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The Varbola hillfort is one of the largest prehistoric fortifications in the eastern Baltic. Although it stands out as a major political centre in literary sources from the 13th century, and the archaeological record points to a proto­-town with almost a hundred households, its location has puzzled scholars for nearly a century. While Varbola has been claimed to be situated in a peripheral area not suited for the emergence of a power centre, this notion of âperipheralityâ has not been examined in a measurable way to allow for comparison with other strongholds. The article explores this issue by employing a GIS­-based methodology inspired by site catchment analysis and quantifying the amount of fertile soils, known archaeological settlement sites, burial places and early modern manors around Late Iron Age forts in northwestern Estonia within four different radii. Results demonstrate that Varbola is actually âaverageâ in terms of centrality, rather than âperipheralâ. As Varbola is located at the edge of the area covered by the large Estonian list of the Liber Census Daniae, an important 13th­-century source for settlement history, it can be argued that perceptions of Varbolaâs peripherality are influenced by the âedge effectâ. Analysis of historical sources suggests that Varbola is more likely to have been a power centre than a trading hub, and its emergence might be related to the Lode magnate family.

Sheet pendants made of silver or copper alloy were worn in Estonia from the 10th to the 17th century. This type of jewelry spread to Estonia from Scandinavia and was also used in Finland, Karelia, Latvia, Lithuania, in the areas inhabited by the Baltic tribes in northeastern Poland, and to a lesser extent in northwestern Russia. The symbols depicted on the sheet pendants are Christian. The three dominant symbols are the cross, representing the Christian faith; a boss or circle, symbolizing God the Father; and five bosses arranged in the shape of crosses, representing the Five Holy Wounds of Christ. The 10thâ13th­-century sheet pendants include looped squares, which are symbols of St. John the Baptist. The 13th­-century circular sheet pendants have a design formed by three volutes, symbolizing the Holy Trinity, triskele, swastika, pentagram, and star. Trapezoidal sheet pendants from the 13th century may have been intended as axe shapes, possibly related to the cult of St. Olaf. The meaning of the volutes and interlace patterns on the trapezoidal sheet pendants is unknown. Recognizable Christian symbols on them include the cross of St. Peter and an anchor. In the 15thâ17th centuries, new designs include the Maltese cross and the T­shaped cross of St. Anthony. Sheet pendants not only manifested the wearerâs Christian faith but also expressed specific central themes and concepts of Christianity. The pendants reflect themes such as God the Father, the birth and crucifixion of Christ, the Holy Trinity, and the sacraments of baptism and the Eucharist.

Natives of the Low Rhine region, the Batavi were a community of ethnic soldiers engaged in a treaty with Rome, overseeing a heavy supply of men to the Roman auxiliary units. The present article examines the pottery discovered at and retrieved from three sites associated with Batavian auxilia: Războieni, Adony, and Romita. Their status as military sites shaped around the consumption habits of Batavian auxiliary troops makes them comparable. The comprehensive examination of pottery consumption patterns provides valuable insights into the dynamics of material culture in Dacia and Pannonia, facilitating our understanding of supply networks, consumption preferences, and cultural interactions within these frontier regions. The quantitative analyses of fabric and form distributions reveal distinctive trends at each site, reflecting variations in local production, regional trade networks, and social practices. The qualitative interpretations highlight the significance of certain vessel types and their cultural associations. While in the overall perspective, they emphasise the similarity between pottery consumption at the three forts shaped by military presence and regional trade networks, they also highlight potential markers of Batavian identity within the auxiliary units stationed there. By contextualising pottery within broader historical and archaeological frameworks, this research contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the cultural aspects of auxilia.

Horsemeat consumption has been one of the most intriguing questions about ancient dietary practices. Zooarchaeological materials from the Late Bronze Age in Estonia (850â500 BCE) contain high proportions of the domestic horse (Equus caballus) compared to subsequent periods, leading to debates about the cultural­-economic features of eating horsemeat during this period. One of the assemblages rich in horse remains is from the Iru fortified settlement in northern Estonia, first studied by Kalju Paaver in the 1960s. This article revisits the Iru zooarchaeological material with the aim of clarifying the significance of horsemeat con sumption among Iru people and expanding the discussion about the Bronze Age horse culture in prehistoric Estonia. Several findings confirmed the consumption of horsemeat. First, the taxonomic analysis showed a high proportion of horse specimens among livestock remains, contextually interpreted as kitchen and food refuse. Second, despite the horse specimens coming mainly from the cranium (teeth) and body parts with low meat yield (distal elements of the limbs), the evidence of butchering, especially for elements representing meaty body parts, attests to various food procurement activities. Third, the presence of juvenile specimens in the material refers to the culling of young animals, even though there is no direct evidence of utilising juvenile meat. The study results are discussed in the frame of contemporaneous material from Estonia and elsewhere, touching upon the extent of horsemeat consumption, the tools used for butchering, and the possible origins of the Bronze Age horse culture in Estonia.

To what extent could human bones identified in excavations since the 1960s in two major urban centers of medieval Nigeria bear witness - or not - to the passage of the plague pandemic in the second half of the 14th century? Our analysis is based on the bones of individuals found in a mass grave in Benin City in 1962-1963, the very partial remains of a child unearthed at the Oduduwa College II site in Ile-Ife in 2019, and on descriptions of human remains discovered during various archaeological projects in this central city of the Yoruba world. The stratigraphic position of the skeletons, the positioning of the bodies and the markings observed on certain bones are all elements that we take into account to feed our reflection on the plague and, more broadly, on mortuary practices in tropical Africa before the opening of Atlantic trade, and their consequences on archaeological deposits.

Monitoring of the preventive archaeology component of the Nachtigal amont hydroelectric dam project was carried out in two phases, from 2019 to 2023, under two contracts managed by IRD and carried out by a Franco-Cameroonian team. Over 75,148 pottery shards were collected from just over 200 sites. Some forty mass spectrometer radiocarbon dates were performed. Our preliminary typochronological description is based on the examination of some 20,000 fragments from 58 archaeological sites. The sequence appears to be made up of seven different groups, recognized above all by morphological-decorative criteria: Group I (9th-7th centuries BC), Group IIa (8th-5th centuries BC), Group IIb (6th-2nd centuries BC), Group III (AD 2nd-5th centuries), Group IV (AD 12th-14th centuries), Group V (AD 15th-17th centuries) and Group VI (AD 17th century-contemporary).

The Mbam chieftaincy houses, built from 1920 till the end of 1930, were put in place thanks to the colonial administration, who sought to reinforce the power of the chiefs they appointed in societies that lacked such power. The buildings were modelled on the grand colonial mansions of the early 20th century, with a single floor surrounded by a veranda, usually supported by arches or brick pillars. Access to the first floor is via a monumental staircase. These buildings also led to the rise of different trades that will influence all local architectures. Nowadays, the presence of these buildings indicates places of power. On these sites, the right-holders seek to build as close as possible to these houses, or to what remains of them. This, to show their kinship with the deceased chiefs and, consequently, their level of chieftaincy claim or to local or even national representation of their community.

In March 2023, we were able to observe and interview the last active dyer in northern Benin, in a district of the town of Nikki. A living human treasure whose disappearance could mean the disappearance of a centuries-old technical tradition, Tahirou Husseini took us through a number of operations involved in preparing the dye bath and colouring the textiles. He also described the context in which the craft was practised in the past and the changes that have taken place over time. In this article, we share this information. Some of it has rarely been mentioned in the literature.

The article is devoted to the study, restoration, and reconstruction of a poplar box originating from kurgan No. 13 of the Urysay-2 burial site. This box contained a set of ritual objects associated with a female “priestess”. The box was positioned behind the head of the deceased and was a low, square container with straight sides and a separate flat lid. The specific set of objects found in the box included a mirror, a cedar block, a “spoon” with traces of paint, a small organic vessel (leather? felt?), and silk fabric, supplemented by a small stone altar and a set of tools found nearby. During fieldwork, the box was removed in one block. Subsequently, an MRI scan was performed; a comprehensive set of procedures was conducted to identify the material of the finds, their physicochemical composition, conservation, and restoration; a 3D reconstruction of the box and the items was carried out.

В 2018—2019 гг. на памятнике Самсы в Шу-Илейском междуречье раскопано пять курганов тюркского времени (VIII—X вв.). Всего изучено семь погребений: в четырех курганах обнаружены единичные катакомбные (№1, 3) и подбойные погребения с конем (№ 4, 17). В ещё одном кургане (№ 2) вскрыто два подбойных захоронения, совершённых по мусульманскому обычаю (VIII—X вв.) и одно позднее впускное. В первом захоронении (кург. 2) найдено довольно редкое бронзовое зеркало, ближайшие аналогии которому происходят с территории Тянь-Шаня и Согда. Результаты радиоуглеродного анализа, полученные находки и характер погребального обряда позволяют датировать курганы VIII—X вв. На основе краниологического анализа делается вывод о неоднородности населения, оставившего данный могильник. В серии присутствуют черепа, в облике которых фиксируются как европеоидные, так и монголоидные признаки. Особенности остеологической конституции позволяют отметить, что исследованные посткраниуумы, в целом, характеризуются «степным» морфологическим вариантом сложения. Различия в погребальных обрядах и физическом облике погребённых свидетельствуют об активных процессах смешивания монголоидного и европеоидного компонентов местных и пришлых этнических групп. Полученные данные дают информацию о разнотипном антропологическом составе людей, погребённых на памятнике Самсы, и их связях на основе погребального инвентаря с населением Тянь-Шаня, Согда и Тохаристана. Разнотипность антропологического состава тюрков связана с их смешиванием с представителями иных расовых типов на пути своего распространения, что подтверждается в работах других исследователей.

Изучение и реконструкция различных видов воинских атрибутов (знамен, бунчуков, флагов, их особенностей и форм) золотордынского периода (эпохи Улуса Джучи) является сегодня одной из актуальных научных проблем. До сих пор эта тема не была предметом отдельного исследования в научных работах по истории Золотой Орды. Поэтому целью данного исследования является востановление системы военных символов золотоордынского времени. Основным источником для исследования послужили иконографические материалы. Использовались памятники изобразительного искусства стран и народов, входивших в состав Империи Чингисхана и его наследников, а также стран, которые были в культурном и военном контакте с Улусом Джучи. Дополнительными источниками послужили сведения из письменной литературы, а также археологические и вещественные материалы. Подробный и углубленный анализ данных всех этих источников позволил восстановить использовавшийся комплекс военной символики Золотой Орды (Улуса Джучи), определить разнообразные виды знамен, флагов и бунчуков этого периода, различающиеся формой полотнища и дополнительными элементами, определяющими их статус и особенности их назначения.

Публикуемые данные представляют собой первые результаты исследования железного кинжала из Центрального Казахстана (IV—V вв.). Выявлено, что все операции ковки и термической обработки проводились при температуре ниже 727°С. Твердость по шкале Виккерса составила 244 HV5. Анализ доли карбидов в железе свидетельствует, что состав металла соответствует стали заэвтектического состава, при этом доля карбидов в колониях достигает уровня доэвтектического чугуна. Высокая доля карбидов сферической формы в сочетании с матрицей из феррита придает кинжалу при сравнительно небольшой твердости высокую пластичность, коррозионную стойкость и хорошие режущие свойства. Технология термической обработки, которую применил древний мастер, обеспечила такому металлу довольно высокие эксплуатационные характеристики, повышающие режущие свойства и стойкость оружия в использовании.

The article presents the results of a comprehensive study of materials from the Arshaly settlement (Maysky district, Pavlodar region, Republic of Kazakhstan): an analysis of the stratigraphy of the archaeological deposits, a typological and technological study of the ceramic complex, an analysis of the traces of use of stone tools and an archaeozoological study of faunal remains. The application of radiocarbon dating methods in conjunction with the comparative analysis of materials from synchronous sites in the region made it possible to refine the chronological position and cultural classification of the Arshaly settlement in the context of the Dongal cultural tradition. The results of the archaeozoological investigations provided valuable insights into the particularities of the livestock breeding of the ancient population. The significance of the Arshaly settlement lies in its potential for an in-depth study of the processes of cultural genesis and socio-economic changes characteristic of the transitional period between the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age in northeastern Kazakhstan.

Due to the widespread use of natural science methods in archaeological research, the study of intramural burials of the Bronze Age is becoming more relevant. The paper presents for the first time the results of an anthropological analysis conducted on materials obtained on the territory of the settlement of Shagalaly II (Zerendy district, Akmola region, Republic of Kazakhstan). Based on the results of archaeological and anthropological research, the burial materials given in the article are interpreted and divided into several categories. Structural and comparative analyses revealed the following types of intramural burials on the territory of the settlement: special burials, building sacrifices and the reuse of existing burial structures. Burial complexes in settlements make it possible to reconstruct the religious and ideological views of the population of the Bronze Age.

В публикации в научный оборот вводится керамический комплекс могильника Кемпиртас. Технологический анализ керамики проведён в рамках историко-культурного подхода к изучению древнего гончарства, разработанного А.А. Бобринским. Исследование показало, что для изготовления посуды использовали среднеожелезнённые слабозапесоченные глины (100%), а в результате изучения степени запесоченности глин и состава естественных минеральных примесей было выявлено два «места» добычи исходного пластичного сырья. Анализ формовочных масс позволил выяснить, что самым массовым рецептом являлся «глина + дресва из прозрачного и молочного кварцита + органический раствор» (88,2%), что говорит об однородности населения, оставившего данный памятник. Таким образом, анализируя традиции выбора исходного сырья и составления формовочных масс, а именно высокую степень их единообразия, возможно предположить, что население было родственным. Сосуды горшечной и баночной форм отмечены в одинаковом количестве (по 46,7%). Анализ орнаментации позволил выявить две традиции декорирования посуды — гребенчатой и гладкой. Материалы могильника Кемпиртас входят в круг погребальных объектов алакульской (атасуской) культурно-исторической общности Северной Сарыарки.

Конское снаряжение по праву считается одной из основных категорий так называемой скифской триады и является ключевым элементом всаднической культуры, материальная база которой существенно пополнилась в ходе исследований последних десятилетий. Соответственно, на повестке дня — осмысление собранных данных, анализ проблем эволюции и трансформации конской амуниции раннего железного века с основой на типологический метод научного познания. Объектом данного исследования является уздечный и седельный комплексы и его составные элементы, развитие которых берёт своё начало в эпоху бронзы и уже в раннем железном веке характеризуется поиском наиболее оптимальных в функциональном отношении вариаций использования. В статье вводятся в научный оборот материалы, обнаруженные на окраине с. Горная Маевка (Кыргызстан). Уникальность их заключается в новом способе соединения удил и псалиев. При сравнительно-типологическом анализе всех находок выявлен круг наиболее близких по морфологическим и техническим характеристикам аналогий, анализ которых в определённой степени указывает на принадлежность к раннесакскому обществу. Авторы также представили типологию способов соединения удил и псалиев. На основе приведённых хронологических показателей этот комплекс предварительно датирован в рамках VIII— VII вв. до н.э.

В статье публикуются результаты исследования раннетасмолинского захоронения из Центрального Казахстана. Полученный материал представлен украшениями в виде золотых серёг, подвески и каменных бус. Обнаружение в насыпи кургана зернотёрки и курант поднимает вопрос о ведении подсобного земледелия кочевым населением в раннем железном веке. Проведены половозрастные определения человеческих останков, трасологический анализ терочного механизма, определены породы каменных изделий. Радиоуглеродный анализ позволил датировать исследованное сооружение в рамках середины VIII — конца VI в. до н.э., что согласуется с типологическими аналогиями обнаруженных в захоронении золотых серег.

В 2016 г. на территории Мангистауской области были обнаружены два монетно-вещевых клада начала XIII в. Находки были сделаны на торговой площади, примыкающей к караван-сараю, расположенному у горы Шеркала. Клады содержали в своём составе аналогичные предметы украшений и монет. Среди украшений выделяются височные кольца, серьги с полыми сферами и прутковые, перстни с щитком, парные пластинчатые браслеты и прочее. Все предметы отлиты из золота и серебра, имеют стандартизованные формы изготовления и выполнены в единой художественной манере того времени. Браслеты и перстни с помощью различной техники декорированы схожим растительным орнаментом с дополнительным нанесением сложных элементов в виде геометрических знаков и символов. Помимо украшений, клады содержали динары хорезмшаха Мухаммада б. Текеша и местные имитации его чекана. Шеркалинские караван-сарай и торговая площадь являются единым торгово-хозяйственным комплексом с соседствующим городищем Кызылкала, находящимся в глубинных районах полуострова Мангышлак (Мангистау) и являющимся транзитным пунктом на торговом пути, ведшим из Хорезма к побережью Каспийского моря.

В статье подробно рассматриваются ремесленные гончарные поселения, функционировавшие на территории Южного Приаралья в раннем железном веке и эпоху античности. Эти памятники, напрямую связанные с массовым производством глиняной посуды, различны по своему месторасположению в пределах оазисов. В связи с этим определяется их место в экономической системе области. Продукция многопрофильного ремесленного Нурумского поселения, которая явно превышала потребности его жителей, была рассчитана на скотоводческое население западных окраин Хорезма. Ремесленные поселения Хумбуз-тепе и Бабиш мола 7 снабжали своей продукцией земледельческие поселения, расположенные в пределах ирригационного района. Есть определённые основания считать, что эти крупные ремесленные центры возникали не без участия центральных властей.

In 2022, scientific research was conducted on kurgan No. 1 at the Balykty burial site from the Early Iron Age (Kazakhstan, Akmola Region). The stone mound had a circular shape with a diameter of 4.5 meters and a height of 0.2 meters. There are traces of robbers from ancient times. 20 bronze items, one stone blade and one bone awl were found inside the barrow pit. The horse harness set was crafted in the “animal style.” Daggers, knives, arrowheads, grindstones, and bones were well-preserved. Based on the artifacts found, the site was classified as a “warrior” burial, typical of the Tasmola culture. Anthropological studies indicated the burial belonged to a male aged 45—50 years. Radiocarbon analysis, carried out by the Vilnius Radiocarbon Laboratory, dated the burial to the 8th—7th centuries BCE. The stone tool was made of sandstone. The material composition of the artifacts was analyzed, revealing that 90 percent of the metal was copper. A comparative analysis of the structures of other small burial sites in the region and the items found in them was conducted. Based on the analysis of materials and interdisciplinary research results, it was concluded that the kurgan is the burial site of a “warrior” from the Tasmola culture period.

Могильник Кызылжартас находится в Шетском районе Карагандинской области РК. В результате раскопок кургана № 2 выявлены фрагменты изделий, в том числе железного сосуда, керамики, а также 57 золотых украшений. В статье впервые публикуются результаты анализа материалов из кургана № 2, проведённых в 2023—2024 гг. В лаборатории 14С Хронологии «Vilnius Radiocarbon» (Вильнюс, Литва) по образцам из человеческих костей получены две радиоуглеродные даты. Изделия из золота были подвергнуты РФА анализу. Кости животных, найденные в могиле, были определены до вида. На основании археологических данных и результатов 14С курган № 2 могильника Кызылжартас датируется в рамках периода 2-й пол. IV—II вв. до н.э. В настоящее время в археологии раннего железного века Центрального Казахстана изучение памятников этого периода является одной из особо актуальных проблем. Рассматриваемый курган относится к группе памятников, не связанных с коргантасским и карамолинским типами. На фоне немногочисленных захоронений, сплошь ограбленных и трудно поддающихся датировке, этот объект открывает определённую перспективу в изучении культуры позднесакского времени региона.

В статье представлены результаты эксперимента по реконструкции гончарного производства чирикрабадской культуры, который был проведён в полевых сезонах 2022—2023 гг. на площадке, прилегающей к уникальной гончарной мастерской чирик-рабадской культуры археологического комплекса Бабиш Мола. Целью исследования выступила практическая и теоретическая реконструкция этапов гончарного производства античных земледельцев и скотоводов низовьев Сырдарьи второй половины I тыс. до н.э. В ходе экспериментальных работ на основе анализа керамики чирик-рабадской культуры воссозданы производственные циклы, начиная от сбора сырья и определения характеристик формовочной массы, конструирования сосудов, обжига и завершая получением конечной продукции. Детальный техникотехнологический анализ экспериментальных эталонов керамики, а также результаты сравнительного анализа эталонов и продуктов гончарного производства чирик-рабадской культуры позволили определить конкретные особенности в гончарном производстве античных земледельцев и скотоводов низовьев Сырдарьи второй половины I тыс. до н.э.

The article examines the history of Zhetysu, during the period when this historical region was part of the Chagatai’s ulus. Special attention is paid to the Kegen-Narynkol district, which was the political center of this Ulus. The historical significance of this region is insufficiently covered in historical research. Kegen-Narynkol district is considered the seasonal political center of Chagatai and his descendants, their summer pastures were located here. It also describes the artificial ponds (reservoirs) preserved to this day in the Kegen-Narynkol steppes, the construction of which is associated with the rulers of the Chagatai Ulus. At the end of the article, the political situation in Kegen-Narynkol during the existence of the Kazakh Khanate under the rule of Yesim and Zhangir, as well as the general history of the Kazakh and Kyrgyz peoples, is investigated. The article uses information from written sources, as well as historical legends, pedigrees preserved by the Kazakhs and Kyrgyz.

Каменные орудия труда рассматриваются как неотъемлемая часть хозяйственно-производственного комплекса поселений эпохи бронзы Жетысу. Систематизация ранее изученных пестов из стратифицированных памятников и трасологические исследования случайных находок данных изделий в регионе позволили объединить их в одну группу набора инструментов. На этой основе была выделена сырьевая база для производства каменных пестов, представлены их основные параметры и формы, техника изготовления и способы применения. Согласно результатам исследования, они определены как многофункциональные орудия труда, которые использовали в горном деле, металлообработке, различных видах домашних ремёсел и в быту. Часть инструментов из случайных находок продолжала применяться позднее в раннем железном веке

Находки орнаментированных фаланг лошадей и других копытных животных — характерная особенность культур энеолита степей Евразии. Коллекция орнаментированных путовых костей преимущественно лошади (реже — кулана и сайги) из поселений ботайской культуры Ботай и Красный Яр I (Северо-Казахстанская обл., Казахстан) насчитывает 78 изделий. Это самая большая серия орнаментированных фаланг, известная по материалам евразийских древностей. Предположение о том, что они представляют своеобразную разновидность антропоморфной пластики неоднократно высказывалось ранее. Поселение Ботай является уникальным по обилию остеологического материала: 99% — принадлежало лошади. Жизнь «ботайцев» была тесно связана с популяцией лошади лесостепного Приишимья. Фаланга копытного животного, устойчивая в вертикальном положении, по форме напоминает антропоморфную фигурку. Перед нанесением орнамента фаланга обрабатывалась. Планиграфический анализ находок указывает на их повсеместное присутствие в жилом пространстве ботайского поселения. Возможно, они играли роль идолов-оберегов, охранявших жилое пространство и/или в каком-то виде изображали взаимоотношения человека и лошади.

В статье вводится в научный оборот серия каменных изваяний из погребальных и культовых памятников Северного Казахстана II тыс. до н.э. — рубежа I в. до н.э. — I в. н.э. Всего приводятся данные о девяти изваяниях с территории Зерендинского и Бурабайского районов Акмолинской области, семь из них датированы бронзовым веком, два — ранним железным веком. Три изваяния зафиксированы в закрытых археологических комплексах — на дне могильной ямы, в заполнении или на перекрытии. Четыре стелы находятся в составе погребальных или поминальных конструкций могильников бронзового века. Две стелы расположены в составе культового мегалитического сооружения. Исходя из полученных данных, авторы приходят к мнению, что активная традиция использования каменных стел появляется в Северном Казахстане, в частности на территории Кокшетауской возвышенности, в эпоху поздней бронзы с населением федоровской археологической культуры. Нельзя полностью исключать и доандроновское время, погребения которого выявлены по материалам могильника Тажегул. Находки стел следующего периода пока редки; единичная стела, обнаруженная в погребении кургана, демонстрирует связи с памятниками от Алтая до Центрального Предкавказья. Антропоморфная плита из погребения рубежа эр близка к плитам из сарматских памятников Южного Урала.

В статье представлены результаты исследования мужского черепа со следами трепанации. Погребение, где обнаружен краниум, относится к Ходжалы-Кедабекской археологической культуре эпохи поздней бронзы-раннего железа и было выявлено в ходе археологических раскопок Я.И. Гуммеля в Гёйгёльском районе. Трепанационное отверстие, общими размерами 2,4 × 2 см, округлой формы, расположено на венечном шве, на соединении лобной и левой теменной кости. Краниотомия была совершена методом скобления и прорезывания. На черепе присутствуют следы воспалительной реакции и заживления кости. Пациент прожил определённое время после операции. Манипуляция была осуществлена, вероятно, в медицинских целях. На черепе отмечены также дискретные признаки и маркеры физиологического стресса. В настоящее время известно 8 случаев трепанации, датируемых концом II — началом I тыс. до н.э. с территории Азербайджана: из них два (мужчины) совершены прижизненно в медицинских целях методом скобления и прорезывания (один успешно, второй — окончился смертью пациента); шесть в ритуально-символических целях, из них четыре — прижизненно выполнены методом прижигания (мужчина, женщина, два взрослых индивидуума) и два — посмертно (женщина и мужчина), методом прорезывания.

В статье рассматриваются памятники, относящиеся к «кангюйскому периоду», актуальные для казахстанской и среднеазиатской археологии поселенческих оазисов, в том числе материалы археологических раскопок поселения Актобе, расположенного по северной границе размещения кангюйских племён. Цель полевых исследований — определить хронологию, характеристики сооружений, состояние ремесла и хозяйства на поселении. В результате раскопок, проведённых на нижней площадке поселения, впервые открыты жилые помещения I—IІ вв. в долине рек ТерисАса; обнаружены фрагменты керамических изделий в количестве 472 штук. Керамика в зависимости от эксплуатационной деятельности делится на три группы: кухонные (14,2%), столовые (75,2%), хозяйственно-бытовые (10,6%). Широко использовались горшки и кувшины. Среди каменных изделий встречаются зернотёрки и каменные изделия с отверстием по центру. Формы и декор керамики, аналогичные найденной на пос. Актобе, выявлены в материалах памятников кангюйского периода I— IV вв., расположенных в среднем и нижнем течении рек Таласа и Сырдарьи. Исследована 191 кость животных, из которых 167 — определены до вида. Все костные остатки принадлежат домашним животным. В выборке домашних животных преобладают кости МРС (44,9%), на втором месте — кости крупного рогатого скота (35,9%), на третьем — лошади (15,5%). В малом количестве выявлены кости собаки и осла. Структура костного материала и степень его раздробленности показывает, что овец забивали преимущественно в возрасте от 2-х до 4-х лет, а крупный рогатый скот — в возрасте от 1,5 лет. Большинство особей лошади забито в возрасте 2—2,5 года.

This article presents results that seriously challenge conventional frameworks regarding the time, course, and cultural context of the introduction of iron and steel in Europe, in turn central metals in the narrative of civilization development. From focusing on 2,000-year-old finds from 42 different sites across the national borders of present-day northernmost Norway, Finland, and Sweden, our study reveals advanced iron and steel production contemporaneous with Roman steel production within the hitherto unthinkable cultural context of hunter-gatherers. By employing archaeometric analyses alongside a lens that considers the Arctic climate and landscape, long-standing inadequate interpretative frameworks are challenged and we manage to shed novel light on the metallurgical practices and skills of the ancient Arctic hunter-gatherers. By examining local conditions, the research specifically reveals adaptation strategies and previously underexplored social and organizational aspects of early ironmaking. The implications of these findings are profound, urging historians and archaeologists to adopt similar methods and perspectives to potentially uncover additional “unthinkable” locations/regions or contexts with advanced and early metalworking.

Over its history, archaeology has seen a varied set of uses made of philosophy and philosophical concepts. A persistent critique has been that too often philosophical or more generally theoretical debates have made little difference in terms of empirical archaeological work and interpretation. In this article, we present results from an interdisciplinary study on the operationalisation of the Capability Approach in archaeology. We trace some of its implications as regards the understanding of identity and social organisation in archaeology and represent a model by way of which the Capability Approach can be operationalised in archaeology with the Cucuteni-Trypillia societies from 5050 to 2950 BCE as our case study. An analytic scheme is developed that relates archaeological categories to those of the United Nation’s Human Development Index.

This microreview, conducted by interdisciplinary teams, examines complex heritage material systems, such as medieval colors and modern and contemporary artworks. Our multi-analytical approach, a significant aspect of our research, is a means to this end. The conservation of works of art is our shared goal, as it ensures their accessibility and the transfer of cultural heritage to future generations. We seek to interpret the damage, usefulness, and innovation of the experimental design in this context. As Jan Wouters rightly points out, “The terminology used nowadays to describe the potential damage to objects caused by analysis should be refined beyond the destructiveness/non-invasiveness polarization. A terminology should include at least degree level intervention (low, medium, high), usefulness, and innovation”. Complementing micro- or sub-micro-sampling with the appropriate analytical methods is crucial, as exemplified in medieval, modern, and contemporary collections studies. Finally, a novel perspective for exploring the information contained in the multiscale heterogeneity of organic historical materials is envisaged, and it includes UV/Visible photoluminescence spectral imaging using a low-intensity ultraviolet synchrotron beam.

Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Science (GIS) techniques are powerful tools for spatial data collection, analysis, management, and digitization within cultural heritage frameworks. Despite their capabilities, challenges remain in automating data semantic classification for conservation purposes. To address this, leveraging airborne Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) point clouds, complex spatial analyses, and automated data structuring is crucial for supporting heritage preservation and knowledge processes. In this context, the present contribution investigates the latest Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies for automating existing LiDAR data structuring, focusing on the case study of Sardinia coastlines. Moreover, the study preliminary addresses automation challenges in the perspective of historical defensive landscapes mapping. Since historical defensive architectures and landscapes are characterized by several challenging complexities—including their association with dark periods in recent history and chronological stratification—their digitization and preservation are highly multidisciplinary issues. This research aims to improve data structuring automation in these large heritage contexts with a multiscale approach by applying Machine Learning (ML) techniques to low-scale 3D Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) point clouds. The study thus develops a predictive Deep Learning Model (DLM) for the semantic segmentation of sparse point clouds (2), adaptable to large landscape heritage contexts and heterogeneous data scales. Additionally, a preliminary investigation into object-detection methods has been conducted to map specific fortification artifacts efficiently.

The Festival of the Patios of Cordoba, declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) by UNESCO in 2012, serves as an emblematic case of how this designation acts as a tourist brand, attracting a greater number of visitors and granting a competitive advantage to the city’s tourist market. This research is focused on analyzing the differences and similarities in the satisfaction, lived experience and behavioral intention of tourists according to their sociodemographic profile during the 2022 edition of the Patios Festival. The study’s main objective is to understand the sociodemographic profile of the tourist who visits this event and if there are features of this profile that influence the satisfaction and lived experience with the event. Using a quantitative methodological approach, field work was carried out during the Fiesta de los Patios of Cordoba (Spain) in its 2022 edition, which took place between 3 and 15 May 2022, obtaining 383 valid surveys. The results reveal differences in the perception and satisfaction of the experience depending on the sociodemographic profile of the visitors. These findings highlight the need to adapt the tourism offerings to improve the visitor experience and also contribute to the scarcity of studies on ICH to help tourism managers formulate strategies that maximize the cultural and economic benefits of these Word Heritage inscriptions.

This study identified research trends, intellectual connections, and social connections in the field of museum visitor experiences. It also outlines future research to understand existing scientific research and shed light on key areas of research. The study reviewed 407 articles published in peer-reviewed journal articles, which were generated from the Scopus database. Bibliometric analysis software VOSviewer and Harzing POP were used. Citation analysis, co-authorship analysis, bibliometric coupling, and co-occurrence analysis have been employed. Findings highlight the need for increased representation from scholars in the Global South to ensure a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of museum visitors’ experiences worldwide. Nine key research areas for future studies were identified: sustainability, mixed reality, social media, accessibility, emotion, co-creation, interpretation, exhibition, and museum visitors’ experience and engagement. The results benefit stakeholders and researchers by allowing them to stay informed about the latest developments and breakthroughs in the global academic landscape and visitors’ experiences in museums.

This study reconstructs the recent history of Therasia by examining the interplay between traditional settlements and the island’s natural and agricultural landscape. Through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates spatial and architectural analysis, historical records, and NDVI-based vegetation mapping, this research highlights the significant impact of agrarian structures like dry-stone walls and terraces on the environment. The unique dry-stone wall and terrace system is shown to have been crucial for both spatial organization and the survival of Therasia’s inhabitants. This study also addresses the challenges of dating these structures, employing a relative dating methodology to establish a timeline of habitation from the late medieval period to the present. This research reconstructs the island’s recent history, from early seasonal settlements to the eventual decline of rural architecture in the 20th century. The findings indicate that settlement patterns were closely linked to environmental and geomorphological factors, with the evolution of these sites driven by agricultural practices and broader socio-economic changes. This research not only reconstructs Therasia’s past, but also proposes a novel methodological framework combining remote sensing with traditional historical analysis, offering new insights into the relationship between human settlements and the environment in the Aegean region.

The architecture in the rural environment leaves a trail of forgotten pre-existence during depopulation processes. The anonymous practice of continuous updating that these constructions have undergone involves their enlargement and adaptation to new requirements in the sense of primary functionality, but also in the evolving ways of inhabiting. It shows an ability to update the heritage without rhetoric, presenting economic, social, and environmental sustainability. These considerations point towards an investigation of the upgrading of architecture in the rural environment as a source of action strategies in an adaptive reuse context. The methodological approach is based on a case study analysis of two intervention projects from the early 1990s in Grisons, namely the pioneering projects of Peter Märkli in Walenstadtberg in 1992/99 and Peter Zumthor in Versam in 1994. The analysis of both cases demonstrates a tectonic correlation between the spatial form development and the potential of traditional building systems. Furthermore, both cases prove the possibility of typological shifts when it comes to updating the built heritage for preservation. Finally, this study elucidates the exemplary role of both cases with respect to the renewed approaches to old and new in the context of the rural environment.

The conservation of cultural heritage is a well-established fact recognized by public administrations, the scientific community, and society at large. Understanding this heritage strengthens the historical memory of communities. However, there is a type of heritage that, as it disappears or evolves over time, cannot be physically recovered: the urban fabric of historic cores. This article aims to implement a system for integrating historical urban data into a Geographic Information System (GIS) to enable the graphic recovery of urban evolution within a territory. This system facilitates the storage of alphanumeric and graphic data in a centralized database, providing a holistic view of the transformation process of a historic center’s landscape. This case study focuses on an area in the historic center of Valencia, a territory influenced by multiple cultures since the city was founded by the Romans. Each culture has altered the spatial structures within the area. Georeferenced documents from historical archives, historical cartography, and the scientific literature were utilized for this study. The results have been integrated into the current cartography of Valencia in the GIS, producing plans of successive urban stages through the overlay of historical maps and current cartography.

This work will review and discuss the use of computerised X-ray tomography (CXT) for analysing ancient, manufactured items, like stone building materials, glass and ceramics. It will consider particular techniques required, and/or of benefit, for CXT of heritage materials, such as special precautions during the experimentation to ensure there is no damage to the materials, special imaging methods such as elemental-specific imaging, and sample-specific image analysis requirements. This study shows how the knowledge of internal features, particularly pores, discerned from CXT can be used to reverse engineer the artefact fabrication process. CXT can be used to obtain information on both the raw materials (such as types and impurities) and fabrication techniques used. These abilities can then be used to establish technological evolution and the incidence of ancient behaviours like recycling and allow the linking of particular items to specific production sites. It will also be seen how CXT can aid the development of effective conservation techniques. This work will also consider how conclusions drawn from CXT data can be amended or augmented by the use of complementary non-destructive characterisation methods, such as gas overcondensation.

In addition to the surrounding climatic environment, the intrinsic characteristics of the stones used in construction are a critical factor to understand a building’s conservation state and define the necessary planning and conservation management activities. The use of environmentally susceptible stones, such as carbonate stones, in heritage buildings can be especially problematic. The present investigation presents an overview of past research and contributes to identifying the types of carbonate stones used over time in Coimbra’s Old Cathedral in Portugal, which was classified as a National Monument and integrated into the Coimbra World Heritage site by UNESCO. Our mineralogical and chemical analyses revealed the use of carbonate stones from different quarries (Coimbra region), including Ançã limestone and dolostone (Porta Especiosa portal), Portunhos limestone and Outil limestone (in the perimeter of windows), and marlstones and Outil limestone (side facades). These stones, which were installed at various times during the construction and alteration of the monument, represent a great challenge for conservation planning due to their intrinsic vulnerability to adverse environmental conditions and pollution.

The revelation of the internal structure of objects through computed tomography (CT scan) contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of their creation, the assessment of their preservation status, and the prediction of their future behavior. Consequently, in the case of Yiannis Pappas’ collection, this knowledge aids in the perpetuation of the models it hosts, which are made from malleable materials, such as wax, plasticine, and mazut, on metallic armature. This publication presents the complete methodology for extracting three-dimensional (3D) models (reconstructions) of the individual construction materials of the figurines, with the aim of subsequently utilizing them in research, as well as in their digital preservation and restoration. The 3D reconstructions were obtained by automatic segmentation algorithms based on the absorption measurements of the materials of the specific figurines, and were furthered edited (post-processing) to obtain the final models.

The present study contributes to the morphogenesis of the Miresii Cave, located in Cheia Mare of Dâmbovița in the area of the Bran—Dragoslavele Corridor, an important tourist axis in Romania. The main aim of the research is the proposal to the Scientific Council of Piatra Craiului National Park to bring to the attention of the national decision-making commissions that the cave be declared a natural monument. The inventory of this speleological geomorphosite suggested its inclusion in a thematic geotouristic circuit integrated into national and EU-protected natural areas. The novelty of the present research lies in the fact that the cave has never been studied before, being difficult to access. This cave, spatially found in the strict protection zone of the national park, is not included in its management plan. When being integrated into other nature protection areas, it is necessary to exclude any form of recreational tourism so that the cave can be exploited as a geotouristic resource strictly for research and educational purposes. The morphogenetic analysis of the cave, based on the information synthesized from geomorphological and geological literature, allowed us to decipher the morphological individualization of Miresii Cave in the local and regional geocronomorphological context, in accordance with the chronological separation of the karstification phenomenon manifested first in phreatic and later in vadose karst. The diversified typology of speleothems has been rendered according to the geomorphologic generating processes. The identification of the Rhinolophus ferrumequinum chiropteran colony and observations of its biotope highlighted the ecological significance of the cave. The inventory of the individuals of the colony led to the conclusion that the cave harbors one of the first two largest bat communities of this species in the national park and the adjacent depressional corridor. The present study may allow the documentation of the photographs and description of the geomorphosite integrated into the proposed thematic circuit to be included on billboards and in promotional brochures. Thus, it could also be useful for the decision-making authorities of Rucar and Podu Dâmboviței villages, which are interested in making decisions related to the promotion of geotourism, especially due to the existence of numerous geological and geomorphological tourist resources in the administrative territories.

Even though classic literature has cultural and educational value in heritage education, students often have trouble becoming interested because of the archaic language, a lack of good learning materials, the idea that the literature is not relevant, and complicated plots. This research aims to enhance heritage education by identifying barriers and drivers in youth engagement with classic Thai literature and exploring how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles could be applied to increase motivation in learning classic literature through multimedia. Ten interviews with experts, 100 on-site questionnaires filled out by students aged 15–25 years, and a multimedia e-book were used together in this mixed-methods study. As a case study, the researchers asked both experts and students to read the Thai classic poem “Phra Aphai Mani: Escaping from the Sea Witch” and make suggestions for how it could be better. The results show that there are barriers to heritage education, such as ‘the story is not connected to the present’ (mean = 4.52/5), ‘archaic vocabulary and language barriers’ (mean = 4.36/5), and ‘learning materials’ (mean = 4.25/5). Surprisingly, Thai students showed more positive attitudes towards literature courses than expected based on international trends. Key drivers for enhancing heritage education include ‘classic literature in modern, easy-to-read language’ (mean = 4.65/5), ‘including multimedia’ (mean = 4.58/5), ‘the plot/story adapted to the current era’ (mean = 4.50/5), and ‘new presenting technologies’ (mean = 4.49/5). Next, as an innovative way to improve heritage education, this study developed a free e-book titled “Phra Aphai Mani: Escaping from the Sea Witch”, which includes motion graphics and other multimedia elements. This research contributes to knowledge by demonstrating how UDL can be applied to classic literature within heritage education, enhancing understanding of student needs, and creating more effective, inclusive multimedia teaching methods for preserving and transmitting cultural heritage.

The aim of this research project is the investigation of the forgotten landscape of transhumance in mainland Greece, focusing on areas that have been abandoned by modern society and their historical significance. The goal is to make these lands functional again by preserving their cultural heritage and developing a sustainable community that meets the needs of people, livestock, and the environment. The investigation employs a dual approach: examining transhumance as a cultural and natural practice while analyzing vernacular architecture to preserve collective memory. This involves extensive historical research and a simultaneous analysis of spatial, social, symbolic, and architectural elements. This study identifies points of convergence between cultural practices and architectural heritage, applying these insights to contemporary redevelopment scenarios. Findings reveal a significant interplay between transhumance practices and the region’s anonymous architecture. Key characteristics of the landscape and its spatial identity are documented, providing insights into effective preservation and redevelopment strategies. Specific case studies validate these strategies, demonstrating their relevance to current and future efforts. This study concludes that understanding the historical context and spatial identity of transhumance landscapes is crucial for sustainable redevelopment. By preserving cultural practices and architectural heritage, this project provides a framework for revitalizing these landscapes, ensuring a balanced coexistence of people, livestock, and the environment.

In recent decades, there has been a growing awareness of the importance and desirability of fostering the involvement of more actors, and in particular local communities, in the protection of cultural heritage. Since universities have long been asked to become promoters of actions aimed at increasing society’s general level of well-being through interventions with cultural, social, and educational implications via technology transfer and knowledge sharing, a mutual collaboration between different researchers of the Politecnico di Torino, public administrations, and local communities has been consolidated over the last few years to provide a proactive contribution to both the preservation of cultural heritage and the social and economic development of the territories. A new educational methodology with direct and mutual collaboration between teachers and students, local communities, and policymakers was tested. The experiences conducted so far testify to the university’s ability to fulfil its training, research, and “Third Mission” tasks, both by responding to the needs of the territory and by transmitting up-to-date work methodologies, disciplinary skills, attention to context, and dialogue with local communities. The work carried out, appreciated by citizens and municipal administration representatives, was able to provide hints and stimuli for new opportunities and actions to be undertaken, foreshadowing possible development trajectories of the contexts investigated.

The case study of the monumental complex of San Francesco le Moniche, built in the ancient Norman county Aversa, in northern Campania (Italy), is analyzed here. The cultural heritage of the complex and the additional value associated with geoheritage (building stones and underground extraction cavities) have been highlighted. The building stratification of the complex was reconstructed based on documentary sources, including historical cartography and photographic documentation of postcards from the early 1900s. It began around 1200 and ended in the 20th century; part of the original citadel was dismantled and incorporated into the urban fabric in the Fascist era. The building stratification of the complex was also read from the distribution and architecture of the existing underground cavities from which the building stones were extracted. The subsoil, reconstructed on the basis of geological and geophysical data, is made up of a tuff substrate, starting from approximately 5–6 m from the ground level, which represents the main building stone as well as being an important testimony to the long volcanological history of northern Campania. Laser scanner surveys of the known and accessible cavities were carried out to obtain a three-dimensional view of the entire monumental complex and its underground spaces. The results provide a clear example of a geoheritage–cultural heritage interface which reminds us of the importance of an integrated approach in their valorization, specifically in urban areas. Additionally, the results of the study allowed us to improve the knowledge of the complex and the site, and provide useful tools for the planning of future targeted investigations.

This article explores the application of procedural design methods in urban morphology, drawing inspiration from the innovative work of the Architectural Workshop of Miskolc in Hungary during the late 20th century. This study presents a generative approach termed “Simulated Morphogenesis” (or the “Miskolc Method”), which models organic city growth by analysing historical urban tissues and applying recursive algorithms to simulate natural urban development. The method leverages advanced generative tools, such as Rhinoceros 3D and Grasshopper, to model the step-by-step growth of Central European cities, with a particular focus on Miskolc. By incorporating controlled randomness into the algorithmic processes, the method captures the complexity of organic urban growth while maintaining structured development. The Miskolc Method emphasizes the importance of continuity and context, allowing for the “healing” of urban fabric discontinuities or the generation of new urban structures. This article demonstrates how this approach, while rooted in geometrical analysis, offers a valuable foundation for preliminary urban planning. The findings are relevant for understanding the morphogenesis of cities and provide a flexible framework applicable to various urban contexts globally.

Accurate documentation of the geometry of historical buildings presents a considerable challenge, especially when dealing with complex structures like the Metropolitan Cathedral of Valencia. Advanced technologies such as 3D laser scanning has enabled detailed spatial data capture. Still, efficient handling of this data remains challenging due to the volume and complexity of the information. This study explores the application of clustering techniques employing Machine Learning-based algorithms, such as DBSCAN and K-means, to automate the process of point cloud analysis and modelling, focusing on identifying and extracting floor plans. The proposed methodology includes data geo-referencing, culling points to reduce file size, and automated floor plan extraction through filtering and segmentation. This approach aims to streamline the documentation and modelling of historical buildings and enhance the accuracy of historical architectural surveys, significantly contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage by providing a more efficient and accurate method of data analysis.

This paper presents the authentication analysis of a bronze bust of Napoleon I, attributed to the Italian artist Renzo Colombo (1856–1885) based on his signature and other casting and molding inscriptions. The bust was made using the lost wax technique and artificially patinated in the Pinédo variant workshop. This study combined historiographical research (using the specialized literature) with data from auction catalogs. These were compared with photographs of the entire bust and close-up images of key areas, including anthropomorphic features, clothing, inscriptions, and structural and ornamental details. The condition of the bust and its historical and chemical characteristics were assessed through direct analysis with magnifying tools and indirect analysis using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX).

Archaeological bone chemical composition is modified post-mortem by diagenesis processes, and over decades, several authors have proposed different protocols to avoid post-depositional contamination that can carry to misleading interpretations about the lifestyle and origin of ancient populations. In this work, a methodological approach based on rare earth elements analysis was developed to determine diagenetic alterations on femurs, humeri, and skull surfaces, and internal layers from thirteen individuals exhumed during fieldwork in the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mosque at Rozafa Castle (Shkodër, Albania). Major, minor, and trace elements, including rare earth elements, were measured employing spectrometric techniques, and the obtained data were statistically processed by principal component analysis and one-way ANOVA to select the best preserved bones. The results show that in general, the internal parts of bones, especially skulls, suffered post-depositional chemical contamination. Finally, to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach, a diet reconstruction employing log(Sr/Ca) and Zn/Ca was tested, obtaining results that are in line with the literature describing a diet based on a mixed economy, mostly agricultural products with low protein intakes.

The Roman town of Ostia offers a unique opportunity to study a wide range of structural damage affecting different types of ancient buildings. In the Piccolo Mercato, potential seismic effects are visible in the masonry walls and in some of the masonry pillars that in ancient times supported an arcade. This paper, with the aim of providing insight into the causes of the observed damage on one of these pillars, reports and discusses some results of an interdisciplinary study. The damaged pillar under consideration, in particular, is today broken with the upper part rotated about 12 degrees counterclockwise from the lower part. Numerical simulations of this pillar have been performed using finite element models, and incremental nonlinear time-history analyses were carried out for quite a large number of seismic input ground motions. From the obtained results, it appears that a rotation, similar to that exhibited by the upper part of the pillar, can be attributed to seismic action with Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) values ranging from medium to high.