in Museums: A Universal Design-Based Approach
by Lu Ai and Charanya Phaholthep
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060229 - 15 Jun 2025
Viewed by 690
Abstract
This paper develops and presents a system for museums to evaluate behavioural and experiential gains of older adult visitors when engaging with digital interpretation exhibits. The evaluation system is based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), utilising existing evaluation methods for museum visitors [...] Read more.
This paper develops and presents a system for museums to evaluate behavioural and experiential gains of older adult visitors when engaging with digital interpretation exhibits. The evaluation system is based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), utilising existing evaluation methods for museum visitors and refining them into an approach suitable for investigating older visitors. Innovatively, it incorporates the universal design (UD) in museum digital exhibits, injecting strong momentum into creating inclusive museums. An in-depth evaluation was conducted on seven exhibitions across three newly constructed Chinese cultural tourism museums with different digital characteristics, presenting the results and findings through eighty-eight digital interpretation exhibits. Qualitative and quantitative data provide a nuanced picture of digital interpretation and interaction from the perspective of older visitors. The results demonstrate the factors influencing older adults’ engagement with digital interpretation exhibits in museums and how digital interpretation items attract or deter older visitors’ engagement in complex exhibition environments. This study utilised universal design principles to identify the limitations and barriers in digital interpretation for older visitors, analysed the correlation between UD and digital attraction power, explored the reasons behind these outcomes, and identified design recommendations for inclusive museum digital interpretation. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 6136 KiB  
Article
Petrographic and Size Analysis of Lithic Artifacts of Loreto (Early Middle Pleistocene, Basilicata, Italy) to Support Insight on the Site Lithic Industry and Human Behavior
by Giacomo Eramo, Giovanna Fioretti, Jacopo Conforti, Marco Carpentieri and Marie-Hélène Moncel
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060228 - 14 Jun 2025
Viewed by 576
Abstract
The Lower Paleolithic site of Loreto (Venosa Basin, Basilicata, Southern Italy), discovered in 1929 and excavated from 1956 to 1961 and from 1974 to 1981, consists of three main archaeological layers showing evidence of human occupation. The bottom layer (Layer A) is the [...] Read more.
The Lower Paleolithic site of Loreto (Venosa Basin, Basilicata, Southern Italy), discovered in 1929 and excavated from 1956 to 1961 and from 1974 to 1981, consists of three main archaeological layers showing evidence of human occupation. The bottom layer (Layer A) is the richest and best-preserved layer, and its lithic industry includes flakes, retouched flakes, cores, and pebble tools mainly made of chert and limestone. This study involves the petrographic and morphometric analysis of about 400 artifacts. A comparison with the geological clasts of Layer B of the archaeological site of Notarchirico (Venosa), as well as geological samples from the outer tectonic units of the Southern Apennines chain available in the SiLiBA lithotheque and analyzed with the same methodological approach, provided not only the identification of the lithotypes and their source formations but also allowed for insights into technological behavior and human–environment interaction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Archaeology and Environmental Anthropology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 854 KiB  
Article
Everyday Climates: Household Archaeologies and the Politics of Scale
by Catherine Kearns
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060227 - 14 Jun 2025
Viewed by 467
Abstract
The small scale is recognized as a necessary rebuttal to macroscalar narratives of climate–society relationships in the past, and archeologists and historians have increasingly turned to advocating smaller and shorter scales of analysis and interpretation, from “microclimates” to interannual droughts and single settlement [...] Read more.
The small scale is recognized as a necessary rebuttal to macroscalar narratives of climate–society relationships in the past, and archeologists and historians have increasingly turned to advocating smaller and shorter scales of analysis and interpretation, from “microclimates” to interannual droughts and single settlement histories. Such provocations rightly caution against the dangers of oversimplification and determinism in recent planetary or Earth-systems approaches to human history, as well as push scholars to acknowledge human-scale experiences: weather, seasonality, landscape change. When it comes to smaller-scale remains, however, like those of household practices, we often consider them data or proxies that validate larger-scale arguments about societal persistence or economic vulnerability. Yet the material and ideational ways that people in premodern worlds made sense of their surroundings, especially via gendered and class-based rhythms of production and consumption, were deeply entwined in the politics of everyday household life. What would a household archeology of climate entail? In this paper I highlight how households themselves were critical sites of environmental construction, experience and history-making through a selection of examples of archeological work from the Mediterranean. I argue that archeologists can critically rethink themes of persistence and adaptation by taking seriously the scalar constructions and varied politics of domestic life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Archaeology of Climate Change)
Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 5023 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Emotional Impacts of the Notre Dame Cathedral Fire and Restoration on a Population Sample
by Miguel Ángel Maté-González, Cristina Sáez Blázquez, Noelia Gutiérrez-Martín and Myriam Lorenzo Canales
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 226; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060226 - 13 Jun 2025
Viewed by 608
Abstract
The fire at the Notre Dame Cathedral accentuated the sense that this architectural building is a symbol of unity and identity for the population. This symbol extends beyond its French and Christian origins, reflecting the universal nature of cultural heritage, which has the [...] Read more.
The fire at the Notre Dame Cathedral accentuated the sense that this architectural building is a symbol of unity and identity for the population. This symbol extends beyond its French and Christian origins, reflecting the universal nature of cultural heritage, which has the extraordinary ability to unite people across nations, transcending ideologies, religions, and political divisions. The reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral marks a profound milestone in the preservation of cultural heritage, embodying resilience, restoration, and the enduring significance of shared human history. This research examines the impacts of the restoration of the cathedral at national and global scales through the implementation of questionnaires to visitors to the cathedral’s inauguration. The restoration process, which gained extensive media coverage, not only revived the cathedral’s architectural grandeur but also sparked international discussions about heritage conservation. Through an analysis of the questionnaire results for different factors, this study highlights the complexities of managing a monumental heritage of this magnitude in a globalized world. It reflects the ethical, financial, and social challenges involved in major restoration projects, using Notre Dame as a paradigmatic example. The paper concludes that the reopening of the cathedral is not only a triumph of physical restoration but also a testament to humanity’s resilience in the face of adversity. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations while fostering a sense of collective responsibility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cultural Heritage)
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 4537 KiB  
Article
Aviation Heritage in the Urban Landscape—Concept and Examples from Berlin
by Edyta Pijet-Migoń
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060225 - 13 Jun 2025
Viewed by 330
Abstract
Aviation heritage, though relatively recent in historical terms, constitutes an important and increasingly recognized component of urban cultural landscapes. This article explores how former airports and aviation-related infrastructure have been preserved, adapted, or commemorated in Berlin—a city with a uniquely complex aviation history [...] Read more.
Aviation heritage, though relatively recent in historical terms, constitutes an important and increasingly recognized component of urban cultural landscapes. This article explores how former airports and aviation-related infrastructure have been preserved, adapted, or commemorated in Berlin—a city with a uniquely complex aviation history shaped by political division, technological progress, and evolving urban needs. Based on a typology proposed by the author, the study analyzes five former airport sites in Berlin (Johannisthal, Staaken, Tempelhof, Gatow, and Tegel), employing historical research, field observations, and spatial analysis. The results reveal a wide spectrum of approaches to aviation heritage, ranging from complete erasure to creative reuse integrating ecological, recreational, educational, and symbolic functions. The study also highlights the role of aviation heritage in fostering local identity and contributing to sustainable tourism. The proposed typology may serve as a useful tool for assessing and managing aviation heritage in other urban contexts. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 10886 KiB  
Article
Behind the Pages, Artisanal Thought and Knowledge Transmission in an 18th-Century Dyer’s Manuscript
by Emile Lupatini and Natalia Ortega Saez
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060224 - 12 Jun 2025
Viewed by 792
Abstract
This paper explores the evolution and contextual background of an 18th-century dyer’s manuscript originating in Antwerp, covering the period between 1778 and 1802. This manuscript offers a unique glimpse into the operational practices of a small enterprise specializing in red hues for a [...] Read more.
This paper explores the evolution and contextual background of an 18th-century dyer’s manuscript originating in Antwerp, covering the period between 1778 and 1802. This manuscript offers a unique glimpse into the operational practices of a small enterprise specializing in red hues for a middle-class clientele. The manuscript includes dye recipes, accounting records, and business correspondence, along with dyed textile samples that provide a tangible connection between written instructions and their visual outcomes. Our study aims to go beyond content analysis to examine the manuscript as a dynamic document in which the dyer’s craft knowledge and experiential learning are visibly embedded. Unlike most available technical treatises, this manuscript appears to be an evolving draft marked by corrections and additions. This fluidity in structure sheds light on the process of knowledge formation and codification in the craft, aligning with devices of precise knowledge transmission and especially with the concept of “codification of error” (Codification of error refers to how early modern artisans and scholars began systematically recording mistakes in their work rather than hiding them. This shift recognized failure as a valuable part of the learning process, helping to refine techniques and support more empirical, experimental approaches to knowledge in the crafts and sciences)—an approach developed within the artisan community to refine practices over time and theorized by Professor Sven Duprè. Through a selection of annotated pages, we highlight the manuscript’s traces of iterative thought and method development. We propose that these elements illustrate the dialectic between transmitted knowledge and individual experimentation, where mistakes, followed by correction, reflection, and refinement, play a central role. Additionally, we discuss the manuscript as evidence of the thin boundaries between practical trade knowledge and the field of scientific inquiry. Through the abovementioned and the comparison with contemporary manuals, this research positions the manuscript as a valuable case study in understanding craft knowledge evolution and its transmission within the historical context of 18th-century European textile dyeing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dyes in History and Archaeology 43)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 582 KiB  
Article
Didactics with Art: A PRISMA Systematic Review on the Integration of Flamenco in Education
by Macarena Cortés-Vázquez, Carlos Chavarría-Ortiz, Diego Berraquero-Rodríguez and Jesús Heredia-Carroza
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060223 - 12 Jun 2025
Viewed by 458
Abstract
Flamenco, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, has aroused a growing interest as a pedagogical resource in the educational field. This systematic review analyzes its implementation in classrooms during the last decade (2014–2024), applying the PRISMA methodology to scientific articles extracted [...] Read more.
Flamenco, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, has aroused a growing interest as a pedagogical resource in the educational field. This systematic review analyzes its implementation in classrooms during the last decade (2014–2024), applying the PRISMA methodology to scientific articles extracted from Web of Science and Scopus. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria using the PICOS model, 23 peer-reviewed and open-access studies were selected. The results are grouped into five thematic lines: emotional and identity development; educational and social inclusion; heritage and cultural identity; methodological and technological innovation; and experiential learning. Qualitative approaches with case studies predominate, especially in Andalusian contexts. Relevant benefits are found in terms of inclusion, emotional expression and appreciation of cultural heritage. However, limitations persist, such as the lack of systematization, scarce specific teacher training and lack of longitudinal evaluations. Flamenco thus emerges as an educational tool with high transformative potential, although its incorporation is still ad hoc and dependent on individual initiatives. It is suggested that research with mixed approaches be encouraged, that its analysis be extended to other geographical contexts and that public policies be promoted to structurally integrate flamenco into educational systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cultural Heritage)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 8021 KiB  
Article
A GIS Approach for Ancient Numismatics: Spatial Analysis of Antoniniani in Sicily (3rd Century AD)
by Maria Agata Vicari Sottosanti, Maria Danese and Nicola Masini
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060222 - 11 Jun 2025
Viewed by 374
Abstract
Geographic Information Systems and the use of thematic maps have become well-established tools in archaeology. However, not all the sectors of archaeology still take advantage of these technologies. One such sector is numismatics, where there are still relatively few works on the implementation [...] Read more.
Geographic Information Systems and the use of thematic maps have become well-established tools in archaeology. However, not all the sectors of archaeology still take advantage of these technologies. One such sector is numismatics, where there are still relatively few works on the implementation of coin spatial databases and the related maps. This can be verified both in academic journals indexed in major scientific databases (such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science) and in broader platforms like Google Scholar. In this paper, in an attempt to begin filling the gap, the methodology and results of the creation of the GIS and the Atlas of Antoniniani in Sicily are presented. The second half of the third century ASD is an interesting period because of the socioeconomic crisis that characterized it. The Atlas serves as a useful tool for providing a fresh new insight into the economy and coin circulation during this time. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 11357 KiB  
Article
Forensic Facial Approximation of the Skull Attributed to Wenceslas of Bohemia (ca. 907–935)
by Cicero Moraes, Johari Yap Abdullah, Jiří Šindelář, Matej Šindelář, Petr Kroupa, Jan Frolík, Francesco Maria Galassi and Thiago Beaini
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060221 - 10 Jun 2025
Viewed by 2128
Abstract
This study presents a digital forensic facial approximation of Wenceslas, Duke of Bohemia (ca. 907–935), based on photographs of the skull attributed to the saint, preserved in St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague. The skull was replicated through structural deformation using public domain images, adjusted [...] Read more.
This study presents a digital forensic facial approximation of Wenceslas, Duke of Bohemia (ca. 907–935), based on photographs of the skull attributed to the saint, preserved in St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague. The skull was replicated through structural deformation using public domain images, adjusted to historical measurements, and enriched with anthropometric data. The facial approximation combined traditional techniques with statistical projections from tomography of living individuals, resulting in two versions: an objective one and another with artistic and more speculative elements based on historical descriptions. Comparisons with Petr Parler’s 14th-century statue and a previous reconstruction revealed structural consistency, suggesting the skull may have inspired the sculpture. This work contributes to humanizing historical figures and reinforces Wenceslas’s legacy as a Czech icon. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 49798 KiB  
Article
Rotting for Red: Archival, Experimental and Analytical Research on Estonian Traditions of Decomposing Alder Buckthorn Bark Before Dyeing
by Liis Luhamaa, Riina Rammo, Debbie Bamford, Ina Vanden Berghe, Jonas Veenhoven, Krista Wright and Riikka Räisänen
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060220 - 10 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1738
Abstract
This article sheds light on the historical dyeing traditions of rural inhabitants of the Eastern Baltic region. The 19th- and early 20th-century Estonian archival sources mention that rotted alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus Mill.) bark was used to dye woollen yarn red. The [...] Read more.
This article sheds light on the historical dyeing traditions of rural inhabitants of the Eastern Baltic region. The 19th- and early 20th-century Estonian archival sources mention that rotted alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus Mill.) bark was used to dye woollen yarn red. The bark was rotted by leaving it outside for weeks or months before dyeing. Although dyeing red with alder buckthorn bark by fermenting it in wood ash lye is well known, the combination of rotting the bark and using the boiling method to dye red has not been reported. Practical experiments testing shorter and longer-term rotting of alder buckthorn bark both on and under the ground were conducted. Woollen yarns were dyed with rotted bark using the boiling method and were tested for lightfastness and alkaline pH sensitivity, and analysed using HPLC-DAD. The results show that rotting alder buckthorn bark has a strong effect on the achievable colours and that woollen yarns can be dyed different shades of red. The colours were sensitive to alkaline pH and their light fastness varied from very low to good. HPLC-DAD analysis showed that the pretreatment of the bark affected not only the colour but also the dye composition of the dyed wool. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dyes in History and Archaeology 43)
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 1161 KiB  
Review
A Framework for Heritage-Led Regeneration in Chinese Traditional Villages: Systematic Literature Review and Experts’ Interview
by Yang Yang, Hazwan Ariff Hakimi, Nur Farhana Azmi, Kaiyi Li and Bingyu Duan
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060219 - 9 Jun 2025
Viewed by 900
Abstract
With rapid urbanization and modernization, the deterioration of historical areas has become an increasing concern. While heritage-led regeneration has proven effective, most studies have focused on urban contexts. Rural traditional villages, particularly in developing countries such as China, face even greater challenges and [...] Read more.
With rapid urbanization and modernization, the deterioration of historical areas has become an increasing concern. While heritage-led regeneration has proven effective, most studies have focused on urban contexts. Rural traditional villages, particularly in developing countries such as China, face even greater challenges and remain understudied. This study addresses this gap by developing a framework for heritage-led rural regeneration, grounded in community-building theory and highlighting heritage capacity as a key driver of village revitalization. Using a two-round systematic literature review, 64 papers from Web of Science and Scopus were analyzed to construct the framework. It consists of two levels: a preliminary framework identifying five key dimensions—public participation, media platform construction, adaptive reuse, heritage industry development, and landscape maintenance—and an integrated framework further detailing 13 sub-dimensions within these areas. Expert interviews were then conducted to validate the framework and examine its practical implementation challenges and future development directions. This framework integrates community-building theory with heritage-led regeneration, offering both theoretical insights and practical guidance for revitalizing traditional villages in China and beyond. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cultural Heritage)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 1579 KiB  
Article
MOOCs in Heritage Education: Content Analysis and Didactic Strategies for Heritage Conceptualization
by Inmaculada Sánchez-Macías, Olaia Fontal Merillas, Pablo de Castro Martín and Andrea García-Guerrero
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060218 - 7 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1117
Abstract
This article carries out an interdisciplinary analysis of five MOOC courses developed by the University of Valladolid and offered on higher education platforms between 2020 and 2024. This research is based on the study of the lexical categories used by the informants participating [...] Read more.
This article carries out an interdisciplinary analysis of five MOOC courses developed by the University of Valladolid and offered on higher education platforms between 2020 and 2024. This research is based on the study of the lexical categories used by the informants participating in these courses, establishing a correlation with the theoretical and practical debates surrounding the definition of heritage and the frameworks of contemporary heritage education. Through a metalinguistic approach, the semantic limits of the emerging lexical categories are examined, paying attention to their ambiguity, polysemy and contexts of use, both from a formal linguistic perspective and from a hermeneutic approach. The analysis is based on natural language processing tools, complemented by qualitative techniques from applied linguistics and cultural studies. This dual approach, both scientific–statistical and humanistically nuanced, allows us to identify recurrent discursive patterns, as well as significant variations in the conceptualization of heritage according to the socio-cultural and geographical profiles of the participants. The results of the linguistic analysis are contrasted with the thematic lines investigated by our research group, focusing on cultural policy, legacy policies, narratives linked to the culture of depopulation, disputed scientific paradigms, and specific lexical categories in the Latin American context. In this sense, the article takes a critical look at discursive production in massive online learning environments, positioning language as a key indicator of the processes of cultural resignification and the construction of legacy knowledge in the Ibero-American context. The findings of my scientific article underscore the pressing need for a multiform liberation of the traditionally constrained concept of heritage, which has long been framed within rigid institutional, legal, and disciplinary boundaries. This normative framework, often centered on materiality, monumentalism, and expert-driven narratives, limits the full potential of heritage as a relational and socially embedded construct. My research reveals that diverse social agents—ranging from educators and local communities to cultural mediators and digital users—demand a more flexible, inclusive, and participatory understanding of heritage. This shift calls for redefining legacy not as a static legacy to be preserved but as a dynamic bond, deeply rooted in affective, symbolic, and intersubjective dimensions. The concept of “heritage as bond”, as developed in contemporary critical theory, provides a robust framework for this reconceptualization. Furthermore, the article highlights the need for a new vehiculation of access—one that expands heritage experience and appropriation beyond elite circles and institutionalized contexts into broader social ecosystems such as education, digital platforms, civil society, and everyday life. This approach promotes legacy democratization, fostering horizontal engagement and collective meaning-making. Ultimately, the findings advocate for a paradigm shift toward an open, polyphonic, and affective heritage model, capable of responding to contemporary socio-cultural complexities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress in Heritage Education: Evolving Techniques and Methods)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 4345 KiB  
Article
Hatchett’s Brown (Van Dyck Red) in Oil Paintings—The Rediscovery of a Forgotten Pigment: Identification and the Historical–Technological Context
by Anna Klisińska-Kopacz and Justyna Olszewska-Świetlik
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060217 - 7 Jun 2025
Viewed by 431
Abstract
Hatchett’s Brown, also known as Van Dyck Rose, was a unique pigment used in the 19th century, discovered and described by Charles Hatchett in 1803. This article presents the results of research on the identification of this pigment in the works of Henryk [...] Read more.
Hatchett’s Brown, also known as Van Dyck Rose, was a unique pigment used in the 19th century, discovered and described by Charles Hatchett in 1803. This article presents the results of research on the identification of this pigment in the works of Henryk Siemiradzki and a 17th-century painting that was overpainted in the 19th century. Advanced analytical techniques, such as XRF, SEM-EDS, and Raman spectroscopy, were used to analyze pigments from the painter’s palette and the paint layers. This study sheds light on the use of Hatchett’s Brown in painting and its potential impact on the interpretation of historical overpainting. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 6101 KiB  
Article
Deciphering Ageing Effects in Green-Dyed English Wool Carpet Yarns from the 1840s
by Terry T. Schaeffer, Jacob Mobberley and Laura Maccarelli
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060216 - 7 Jun 2025
Viewed by 612
Abstract
In 1842, carpet manufacturer W.H. Worth of Kidderminster, England, began assembling a sample book of wool yarns dyed with natural dyestuffs. This paper reports on a study of the “Greens” section, which contains sixteen yarn samples—six still green and ten now ranging from [...] Read more.
In 1842, carpet manufacturer W.H. Worth of Kidderminster, England, began assembling a sample book of wool yarns dyed with natural dyestuffs. This paper reports on a study of the “Greens” section, which contains sixteen yarn samples—six still green and ten now ranging from tan to dark brown. The accompanying recipes list similar ingredients: old fustic and either “mixture” or extracet of indigo. To verify whether Worth’s recipes were followed, the yarns were analyzed using HPLC-DAD and FORS. Additionally, mock-ups were prepared according to Worth’s green dye recipes and subjected to thermal ageing to explore potential causes of discoloration. Preliminary analysis of the historic samples revealed that the discoloured yarns contain both indigo and indigo carmine, while the still-green samples contain only indigo carmine. This suggests that one or more components of the indigo vat may have contributed to discoloration. To test this hypothesis, contemporary wool yarns were dyed using a Worth green recipe, with and without indigo, at varying pH levels. These were thermally aged, and their colour changes monitored. HPLC-DAD and FORS analyses of the mock-ups were compared to the historic samples to identify dyeing conditions that may have led to the observed browning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dyes in History and Archaeology 43)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 6919 KiB  
Article
High-Resolution Seismic Detection Techniques of the Pebble Layer of Baodun Site City Wall, Sichuan, China
by Lian Jiang, Quanfeng Wang, Yongfa Wang, Jingxin Wu, Tieyong Bai and Miao Tang
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060215 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1240
Abstract
This study aims to overcome the technical bottleneck of non-invasive differentiation between the rammed earth layer and pebble layer in complex shallow subsurface environments, particularly focusing on the challenge of detecting highly heterogeneous pebble layers with complex wavefield characteristics. Using the western city [...] Read more.
This study aims to overcome the technical bottleneck of non-invasive differentiation between the rammed earth layer and pebble layer in complex shallow subsurface environments, particularly focusing on the challenge of detecting highly heterogeneous pebble layers with complex wavefield characteristics. Using the western city wall of the Baodun site (Xinjin, Sichuan, China) as a case study, we introduce a high-resolution seismic detection technique combined with controllable high-frequency seismic source excitation to investigate the response characteristics of high-frequency components and energy variations of seismic waves in different strata, thereby revealing differences in physical properties between the rammed earth layer and pebble layer. Through high-frequency data acquisition, specialized processing, and interpretative analysis of seismic data, we successfully distinguish the two strata and delineate pebble-related anomalous zones. The results also indicate that, due to complex geological conditions, the reflection and refraction patterns of seismic waves in the pebble layer are exceptionally intricate. Moreover, the interplay of abrupt seismic velocity variations, interference waves, and other contributing factors leads to pronounced heterogeneity and strong scattering characteristics in the seismic data across the time, frequency, and phase domains. This research overcomes the limitations of conventional geophysical methods and confirms the applicability of high-frequency seismic techniques to complex near-surface archaeological contexts. It provides robust scientific support for the archaeological study of the Baodun site and offers a methodological reference for subsurface mapping of pebble layer in prehistoric urban landscapes. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3283 KiB  
Article
Revitalizing the Estrada do Paraibuna: Exploring Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism Dynamics
by Isabel Vaz de Freitas and Rodrigo Meira Martoni
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 214; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060214 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 617
Abstract
Cultural heritage reflects accumulated memories, generational practices, and esthetic and cultural ideologies that shape identities. The inherent diversity and uniqueness of these identities define heritage elements, which, however, remain fragile, non-renewable, irreplaceable, and vulnerable. In regions affected by the significant devastation caused by [...] Read more.
Cultural heritage reflects accumulated memories, generational practices, and esthetic and cultural ideologies that shape identities. The inherent diversity and uniqueness of these identities define heritage elements, which, however, remain fragile, non-renewable, irreplaceable, and vulnerable. In regions affected by the significant devastation caused by contemporary socio-economic activities, policies often neglect the intrinsic historical and heritage value(s). The historical landscapes with tourism potential that experience decline, degradation, and destruction need even more protection and policies to aid their regeneration and preservation. This study seeks to develop a comprehensive framework for preserving a highly endangered historical road, along with its invaluable monuments and cultural landscapes, as a means to stimulate regional revitalization. The methodological approach relies on observation, field work, and semi-structured interviews to provide a comprehensive historical overview of the Estrada do Paraibuna (Paraibuna Road). This region has suffered significant degradation of its historical and natural assets as a result of intensive resource exploitation. This study underscores the heritage elements with strong tourism potential along the route between Ouro Preto and Barbacena, while underlining the critical need to combat landscape degradation. This study pursues to create a shared vision rooted in promoting sustainable practices that leverage natural and cultural resources, safeguard local culture, and encourage community collaboration in regenerative efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revitalizing Heritage Places and Memories for Sustainable Tourism)
Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 6965 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Spatial Distribution of Toponyms and Its Correlation with Landscape Characteristics: A Case Study in Wuhan, China
by Zihang Zhou, Bidan Yin, Menglin Huang, Xianjie Pan and Diechuan Yang
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060213 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 411
Abstract
Toponyms reflect the multifaceted relationship between humans and nature, recording and transmitting important cultural information. A toponymic cultural landscape (TCL) is the comprehensive embodiment of the cultural connotations and landscape significance carried by toponyms, reflecting various factors such as regional culture, historical memory, [...] Read more.
Toponyms reflect the multifaceted relationship between humans and nature, recording and transmitting important cultural information. A toponymic cultural landscape (TCL) is the comprehensive embodiment of the cultural connotations and landscape significance carried by toponyms, reflecting various factors such as regional culture, historical memory, and social values. Wuhan, as the hinterland of Jing-Chu culture, carries a profound geo-culture and brings together numerous toponymic cultural heritages. Studying the spatial distribution characteristics of Wuhan’s toponymic cultural heritage and their association with landscape elements is of great significance in promoting the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage and realizing the orderly continuation of local culture, and it also confers deeper cultural connotations and local characteristics to the process of landscape characterization. This study analyzes 3638 toponyms in Wuhan as the research objects, utilizing geospatial analysis methods, including kernel density analysis, standard deviation ellipse analysis, and average nearest neighbor analysis, to visualize the spatial distribution of Wuhan’s TCL. It further combines these methods with the optimal parameter geographic detector (OPGD) model to explore the influence of landscape elements on the spatial distribution of different types of toponyms and their interaction effects. The results show the following: (1) The TCL of Wuhan is divided into two basic types, the natural landscape (61.16%) and the humanistic landscape (41.37%), of which hydrological-related toponyms occupy a significant proportion, reaching 35.02% of the total number of toponyms in Wuhan. (2) The distribution of Wuhan’s TCL is characterized by aggregation, mostly in the core area of the city, with the Yangtze River as the main axis, and the density of the spatial distribution of humanistic landscape toponyms varies greatly. (3) The results of a single-factor analysis show that construction land (X2) is an important influencing factor in both natural and humanistic landscape toponyms, which indicates the central role of human activities in the formation of toponyms. (4) The explanatory power of the interaction effect of two factors on the spatial differentiation of Wuhan’s TCL is stronger than that of the single factors, which suggests that the spatial differentiation characteristics of the TCL of Wuhan are formed under the joint influence of the respective variables. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2915 KiB  
Article
Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) of Materials in Painting Conservation: A Pilot Protocol for Evaluating Environmental Impact in Cultural Heritage
by Benedetta Paolino, Fernanda Prestileo, Paola Carnazza, Federica Sacco, Alessia Strozzi, Alberta Congeduti and Andrea Macchia
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 212; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060212 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1341
Abstract
This study introduces a pilot protocol for evaluating the environmental impact of materials used in the conservation of canvas paintings, applying a Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) approach. There are five common treatment phases: disinfection, consolidation (including paint layer softening and stabilization), varnish [...] Read more.
This study introduces a pilot protocol for evaluating the environmental impact of materials used in the conservation of canvas paintings, applying a Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) approach. There are five common treatment phases: disinfection, consolidation (including paint layer softening and stabilization), varnish removal, and retouching. These interventions were assessed across three scenarios: Baseline Scenario; Scenario 1, involving material substitution; and Scenario 2, focusing on process optimization. The analysis reveals that solvent-intensive phases, particularly paint softening with Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) and varnish removal using White Spirit and ethanol, have the highest environmental impacts, including climate change, ecotoxicity, and human toxicity. Biocidal treatments, although used in small quantities, also show significant toxicity impacts. Scenario 1 demonstrates that targeted substitution with lower-impact solvents can reduce key impact categories, while Scenario 2 indicates that operational improvements lead to more moderate but widespread benefits. The results confirm that even in specialized fields such as cultural heritage conservation, measurable environmental improvements are achievable through informed material choices and more efficient application practices. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3593 KiB  
Article
Preservation of Synagogues in Greece: Using Digital Tools to Represent Lost Heritage
by Elias Messinas
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 211; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060211 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 616
Abstract
In the wake of the Holocaust and the post-war reconstruction of Greece’s historic city centers, many Greek synagogues were demolished, abandoned, or appropriated, erasing centuries of Jewish architectural and communal presence. This study presents a thirty year-long research and documentation initiative aimed at [...] Read more.
In the wake of the Holocaust and the post-war reconstruction of Greece’s historic city centers, many Greek synagogues were demolished, abandoned, or appropriated, erasing centuries of Jewish architectural and communal presence. This study presents a thirty year-long research and documentation initiative aimed at preserving, recovering, and eventually digitally reconstructing these “lost” synagogues, both as individual buildings and within their urban context. Drawing on architectural surveys, archival research, oral histories, and previously unpublished materials, including the recently rediscovered Shemtov Samuel archive, the project grew through the use of technology. Beginning with in situ surveys in the early 1990s, it evolved into full-scale digitally enhanced architectural drawings that formed the basis for further digital exploration, 3D models, and virtual reality outputs. With the addition of these new tools to existing documentation, the project can restore architectural detail and cultural context with a high degree of fidelity, even in cases where only fragmentary evidence survives. These digital reconstructions have informed physical restoration efforts as well as public exhibitions, heritage education, and urban memory initiatives across Greece. By reintroducing “invisible” Jewish landmarks into contemporary consciousness, the study addresses the broader implications of post-war urban homogenization, the marginalization of minority heritage, and the ethical dimensions of digital preservation. This interdisciplinary approach, which bridges architectural history, digital humanities, urban studies, and cultural heritage, demonstrates the value of digital tools in reconstructing “lost” pasts and highlights the potential for similar projects in other regions facing comparable erasures. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 3211 KiB  
Article
An Analysis of the Pore Distribution in Ceramic Vessels from the Akterek Burial Archeological Site Using Neutron Tomography Data
by Murat Kenessarin, Kuanysh Nazarov, Veronica Smirnova, Sergey Kichanov, Nabira Torezhanova, Olga Myakisheva, Ayazhan Zhomartova, Bagdaulet Mukhametuly, Renata Nemkayeva and Elmira Myrzabekova
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060210 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 785
Abstract
The spatial arrangement, size distribution, and shape of internal pores in several archaeological ceramic vessels from the Akterek burial site at Zhambyl District of Almaty Region, Republic of Kazakhstan were studied using neutron tomography. The internal pores were segmented from the obtained neutron [...] Read more.
The spatial arrangement, size distribution, and shape of internal pores in several archaeological ceramic vessels from the Akterek burial site at Zhambyl District of Almaty Region, Republic of Kazakhstan were studied using neutron tomography. The internal pores were segmented from the obtained neutron data and the porosity value for the ancient ceramic samples was calculated. Analysis of the structural tomography data showed that the ceramic materials contained a large number of relatively small pores, with an average diameter less than 1.5 mm, while some ceramic objects had larger pores or cavities exceeding 2 mm in diameter. In addition, there are differences in the morphological parameters of large and small pores. It was suggested that these large pores formed as a result of temperature changes during the firing of the pottery ceramics. The relative shifting of Raman peaks in the carbon group in amorphous carbon, as an indicator of the firing temperature of ceramic materials, confirms this assumption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Archaeological Heritage)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3607 KiB  
Article
An Archaeological Challenge: The Conservation and Restoration of Luxury Roman Glass from Troia, Portugal
by Inês Coutinho, Beatriz Borges and Stephen Koob
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060209 - 4 Jun 2025
Viewed by 450
Abstract
A set of eleven luxury glass archaeological objects dated to the 3rd century (Roman period) and excavated in Troia, Portugal, were treated in order to restore their shapes and decorative features. In this paper, the different stages of the treatment are presented and [...] Read more.
A set of eleven luxury glass archaeological objects dated to the 3rd century (Roman period) and excavated in Troia, Portugal, were treated in order to restore their shapes and decorative features. In this paper, the different stages of the treatment are presented and discussed. The treatment phases—cleaning, fragments’ assembly, and development of support structures for the objects in need—had to be adapted and the treatment outline had to be revised along the process because of the heavily weathered glass that showed extreme fragility. The treatment highlights the internal support structures—consisting of thin and light structures built with thin canes of glass—that were developed in borosilicate glass for three of the archaeological objects, ensuring their physical stability for handling and future exhibition. The structures were then attached to the archaeological glass with Paraloid B72 adhesive. The treatment of these outstanding artefacts and, in particular, the development of these structures heavily depended on interdisciplinary and teamwork that resulted in the completion of the treatment for all objects ensuring their future exhibition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Conservation of Glass in Heritage Science)
Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 1812 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Virtual Game Design for Cultural Heritage Interpretation: An Exploratory Study on arkeOyun
by Sevde Güner and Leman Figen Gül
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060208 - 4 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1390
Abstract
The interpretation of archaeological heritage encounters inherent challenges due to the fragmentation and contextual loss of the physical site. Virtual reality has emerged as an innovative medium for enhancing user engagement and promoting meaningful dissemination of culture. This exploratory study investigates the design [...] Read more.
The interpretation of archaeological heritage encounters inherent challenges due to the fragmentation and contextual loss of the physical site. Virtual reality has emerged as an innovative medium for enhancing user engagement and promoting meaningful dissemination of culture. This exploratory study investigates the design and preliminary expert-based evaluation of arkeOyun, a virtual reality game created to better understand archaeological sites’ spatial and cultural significance, by sampling the Kültepe Archaeological Site. The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of virtual game-based approaches in the dissemination of cultural heritage and user interaction, emphasising spatial clarity, narrative integration, and immersive engagement. Our study incorporates qualitative and quantitative methods, utilising concurrent think-aloud and heuristic evaluation with participants who were selected due to their expertise in heritage, design, and human–computer interaction domains. Participants engaged with arkeOyun via a head-mounted display, and their real-time comments and post-experience evaluations were systematically evaluated. Results indicate that although participants responded positively to the game’s immersive design, interface simplicity, and spatial organisation, notable deficiencies were seen in narrative coherence, emotional resonance, and multimodal feedback. Navigation and the presentation of informative content were seen as critical areas requiring improvement. The data triangulation revealed both consistent and varying assessments, highlighting the need for context-specific support, varied task structures, and emotionally compelling narratives for enhanced interpretation of cultural significance. The findings of our study illustrate the potential of virtual reality games as a medium for cultural heritage interpretation via arkeOyun. For experiences to evolve from immersive simulations to major interpretative platforms, it is vital to integrate narrative frameworks, multimodal scaffolding, and user-centred interaction tactics more deeply. The results of this exploratory pilot study present preliminary findings on integrating virtual reality games in archaeological heritage interpretation and contribute to further projects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage as a Design Resource for Virtual Reality)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Previous Issue
Next Issue
Back to TopTop