The Dunhuang Mogao Caves are a unique repository of Buddhist art that stretches over a millennium, featuring 492 grottoes carved into a cliff face. The site holds exquisite murals, sculptures, and manuscripts that document the rich history of cultural exchanges along the Silk Road. Digital interpretation of this heritage can support SDG 4 (Quality Education) by making these ancient treasures accessible through immersive virtual tours and interactive exhibits. Through high-resolution 3D scanning, the delicate details of the art are preserved, while real-time environmental monitoring ensures proactive conservation.
Located beneath the Mingsha Mountains in Dunhuang, Gansu Province, China, the Mogao Caves are a testament to ancient Chinese Buddhist art and are home to spectacular murals and sculptures. However, these millennia-old cultural treasures are threatened by climate change. Rising temperatures are accelerating the degradation of the exquisite murals, while weather extremes such as heavy rainfall and sandstorms jeopardize the structural integrity of the grottoes. Increased humidity caused by rainfall threatens the preservation of works of art, while sandstorms can cause physical damage to external structures. In addition, climate change-induced water stresses may disrupt the grotto's groundwater system, which is critical to maintaining stable humidity and temperature conditions inside the grotto, posing a significant risk to the long-term preservation of these valuable artistic and historical artifacts.
Recent archaeological analysis of Late Iron Age Durotriges graves in southern Britain indicate that women may have stayed with their kin and that husbands may have moved to live with their wives. This is also known as matrilocality, which is uncommon in modernity, where patrilocality is the most common system. Most European Neolithic, Copper, and Bronze Age sites also show evidence of patrilocality and patriliny, which is tracing lineage through men. This discovery of matrilocality combined with female skeletons being buried with a greater amount of luxury grave goods challenges notions of patriarchal power being the norm throughout history. By challenging historical and traditional notions of patriarchy, this supports the UN's sustainable goal of furthering gender equality.
Dwelling on the floating islands of Uros, Lake Titicaca, Peru
The houses and islands are made from reeds
Early 19th-century sketch of the Odin Stone
"An early 19th-century sketch of the Odin Stone by Elizabeth, Marchioness of Stafford. Given the exaggerated landscape surrounding the stone, it is unlikely that this is a particularly accurate reproduction." - Sigurd Towrie (http://orkneyjar.com/history/odinstone/index.html?msclkid=d735337cc28111ec9ec676e47af4bd37). The stone was destroyed in 1814 by Captain W. MacKay as discussed more in the Odin Stone site on the interactive map.
Riying Lou build in 1297-1307, is the oldest Tulou.
Earthenware pottery-making skills in Botswana’s Kgatleng District
Botswana ceramics are generally made by women in the Katelen district of southeastern Botswana, figure1 shows some of the classic ceramics. The process of making pottery usually involves female potters designing and making pottery using natural materials such as clay, iron oxide, cow dung, grass and water. The pottery-making skills of the Kgatleng District of Botswana were inscribed on Urgent Safeguarding List on December 4, 2022. Pottery making in Botswana is important to human civilization and the diversity of world cultures. Jars were once an indispensable item in local life. In addition to being used as storage and cooking containers, the pottery was also used for ancestral rituals and traditional healing ceremonies. The shapes, design styles, and uses of pottery reflect the daily lives of the people in the community, local traditional rituals, and regional religious beliefs
The Eastern Zhou Martyred Horse Pit is located in the western part of the village of Hetiatao in Linzi District, Zibo City. The owner of the tomb was Duke Jing of Qi, the 25th king after Jiang Tai Gong, who reigned for 58 years and was one of the longest rulers of Qi. The tomb is 26 metres from north to south and 23 metres from east to west. The outer chamber is located in the middle of the tomb, built of natural stone, 8 metres long from north to south, 7 metres wide from east to west and 5 metres deep. The tomb was robbed in its early years and no burial goods remain, except for the surrounding horse martyrdom pits, which are mostly intact.
Ecomuseo de la Cerámica Chorotega, San Vicente de Nicoya
This project is a response to the need of the people of San Vicente to manage their natural and cultural resources. It is an instrument for the education, preservation and diffusion of the Cultural and Natural Heritage of San Vicente. Este museo es una iniciativa comunitaria, en la cual se ha desarrollado una exhibición que se basa en las tradiciones orales, el pasado precolombino, la vida cotidiana y la fabricación de alfarería tradicional como su base narrativa. Se combina además con visitas a los lugares tradicionales de la comunidad, y a los talleres de los alfareros del lugar.
O Ecomuseu Municipal do Seixal (EMS) tem por missão investigar, conservar, documentar, interpretar, valorizar e difundir testemunhos do Homem e do meio, reportados ao território e à população do concelho, com vista a contribuir para a construção e a transmissão das memórias sociais e para um desenvolvimento local sustentável. Funcionalmente, baseia-se na gestão integrada de serviços, por que se reparte uma equipa permanente de cerca de 45 pessoas, abrangendo a investigação, a documentação, a conservação, a exposição, a difusão e a educação, centradas num vasto acervo museológico e num património muito diversificado. Territorialmente, o EMS integra oito sítios (cinco núcleos museológicos e três extensões) e gere três embarcações tradicionais de recreio. Os núcleos são sítios ou espaços de propriedade e tutela municipais, musealizados ou com aproveitamento museológico atual ou programado. As extensões são sítios ou patrimónios integrados em espaços de tutelas mistas, com parcial aproveitamento museológico. O acervo do Ecomuseu Municipal do Seixal é constituído por património cultural imóvel, por património flutuante e por bens móveis, incluindo coleções arqueológicas, técnicas e industriais, artísticas e etnográficas e fundos documentais, na sua maioria provenientes do território do concelho. Destacam-se: - as coleções arqueológicas, nomeadamente da Olaria Romana da Quinta do Rouxinol; - as coleções industriais, nomeadamente da fábrica de cortiça da Mundet & C.ª, Lda. (Seixal); - as coleções etnográficas e de cultura flúvio-marítima, nomeadamente de estaleiros navais tradicionais do estuário do Tejo; - as coleções de azulejaria (séculos XVI a XX); - as coleções e fundos documentais (imprensa local, fotografia, bibliografia e documentos variados, incluindo fundo antigo da Câmara). Para além do património material incorporado no seu acervo, o Ecomuseu Municipal do Seixal (EMS) integra e dinamiza um importante património cultural imaterial, nomeadamente através da preservação e da transmissão de técnicas e saber-fazer ligados à tipografia, à moagem, à construção naval tradicional em madeira, à navegação à vela tradicional no estuário do Tejo e à produção de energia mecânica a vapor, que no contexto do trabalho museológico estão associados respetivamente à oficina tradicional de artes gráficas no Espaço Memória –Tipografia Popular do Seixal, ao Moinho de Maré de Corroios, à oficina de modelismo naval no Núcleo Naval, às embarcações tradicionais, e ao circuito da pólvora negra, na Fábrica de Pólvora de Vale de Milhaços.
Our depiction of Edinburgh and the Canongate was inspired by a drawing in the British Library made by the English military engineer Richard Lee, who accompanied Hertford’s forces in 1544. Lee’s drawing is the earliest moderately realistic picture of Edinburgh and would influence how the English portrayed the Scottish capital into the seventeenth century (a variant of Lee’s illustration is included in John Speed’s atlas, The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain, published c.1611). It is possible that Lee’s plan was created to explain the outcome of the Edinburgh expedition to Henry VIII of England. On 19 May 1544 the Earl of Hertford informed Henry that he was sending him ‘Master Lee, who I assure your Majesty hath served in the journey both honestly and willingly, [and] doth bring unto your Highness a plat of Leith and Edinburgh so as your Majesty shall perceive the situations of the same, which is undoubtedly set forth as well as is possible.’
So what is important about 1544? In the spring of 1544, the English king Henry VIII ordered a vast army of about fifteen thousand men north to Scotland.1 Acting on instructions from their monarch, the English forces captured and sacked Leith before turning their attention to the burgh of Edinburgh. In a few days of fierce fighting in early May, the English managed to temporarily gain entry to Edinburgh and set fire to sections of the capital. They also sacked the abbey and royal palace at Holyrood, burnt Leith (and tore down the pier in the harbour), and attacked many castles and smaller burghs around Edinburgh and in southern Fife. The English then returned south, part of the forces travelling by sea, and part going by land (where they continued their trail of destruction). Our depiction of Edinburgh and the Canongate was inspired by a drawing in the British Library made by the English military engineer Richard Lee, who accompanied Hertford’s forces in 1544. Lee’s drawing is the earliest moderately realistic picture of Edinburgh and would influence how the English portrayed the Scottish capital into the seventeenth century (a variant of Lee’s illustration is included in John Speed’s atlas, The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain, published c.1611). It is possible that Lee’s plan was created to explain the outcome of the Edinburgh expedition to Henry VIII of England. On 19 May 1544 the Earl of Hertford informed Henry that he was sending him ‘Master Lee, who I assure your Majesty hath served in the journey both honestly and willingly, [and] doth bring unto your Highness a plat of Leith and Edinburgh so as your Majesty shall perceive the situations of the same, which is undoubtedly set forth as well as is possible.’ This project was kindly funded by Innovate UK.
Our depiction of Edinburgh and the Canongate was inspired by a drawing in the British Library made by the English military engineer Richard Lee, who accompanied Hertford’s forces in 1544. Lee’s drawing is the earliest moderately realistic picture of Edinburgh and would influence how the English portrayed the Scottish capital into the seventeenth century (a variant of Lee’s illustration is included in John Speed’s atlas, The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain, published c.1611). It is possible that Lee’s plan was created to explain the outcome of the Edinburgh expedition to Henry VIII of England. On 19 May 1544 the Earl of Hertford informed Henry that he was sending him ‘Master Lee, who I assure your Majesty hath served in the journey both honestly and willingly, [and] doth bring unto your Highness a plat of Leith and Edinburgh so as your Majesty shall perceive the situations of the same, which is undoubtedly set forth as well as is possible.’ The project was funded by Innovate UK.
Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortifications in Europe and an important symbol of Scotland and Edinburgh. Built between the 12th and 16th centuries, it witnessed Scotland's historical wars and later became a military base. It is now owned by Scotland. Over the centuries, it has witnessed numerous historical events as a royal residence, prison and symbol of Scottish heritage. Heritage value: Edinburgh Castle is a symbol of Scotland's rich cultural and historical heritage. Located on top of Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle houses a variety of artifacts and artworks that attract tourists from around the world and boost Scotland's tourism and economy. Contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 4 Quality Education Target 4.7: Edinburgh Castle’s digital initiatives contribute to education by providing online access to historical resources and exhibits. SDG 11 Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage
Eilean Donam Castle are tangible and Immovable culture heritage. It is one of the most famous castles in the world, located in the Scotland Highlands, near the village of Dornie, in the county of Ross-shire. It has great historical significance since exists spans over 800 years and has been occupied by various clans and armies. While its history dates back to 1220 AD, the original structure was destroyed in 1719, and in 1911 Lt Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap bought the island of Eilean Donan and set about rebuilding the ruined castle. It took just over twenty years to rebuild, and the castle became an iconic symbol of Scotland.(Maciej Serda et al., 2021). Additionally, it has been featured in numerous films and television shows, adding to its cultural significance. The castle also houses a museum that showcases the history and culture of the Scottish Highlands, including exhibits on the castle's history, the clan system, and the Highland Clearances. This provides a valuable educational resource for visitors, students, and researchers.
Eilean Donam Castle are tangible and Immovable culture heritage. It is one of the most famous castles in the world, located in the Scotland Highlands, near the village of Dornie, in the county of Ross-shire. It has great historical significance since exists spans over 800 years and has been occupied by various clans and armies. While its history dates back to 1220 AD, the original structure was destroyed in 1719, and in 1911 Lt Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap bought the island of Eilean Donan and set about rebuilding the ruined castle. It took just over twenty years to rebuild, and the castle became an iconic symbol of Scotland.(Maciej Serda et al., 2021). Additionally, it has been featured in numerous films and television shows, adding to its cultural significance. The castle also houses a museum that showcases the history and culture of the Scottish Highlands, including exhibits on the castle's history, the clan system, and the Highland Clearances. This provides a valuable educational resource for visitors, students, and researchers
The most ancient characters of China - the characters inscribed into the tortoise shells or animal bones in the Shang Dynasty (about 14th-11th century B.C.)
Ellora caves are carved out structures, extending more than 2 km, the highlight being the Kailasa temple between 7th to 10th centuries and the Buddhist halls of learning. The Ellora caves are a group of 34 caves and include construction for Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism. We can find temples, Buddhist halls and dinner rooms for the Jain community at the site. The reason it is considered a cultural site is not just because of several monuments here but also the engineering and work put into their construction. The Kailasa temple which has lasted several centuries was chiseled from a mountain top to bottom, this along with the depiction of Mahabharata and Ramayana could be found on the walls, the depiction was made as stone carvings rather than words. The caves also show several stories from the mythologies of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain beliefs.