The material evidence of the Roman cult of Mithras is one of the most visible and best-preserved heritage of Roman religion from the period of the 2nd- 4th century AD. There are several in situ and ...reconstructed mithraea in European archaeological parks and museums, where the memory of the cult and its worshippers are evoked. The paper examines some of the most well-known case studies of the Mithraic sanctuaries, focusing on in situ archaeological sites, reconstructed mithraea and museal spaces from Romania, where new, sensorial methods can be used.
The material evidence of the Roman cult of Mithras is one of the most visible and best-preserved heritage of Roman religion from the period of the 2nd- 4th century AD. There are several in situ and ...reconstructed mithraea in European archaeological parks and museums, where the memory of the cult and its worshippers are evoked. The paper examines some of the most well-known case studies of the Mithraic sanctuaries, focusing on in situ archaeological sites, reconstructed mithraea and museal spaces from Romania, where new, sensorial methods can be used.
The conservation of underground tombs is affected by several physical-chemical and biological factors, which could be reduced by insulating systems able to maintain the microclimatic stability also ...decreasing the biodeterioration risk. In Mediterranean areas, wild ephemeral plants, which reduce their cover during the hot season, seem unsuitable for reducing summer overheating. In this study, we wish to assess the influence of vegetation cover and of overlaying soil, after the establishment of an evergreen turf of a cultivar of Cynodon dactylon, on two tombs in the Etruscan Necropolis of Monterozzi, covered by linear-shaped tumuli. Therefore, we evaluated for 10 months the thermo-hygrometric values of these tombs, together with two tombs as controls. We also evaluated the different tumuli’s morphologies and the related received solar radiation. Results confirmed that late summer and early autumn as critical microclimatic periods for the risk factors of hypogeal paintings when peaks of superficial temperature occur. A positive influence of vegetation cover on maintaining constant humidity and internal temperatures was detected, but the mounds orientation, as well as soil depth, seems to have a relevant role. Considering the naturalistic features of the area and the related cultural ecosystem services, a careful selection of wild plants is suggested.
Archaeobotanical perspectives inform site conservation and presentation at Gordion, Turkey. The historical landscape there includes about 240 royal burial mounds and the archaeological site of ...Gordion. The tumuli and the historical landscape in which they sit are threatened by agricultural development and suburbanization. The excavated part of the site is exposed to the elements. Protection of the largest tumulus against uncontrolled grazing has reduced erosion and led to biodiversity preservation. Plant management practices coordinated with the architectural conservation team are under development. On stone structures, soft caps are planted with Poa bulbosa and a selective weeding programme aims at keeping deep-rooted plants from destroying the stonework. Education and outreach for local people and tourists include a native plant garden and self-guided walking tours.
The Underwater Archaeological Parks (UAP) of the Azores are a cultural heritage protection initiative and an opportunity to promote fruition between archaeological sites and biodiversity. Respecting ...UNESCO’s “Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage” principles, the UAPs were classified for the first time in 2005 and are unique in the Portuguese context. Due to the autonomy that this ultra-peripheral European Region has in terms of cultural heritage management, this structure arises from a specific law in 2005 formulated by initiative of the Azores Regional Government. At the same time, the archipelago’s marine biodiversity richness has become one of the most attractive elements for tourism in the islands.
The main goal of this paper is to reflect on these two important identity elements of the Azores: on a cultural and environmental level. We try to understand if there is any interaction and symbiotic relation between the UPAs and their growing biodiversity due to the classification. For this purpose, the Angra UAP in Terceira and Dori UAP in S. Miguel will be presented.
In both cases, the cultural element was mandatory for the classification and protection of the sites. This first attempt to combine marine biota data together with archaeological data proposes to create a precedent. In fact, the empirical perception of archaeologists, biologists and divers who visit the parks is that the biodiversity has increased with the protection measures. However, we need elements that are more accurate in order to define that.
The main goal of this paper is to identify the marine species present in Angra for the first time. It will also create a reference for future evaluation regarding the symbiotic relation between the two UAP dimensions. We believe this has a positive effect on the defence of the natural and cultural heritage of the Azores.
•Azores is a pioneer region in Portugal related with the UAP classification.•Azorean UAP indicates to be favourable to biodiversity preservation.•UAP promote underwater tourism and preservation of cultural and natural values.•Azorean UAP requires monitorization to avoid negative impacts of visitings.
The 2001 UNESCO convention for the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH) encourages and supports projects that would make accessible to the general public underwater cultural sites. Since ...2010 the Catalonian Federation of the World Underwater Federation (FECDAS), have been developing outreach activities with the objective of promoting the protection of the UCH among recreational scuba divers. The purpose of this paper is to introduce one such project, the Punta Santa Anna in Blanes, Spain. This project has three objectives: the promotion of UCH to the general public, the in situ protection of this underwater archaeological site, and a case study on iron corrosion processes. FECDAS/CMAS will create an underwater archaeological park where recreational scuba divers will be able to visit some purposely selected archaeological iron cannons. To expose UCH to the general public will potentially affect the integrity of these artefacts. This risks potential damage and so, with the objective of minimizing potential threats, a series of protective measures and a systematic monitoring programme have been planned. The programme is designed to study the relationship between the underwater environment and the artefacts. The aim is to acquire a better understanding of the corrosion processes of iron objects present in marine underwater sites.
This paper offers some considerations on the concept of musealization at archaeological parks. It focuses on aspects of the design and development of a musealized archaeological site: conservation, ...security, museological techniques, communication, and, above all, the role of research as the basis to develop continuously renewed and high-quality content for public dissemination. The case of the Gavà Mines Archaeological Park (Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain) is used to exemplify the reflections presented in this article.
This paper argues that less known archaeological sites on marginalized or non-touristic areas can contribute to the formation of local economies that can benefit from alternative heritage tourism and ...public participation in the archaeological excavation process. The discussion of a proposal for turning two archaeological sites on the Greek islands of Kythera and Anitkythera respectively (Paleokastro and Kastro) into living archaeological parks serves as an example that highlights the possibilities for the creation of self-sustainable heritage projects that need not rely on direct state funding.
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