Archaeological Institute of America

Book Talk with Sam Kean
2026-05-04 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Event, hosted by Nashville Parthenon & AIA-Nashville Society, TN, United States
Parthenon Symposium: Book Talk with Sam Kean Author of Dinner with King Tut
Monday, May 4, at 5:00 PM Central
Join author Sam Kean for a firsthand account of his adventures in experimental archaeology while writing Dinner with King Tut: How Rogue Archaeologists are Re-creating the Sights, Sounds, Smells, and Tastes of Lost Civilizations.
In his most recent book, Sam Kean joined experimental archaeologists across the globe to fire medieval catapults, perform surgery and tattooing with ancient methods, build Roman-style roads, play ball like an Aztec, and feast Egyptian-style. These eccentric-sounding adventures are part of a serious undertaking—an attempt to recreate the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of ancient cultures. The details of what it was like to live in other times are often forgotten when we study history through famous monuments. As the world’s only full-scale replica of the ancient building, Nashville’s Parthenon serves as a suitable backdrop for an immersive look at ancient cultures.
Registration on Zoom required: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rAnKC38dQfKMmGOSJo39JA#/registration
Following this talk there will be an in-person discussion (author joins virtually) on Monday, May 4, 6 PM.

Spectacles of Cultural Heritage Destruction in Global Media
2026-05-04 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | https://www.archaeological.org/event/spectacles-of-cultural-heritage-destruction-in-global-media-2/
Charles Eliot Norton Memorial Lectureship

Book Club: Dinner with King Tut
2026-05-04 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Centennial Park Conservancy, Parks Permit Office at 2565 Park Plaza, Nashville, TN 37203., Centennial Park Conservancy, Parks Permit Office, 2565 Park Plaza, Nashville, Tennessee, 37203, United States
AIA-Nashville Society Book Club
Join us for a free Parthenon Book Club meeting on Monday, May 4, at 6 PM. This event is free and open to the public, with RSVP required. All are welcome. RSVP required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/parthenon-book-club-dinner-with-king-tut-tickets-1975611659656?aff=oddtdtcreator
*Due to HVAC renovation at the Parthenon, this event will take place at the Parks Permit Office at 2565 Park Plaza, Nashville, TN 37203.
THIS QUARTER’S BOOK SELECTION: We will be discussing Dinner with King Tut by Sam Kean. Reserve your seat with a free RSVP. Looking to purchase the book? Head over to Parnassus Books and mention the Archaeological Institute of America-Nashville Society book club at the Parthenon for a 10% discount.
ABOUT THE BOOK: Dinner with King Tut by Sam Kean
Description from Nashville Public Library:
From “one of America’s smartest and most charming writers” (NPR), an archaeological romp through the entire history of humankind–and through all five senses–from tropical Polynesian islands to forbidding arctic ice floes, and everywhere in between.
Whether it’s the mighty pyramids of Egypt or the majestic temples of Mexico, we have a good idea of what the past looked like. But what about our other senses: The tang of Roman fish sauce and the springy crust of Egyptian sourdough? The boom of medieval cannons and the clash of Viking swords? The frenzied plays of an Aztec ballgame…and the chilling reality that the losers might also lose their lives?
History often neglects the tastes, textures, sounds, and smells that were an intimate part of our ancestors’ lives, but a new generation of researchers is resurrecting those hidden details, pioneering an exciting new discipline called experimental archaeology. These are scientists gone rogue: They make human mummies. They investigate the unsolved murders of ancient bog bodies. They carve primitive spears and go hunting, then knap their own obsidian blades to skin the game. They build perilous boats and plunge out onto the open sea–all in the name of experiencing history as it was, with all its dangers, disappointments, and unexpected delights.
Beloved author Sam Kean joins these experimental archaeologists on their adventures across the globe, from the Andes to the South Seas. He fires medieval catapults, tries his hand at ancient surgery and tattooing, builds Roman-style roads–and, in novelistic interludes, spins gripping tales about the lives of our ancestors with vivid imagination and his signature meticulous research. Lively, offbeat, and filled with stunning revelations about our past, Dinner with King Tut sheds light on days long gone and the intrepid experts resurrecting them today, with startling, lifelike detail and more than a few laughs along the way.
2026 BOOK CLUB DATES: RSVP!
Monday, August 3, 2026 – Helen of Troy, 1993 by Maria Zoccola
Monday, November 2, 2026 – The Rescue Artist by Edward Dolnick

Film Screening: La Chimera
2026-05-07 17:30 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Whitman College, Kimball Theatre, 324 Boyer Ave, Walla Walla, WA, 99362, United States
Please join the local chapter of the AIA (Archaeological Institute of America) for a screening of the award-winning film, La Chimera (2023).
A masterpiece of magical realism, this independent-film (written and directed by Alice Rohrwacher) will take us on a journey through multiple afterlives… the ancient erupting through the modern. The fable follows a rumpled English archaeologist named Arthur, and his merry, wayward crew of tombaroli — who survive by looting ancient-Etruscan tombs. Yet there are larger quests involved. They are at once mythic, illusory, and unobtainable, and they bring into collision the worlds of antiquities-trafficking, the priceless-priced, and the search for lost love.
There will be an informal reception with popcorn, cookies, and non-alcoholic beverages at 5:30pm. The film will begin at 6pm and will be followed by another opportunity to mingle and converse. This event is free and open to the public. Brought to you by the Whitman College History Department.

New Discoveries in the Anubis-Mountain Royal Necropolis at Abydos
2026-05-09 15:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Penn Museum, 3260 South Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States
Saturday, May 9
3:30 pm EST
In-person only at the Penn Museum, Anthro Classroom 345
No registration required
Speaker: Prof. Josef Wegner, Curator Penn Museum. Professor of Egyptian Archaeology, Department of Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures, University of Pennsylvania
Title: New Discoveries in the Anubis-Mountain Royal Necropolis at Abydos
Abstract:
The most recent excavations of the University of Pennsylvania Museum at South Abydos have revealed new evidence for the long-term development of the royal necropolis anciently known as Anubis-Mountain. Initiated by King Senwosret III, ca. 1850 BCE the site continued to develop over several centuries with additional tombs added by kings of the late Middle Kingdom and Second Intermediate Period. Fourteen royal tombs have now been identified. The recent (January 2025) discovery of a large Second Intermediate Period royal tomb has added new evidence on this later group of kings that includes Woseribre Seneb-Kay whose tomb and burial was excavated in 2014. Expanding excavations in recent seasons have provided new insights into how, and why, the Anubis-Mountain necropolis continued to attract kings from ca. 1850-1600 BCE.
Ongoing excavations at South Abydos in the royal necropolis named Anubis-Mountain in ancient times are adding new insights into the development of this site. Tombs of fourteen kings are now known. The most recent discoveries include a new tomb, the largest yet identified of the Second Intermediate Period. Other results are helping to explain how and why Anubis-Mountain became an important royal burial ground ca. 1850-1600 BCE.
Speaker Bio:
Josef Wegner is Professor of Egyptian Archaeology, and current Department Chair in the Department of Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures at the University of Pennsylvania. He is also Curator in the Egyptian Section of the Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. He received his PhD in 1996 on the topic of the development of the Osiris cult at Abydos. He has been excavating at Abydos since 1994 were he and his team have been documenting the ruins of the funerary complex of Pharaoh Senwosret III of Egypt’s 12th Dynasty. These excavations include the Middle Kingdom town of Wah-Sut as well as the royal cemetery named Anubis-Mountain. Discoveries at Anubis Mountain include the tomb of King Seneb-Kay, as well as other tombs of rulers of the Abydos Dynasty. Dr. Wegner’s work has focused primarily on the archaeology of Egypt’s Middle Kingdom and Second Intermediate Period. Dr. Wegner’s books include: The Mortuary Temple of Senwosret III at Abydos (2007); Archaism and Innovation, Studies in the Culture of Middle Kingdom Egypt (2007); Akhenaten and Tutankhamun: Revolution and Restoration (2009); The Sphinx that Travelled to Philadelphia: the Story of the Colossal Sphinx of Ramses the Great in the Penn Museum (2015); The Sunshade Chapel of Princess Meritaten from the House of Waenre of Pharaoh Akhenaten (2016); King Seneb-Kay’s Tomb and the Necropolis of a Lost Dynasty at Abydos (2021). Together with Dr. Jennifer Wegner and other members of the Penn Museum’s Egyptian Section, Dr. Wegner is co-curator of the soon to open (2026) reinstallation of the Museum’s Ancient Egypt and Nubia Galleries.
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Lectures are FREE to ARCE Members, $7 for University of Pennsylvania Museum Members and UPenn Staff and Faculty, $5 for Students with ID, and $10 for the general public.
Light refreshments served starting at 3pm.
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The American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE) is a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1948 by a consortium of educational and cultural institutions to support research on all aspects of Egyptian history and culture, foster broader knowledge among the general public, and strengthen American-Egyptian cultural ties. The ARCE Pennsylvania Chapter (ARCE-PA) is the local branch of the national institution. We host monthly events including scholarly lectures, Egyptian-themed workshops, social events, and guided tours of the Penn Museum’s Egyptian galleries. For more information or to learn about the perks of membership, please send an e-mail to info@arce-pa.org, or visit our website at www.arce-pa.org.

Book Talk with Mary Beard
2026-05-10 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Paschall Theater @ Montgomery Bell Academy 4001 Harding PikeNashville, TN, 37205United States, Paschall Theater, Montgomery Bell Academy, 4001 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN, 37205, United States
Parthenon Symposium: Book Talk with Mary Beard Author of Talking Classics: The Shock of the Old
Sunday May 10, 2:00 PM Central, at the Paschall Theater
AIA-Nashville Society and the Parthenon are proud to partner with Montgomery Bell Academy to welcome Mary Beard to the “Athens of the South”! Join distinguished classicist Mary Beard for a talk on her most recent exploration of the relevance of the ancient world in our contemporary lives. RSVP required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-talk-with-mary-beard-tickets-1984904305209?aff=oddtdtcreator
In her newest book, Mary Beard explores our ongoing fascination with the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, starting with a personal, childhood encounter with a very old piece of bread on display in a museum. From this, she introduces the idea of the wonder, or “thauma,” that drew her into a lifetime of trying to understand everyday lives in the remote past. She confronts the uses and abuses of symbols from the ancient world, reminding us that although the ancient world is often politicized, it does not belong to partisans. She argues that the classics remain relevant because they teach us to debate complex and difficult topics. She welcomes everyone into classics, bringing curiosity and wonder to the study of the past.
Talk is free and open to the public with an RSVP. Copies of Mary Beard’s new book Talking Classics: The Shock of the Old will be available onsite for purchase through Parnassus Books while supplies last. There will be a signing line following the talk where books can be signed and/or personalized.
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-talk-with-mary-beard-tickets-1984904305209?aff=oddtdtcreator
About the speaker:
Mary Beard is a distinguished classicist, bestselling author, and popular commentator, known for her pioneering scholarship and for her witty approach to making antiquity accessible. She is a professor emerita of classics at the University of Cambridge, a fellow of Newnham College, and professor of Ancient Literature at the Royal Academy, with many additional international academic distinctions. She has served as the classics editor of the Times Literary Supplement. Her books include The Parthenon, one of the most readable accounts of the thousands of years of use and re-use of the ancient Greek building. Among many other wide-ranging works, she is the author of SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome; Women and Power: A Manifesto; and How Do We Look: the Body, the Divine, and the Question of Civilization.
About the book: Talking Classics: The Shock of the Old by Mary Beard
Why the ongoing fascination with the ancient world? This witty, approachable book asks why—for better or (sometimes) worse—antiquity continues to exert such a powerful hold on the contemporary imagination. Recalling a formative childhood encounter with a four-thousand-year-old piece of bread in a museum, Beard introduces the idea of thauma, or wonder, that kick-started a lifetime engaging with classics. It was not the canonical “greats” of ancient literature and art that initially drew her in, she confesses, but rather the more intimate, messy, and humdrum evidence of daily life in the remote past.
Confronting the uses and abuses of symbols of the ancient world, Beard reminds us that the traditions and “masterpieces” of Greece and Rome have certainly been politicized, but they belong to neither the left nor the right. Happily, no one owns the past. She warns us not to let a sense of reverence or overfamiliarity dampen the “shock of the old,” arguing that one of the most important things that classics teach us is how to grapple with complicated and controversial things. “The Greeks and Romans are long dead, they cannot answer back, and you can say what you like about them,” she reminds readers. “The simple fact that classics belong to none of us can offer a safe space to argue about the most difficult debates we face now.”
Beard welcomes everyone into classics. “It is not compulsory to be excited by the ancient world,” she writes. “But it can be a shame not to be.” This charming, sharp, and readable book from one of the world’s most entertaining classicists offers something for both new and established fans of classics, bringing new wonder and curiosity to even the most ancient of ideas.

Online conference on worked shells in the ancient world. Material, use, typology, chronology and contexts in honour of Jean-Paul Descœudres, University of Sydney
2026-05-20 | Izmir, Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi, Edebiyat Fakültesi, Izmir, Buca, 35160, Turkey
Dear Colleagues,
We are glad to inform you that an international e-conference on worked shells in the ancient world (material, use, typology, chronology and context) will take place on May 20, 2026 on Zoom.us. This forthcoming online meeting will be an archaeomalacological workshop in honour of Jean-Paul Descœudres from the Universities of Geneva and Sydney. Papers are invited to present evidence of human collection and modification of shells from all over the ancient world (especially the Mediterranean) and over a large chronological range (from Prehistory to Antiquity with a focus on the Roman world). We are interested in worked shells rather than those used as food or as environmental indicators. Our subject groups are as follows: Phylum Mollusca, mollusc shells, mother-of-pearl, purple-dye production, archaeomalacology, archaeozoology, archaeological raw materials, archaeological artefacts, archaeological small finds, archaeological science, conservation of archaeological shells, physical anthropology, osteoarchaeology, bioarchaeology, palaeohistology, ancient history, history of art and cultural anthropology etc.
An abstract of the proposed contribution should be sent to the organizers by February 1, 2026 at the latest. The Proceedings of the conference will be published in a forthcoming issue of the journal “Mediterranean Achaeology”, cf. .
Ancient worked shells were found in relatively large quantities in the entire Mediterranean, from Spain to Syria and Egypt to France, where they were manufactured between the Neolithic and Medieval periods. However, the spectrum of the worked shells recovered from Anatolia, the Near East, the Black Sea area and the Balkans is very varied, and reflects different characteristics of ancient daily life. In this conference papers dealing with ancient artefacts or objects manufactured from shells or mother of pearl will be included. The main material groups made by shells are as follows: items connected to personal grooming, artefacts used for spinning or in pottery decoration, artefacts related to cosmetics, jewellery, combs, pins for clothing and women’s hair, items related to dressmaking and textile (particularly sewing needles, weaving implements or buttons), amulets and other magical items, knife handles, frames of various kinds (e.g., of mirrors), furniture (including fittings, wood sidings and inlayed decoration), boxes, plaques, liturgical and religious items (e.g., crosses and reliquaries), half-finished products and miscellanea.
So far the study of this material group has been overlooked, whereas there is still a huge amount of unpublished material from excavations, field surveys and museums in the entire ancient world. There is a regular conference series of the ICAZ Archaeomalacology Working Group (AMWG; cf. ) which includes almost all periods and areas. In our e-meeting in 2026 we attempt to set out a comprehensive model for the study of worked shells, including their definition, typology, chronology, contexts, function, regional characteristics, production and distribution patterns in the ancient world, and more particularly in the Mediterranean, the Near East, the Black Sea area and the Balkans. The increasing number of recent finds in these areas over the last thirty years, thanks to the development of preventive archaeology, has tended to challenge our previous observations and assumptions on worked shells.
It is also our intention to create a complete bibliography of previous publications on worked shells for several areas and chronologies.
We warmly invite contributions by scholars and graduate students from a variety of disciplines related to this material group. Intended to bring together scholars of instrumenta archaeology to discuss a range of issues concerning this material group’s characteristics, this video conference should be an excellent opportunity to increase our knowledge about ancient worked shells. The following theme groups relate to the main questions the conference aims to address:
– Worked shells, Phylum Mollusca, mollusc shells, mother-of-pearl and material related to purple-dye production from archaeological field projects, museums and private collections, for example, Tridacnae shells that are occasionally encountered in the literature as objects found in the Mediterranean and Near East, i.e., large shells, decorated with carvings and/or traces of paint,
– Graeco-Roman worked shells in comparison with the worked shells of the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic periods, Bronze and Iron Ages,
– Graeco-Roman worked shells in comparison with the Minoan and Mycenaean worked shells,
– Etymology of worked shells in ancient Near Eastern, eastern Mediterranean and Aegean languages,
– Ancient Greek, Latin and Byzantine textual sources on worked shells,
– Shell depictions on ancient Greek and Roman visual sources (for example on frescoes),
– Typological evolution and design of worked shells,
– Selection criteria for some certain animal genres for shell-working,
– Decoration of worked shells, as detailed chronologies should be established for both the produced forms and their decoration,
– Chronologies of these objects that can highlight the social spread of these products,
– Manufacturing techniques, manufacturing tools, major production centres and workshops of worked shells, their organisation and interactions.
– Distribution of worked shells, economic and social aspects: in what type of socio-economic context are they found?,
– Typological and functional features of worked shells: what might the utilitarian, social and/or symbolic functions or practices of these objects have been?
– Identification of the economic factors that contributed to the standardization in the shell-working,
– Commodities and their trade through worked shells,
– Relations of worked shells to other bone, metal, terracotta, glass, wooden or stone objects: how did this material group fit in with objects made from different materials, particularly metal, glass, or wood? Can any stylistic links be found between them?
– Conservation of worked shells, especially excavated finds: current strategies and future approaches,
– Archaeometric analyses of these objects,
– Miscellanea.
A special focus of the conference is the identification of workshops from different regions, cities and areas, in particular capital cities (such as Byzantium, Ephesus, Pergamum, Antioch-on-the-Orontes, Alexandria, Athens, Rome etc.).
Another important topic is the manufacturing techniques which were varied and depended on the composition and morphology of each raw material type as much as on the artefact to be produced. Regardless of the raw material, the manufacturing process of an ancient shell object was usually multi-stage:
1. Selection and acquisition of the raw material;
2. Preparation of the raw material, including cleaning, drying and cutting into pieces;
3. The appropriate working processes using instruments like knives, chisels, files, lathes and bow-drills;
4. Finishing the worked objects by grinding, polishing and colouring.
The finds suggest that manufacturing techniques were related to organized production where the different manufacturing stages were standardized and predefined, which can be identified as a chaîne opératoire. Particular attention should be paid to these technical aspects, which are the integral parts of the uniqueness of most of the ancient worked shells.
We also need to look at the distribution of these objects on a local, regional, and even supra-regional scale, and trade networks. Some have crossed overseas; how can these exchanges be explained?
Our conference is primarily virtual, and will take place on Zoom; but if any participant wishes to come to Izmir, she/he is welcome to present her/his paper in our conference room to the audience which will also be livestreamed and broadcast simultaneously on Zoom.
All the readings and discussions in our e-conference will be in English, and recorded for later viewing as a podcast on YouTube. The proceedings of the conference will be published in a forthcoming issue of “Mediterranean Achaeology”. The conference is free of charge.
We would be delighted, if you could consider contributing to our conference and contact us with the registration form below until February 1, 2026. Our e-mail address is paphlagonia@deu.edu.tr
For all your queries concerning the conference our phone and WhatsApp number is +90.544.540 78 34. The organizers seek to widen participation at this conference, and would like to encourage colleagues from all parts of the world to attend. We kindly request that you alert any interested researches, colleagues and students within your research community who would be interested in participating at this e-conference, either by forwarding our first circular and poster through your Academia, Researchgate, Instagram, X, YouTube, Facebook accounts, or other similar social media, or by printing them and displaying in your institutions.
We hope that you will be able to join us on Zoom, and look forward to seeing you!

Why Has African Archeology Been Ignored
2026-05-23 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
Deepening our understanding of African heritage often starts in spaces that celebrate our history, but while museums house these stories, it is archaeology that unearths them.
While the world is well-acquainted with the architectural wonders of the Mediterranean and the Near East, the vast archaeological landscape of the African continent has often remained on the periphery of global conversation. This session is designed to explore the structural, logistical, and historical reasons behind this gap in our shared human story.
From the complexities of preserving heritage in diverse climates to the economic challenges of long-term excavation, we will look at the practical hurdles that have shaped the field of African archaeology, highlight the groundbreaking work currently being done to bring these ignored narratives back into the global spotlight, and explore opportunities for youth in Africa to participate in fieldwork across the continent and build careers in heritage preservation, culture advocacy, and archaeology.
Join us this May and connect with a continental and international community of storytellers, historians, archaeologists, culture advocates and heritage enthusiasts working to ensure Archaeology in Africa takes center stage in global discourse.
What to Expect:
1. The Logistical Landscape: An overview of the unique challenges of archaeological research on the continent.
2. Beyond the Surface: A look at sophisticated ancient African innovations in metallurgy, urban planning, and trade.
3. The Tech Revolution: How new technologies like satellite imaging and 3D mapping are revealing sites that were previously inaccessible.
4. Future Directions: A discussion on the importance of diversifying the global archaeological record for a more complete understanding of history.

Walter Farmer collection and Akenaton
2026-05-30 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago)
Dr. Jack Green (Associate Director of Collections and Curatorial Affairs, Washington and Lee University) will present a lecture entitled “Tell es-Sa’idiyeah Cemetery (Jordan) and its connections to ancient Egypt and Persia.” A reception and chance to talk with the speaker will be held afterwards.

Lecture Topic to be Announced
2026-06-20 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago)
Dr. Kate Ayres (Institute for the Study of Ancient cultures at the University of Chicago) will deliver an interesting lecture; topic yet to be finalized. A reception and chance to talk with the speaker will be held afterwards.

Petra Byzantine Church
2026-07-25 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Longview Park, 13525 Clayton Road, Town and Country, MO, 63141, United States
Dr. Peter Warnock, Adjunct faculty member in Anthropology at Muskegon Community College, and board member of the St. Louis Society of the Archaeological Institute will discuss the archaeological discoveries at the Byzantine church in Petra, Jordan. A reception will be held afterwards to talk with the speaker.

AIA Northern Italy: Archaeology, Culture & Cuisine tour
2026-09-06 - 2026-10-17
Traverse northern Italy, with the grand Italian Alps as your backdrop, enjoying the depths of its history and the great diversity of architecture, traditions, and gastronomy found in three
distinct regions: Lombardy, Veneto, and Friuli Venezia Giulia. On this west-east journey from Milan to Trieste you will explore classic old towns and discover off-the-beaten-track sites, including a stop at the site of Hannibal’s first major victory in Italy; and visits to Roman villas and temples at Sirmione, Desenzano, and Brescia. Visit five UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Valcamonica’s famous prehistoric petroglyphs, Roman and early Christian Aquileia, the well-preserved city of Verona, landmarks of Lombard Italy in Cividale del Friuli, and an example of prehistoric pile dwellings at Lucone di Polpenazze. Along the way, you will be treated to insightful discussions with your AIA lecturer/host and a variety of striking vistas: plains, lakes, mountains, and the Adriatic Sea; plus enjoy delicious cuisine and an ideal touring pace (including two hotel nights in Milan, five on Lake Garda, and three in Trieste).

AIA UNESCO Treasures of Ancient Greece Circumnavigating the Peloponnese by Private Luxury Yacht + pre & post-tour options
2026-09-17 - 2026-09-26
On this special circumnavigation of Greece’s Peloponnese peninsula in the company of two special AIA lecturers and hosts, archaeologists Jack Davis and Shari Stocker. You will spend a night in Athens and then cruise around the Peloponnese aboard the luxurious, 50-cabin Emerald Azzurra for seven nights. Along the way, Jack and Shari will be part of a team of onboard experts who together will offer a series of lectures and informal discussions. This cruise, aboard this ship, with these experts, is an unmatched way to experience a beautiful and deeply historical part of Greece that is filled with archaeological delights. Your adventure begins with a night in the heart of historic Athens and a private visit to either the Goulandris Museum
of Cycladic Art or the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture. Then you will embark Emerald Azzurra, whose sleek design grants access to hidden harbors and a rare, full circumnavigation of the Peloponnese peninsula. Along the way, visit five UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Mycenae, the fabled Bronze Age citadel; Epidaurus, known for its perfectly preserved ancient theater; Mystras, a remarkable Byzantine city; Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games; and Delphi, once home to the most influential
oracle in the ancient world. Perhaps the highlight of the program will be our special access — thanks to Jack and Shari — at Nestor’s Palace at Pylos, one of Greece’s best-preserved Mycenaean palaces. Between guided visits, explore coastal towns such as Nafplion, Gythio, and Pylos, each with deep historical roots. Conclude the voyage with a spectacular passage through the Corinth Canal before returning to Athens. Also available are a two-night, pre-tour extension in Athens and a four-night,
post-tour extension cruise in the Aegean.
Highlights include:
-Visit five UNESCO World Heritage Sites with expert local guides: Epidaurus, Mycenae, Mystras, Olympia, and Delphi.
-Transit the Corinth Canal, whose history extends back into classical times, including an unsuccessful attempt to build it in the 1st century A.D.
-Cruise for seven nights aboard the luxurious Emerald Azzurra, a state-of-the-art mega-yacht privately chartered and expertly staffed for unparalleled comfort and service.
-Gain special access to one of the most important Mycenaean sites in Greece, Nestor’s Palace at Pylos, where our AIA lecturers have done extensive fieldwork and made extraordinary finds.
-Wander through charming seaside towns like Nafplion, Gythio, and Pylos, where cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and vibrant harbors create picturesque settings perfect for exploration.
OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP EXTENSION: TUESDAY–FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15–18 , 2026 (Athens Greece)
Depart home on an overnight flight to Athens, Greece. Arrive Wednesday, September 16, and transfer to the centrally located Athens Capital Hotel—MGallery Collection. Experience the treasures our AIA study leaders who will enrich your visit with their expertise. Explore ancient landmarks from the bustling Agora and lively Plaka to the iconic Acropolis and its acclaimed museum. Savor authentic Greek meals, visit the National Archaeological Museum, and enjoy time to discover this vibrant city at your own pace.
OPTIONAL POST-TRIP EXTENSION: SATURDAY-WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 26 -30, 2026 (Athens, Cape Sounion, Delos, Mykonos, KuŞadasi Turkiye, Herakalion, Crete, Greece and Knossos)
LIMITED AVAILABILITY Remain in your cabin for an additional four-night cruise through the Aegean Sea, exploring the region’s most iconic ancient sites with expert local guides. This extension must be booked with the main program to ensure the same
cabin throughout.

AIA Romans & Moors in Morocco & Spain tour
2026-09-18 - 2026-09-29
Trace the layered history of the western Mediterranean on a journey through Morocco and Spain, where Roman, Islamic, and Christian civilizations shaped enduring cultural landscapes. From Morocco’s Roman ruins and imperial cities to Andalusia’s Moorish masterpieces and Spain’s great art collections, this thoughtfully paced itinerary weaves together archaeology, architecture, and living traditions. Along the way, you will be treated to insightful discussions with your AIA lecturer/host, Patrick Hunt, whose deep field experience and engaging lectures will bring these countries’ histories vividly to life.
Tour highlights:
• Explore Morocco’s imperial cities of Rabat, Meknes, and Fes, including the medieval medinas of Fes el-Bali (“Old Fes”)
• Walk through layers of history at Rabat’s Chellah Fortress, where Phoenician, Roman, and Islamic remains converge
• Experience Andalusia’s cultural crossroads in Seville, Córdoba, and Granada, featuring palaces, mosques, cathedrals, and historic quarters
• Visit exceptional Roman sites including Volubilis, Italica, and the soaring Roman aqueduct of Segovia
• Discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Alhambra, Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, Royal Alcázar of Seville, and historic city centers
• Delve into Spain’s artistic legacy with a guided visit of Madrid’s Prado Museum
• Savor regional cuisine through welcome and farewell dinners, select hosted meals, and opportunities to dine independently
• Stay in well-located 4- and 5-star hotels chosen for their quality, comfort, and proximity to key sites
This exclusive, small-group tour is limited to just 16 participants.

AIA Essential Greece by Land & Sea tour with a 4-Night Aegean Cruise & Optional post-tour extension: Peloponnese Discovery
2026-09-22 - 2026-09-30
JOURNEY THROUGH THE HEART OF CLASSICAL GREECE AND THE AEGEAN WORLD on this marvelous exploration of Athens, several Greek islands, and the vast Greco-Roman site of Ephesus, Türkiye. Begin with three nights in Athens, staying near lively Syntagma Square. Explore with expert local guides Athens’ iconic ancient landmark, the Parthenon, plus the exceptional Acropolis Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art. Also take a full-day excursion to the stunning sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi, once considered the spiritual center of the ancient world.
Highlights include:
-Visit four UNESCO World Heritage Sites with expert local guides: Athens’ Acropolis, the island of Delos, Ephesus in Türkiye, and Crete’s Minoan Palace at Knossos.
-Delight in the antiquities and iconic sites in Athens such as climbing the Acropolis and visiting the Acropolis Museum while accompanied by expert guides.
-Cruise with AIA study leaders for four nights aboard the luxurious Emerald Azzurra, a privately chartered mega-yacht built, appointed, and staffed at the highest levels of comfort and service.
-Swim in azure waters surrounding the beautiful island of Mykonos and explore its beautiful cobblestone streets.
-Venture to Türkiye to walk the ancient streets of Ephesus, where the Greco-Roman world comes alive at one of the most complete classical cities in the Mediterranean.
-Wander the impressive ruins at Knossos in Crete, a spectacular Bronze Age site known as Europe’s oldest city.
OPTIONAL POST-TOUR EXTENSION: 9/30 to 10/3, 2026
Peloponnese Discovery Continue your journey with three nights in Greece’s Peloponnese, a region where layers of history unfold amid striking landscapes. Explore the ruins of Corinth, stand before the legendary citadel of Mycenae, and marvel
at the ancient theater of Epidaurus, celebrated for its remarkable acoustics. Balance these encounters with time to unwind in the seaside beauty of Nafplion. Conclude your travels in Athens with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, home to one of the world’s most important collections of ancient art.

AIA Prehistoric Cave Art of Spain & France tour
2026-09-23 - 2026-10-05
Investigate southwestern Europe’s most extraordinary prehistoric caves, including Lascaux IV, a new, exact reproduction of one of the most remarkable prehistoric sites ever discovered; Altamira II, a precise replica of the original that is often called the “Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art”; Atapuerca, the most significant early human site in western Europe; Las Monedas Cave and Cueva del Castillo, where 455 animal likenesses were painted and engraved some 22,000-14,000 years ago, but other motifs such as hand stencils and red dots have been dated to more than 40,000 years ago, meaning that they may well have been made by Neanderthals; Cougnac, which features paintings of extinct megaloceros and mammoth; Pech Merle, known for its “negative handprints”; and others.
Highlights include:
• Enjoy excellent accommodations in fine hotels and charming inns, as well as fine wine and cuisine.
• Travel with world-renowned archaeological author Paul Bahn, a gifted and popular lecturer who regularly leads tours to study the prehistory of Spain and France, including this program. Dr. Bahn will enhance your understanding of the sites with lectures and informal discussions.
• Tour archaeological and ethnographic museums with superb exhibits of prehistoric artifacts, including the Museum of Human Evolution in Burgos, Altamira Museum, Museum of Les Eyzies, and the Museé d’Aquitaine; plus the modern art collections of Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum.
• Explore charming villages and cities, including Santillana del Mar and San Sebastián.

AIA Crete & the Cycladic Islands: Archaeological Gems of the Aegean tour
2026-09-27 - 2026-10-11
Step back in time to explore the island of Crete, center of the Minoan civilization during the Bronze Age, as well as the nearby Cycladic Islands of Santorini, Mykonos, and Delos. Marvel at the physical evidence of this first advanced civilization in Europe, which created palace complexes, stunning works of art, a unique writing system called Linear A, and an extensive trade network. You will stay in comfortable, four- and five-star hotels, perfect for exploring or just relaxing, with nine nights on Crete in the capital city of Heraklion and in the lovely coastal towns of Agios Nikolaos and Rethymnon, plus two nights on whitewashed Santorini and two nights on chic Mykonos.
Highlights include:
• Four of the six sites on Crete that comprise the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Minoan Palatial Centers”: Knossos, Phaistos, Malia, and Zominthos.
• Santorini’s ancient Minoan town of Akrotiri, which was well-preserved for millennia under volcanic ash and today paints a picture of life before the island’s 2nd-millennium B.C. eruption.
• The island of Delos, most sacred of the islands in the ancient Aegean, which grew from a sanctuary of Apollo into a major hub of commerce.
• Crete’s nearby islands of Mochlos, with a long archaeological past including a Minoan town; and Spinalonga, a former leper colony with a 16th-century Venetian fortress.
• A variety of Minoan villas, houses, and towns, including the “royal villa” of Agia Triada, the houses at Tylissos, and the vast town of Gournia.
• The Venetian port towns of Chania and Rethymnon, with their charming old towns, and Rethymnon’s 16th-century Fortezza, a grand fortress built to defend the city against the Ottomans.
• Several excellent museums, including the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, housing the world’s finest collection of Minoan art and artifacts; and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, with a stunning collection of artifacts and wall paintings from the ancient site of Akrotiri.
• The beauty of the cliffside, whitewashed town of Fira, Santorini; and the chic shops and narrow lanes of Chora, Mykonos.
• In addition to your knowledgeable and congenial AIA study leader, you will be accompanied by local guides and a professional tour manager who will handle all of the logistics so you can relax, enjoy, and learn.

AIA Tunisia: Phoenicians to Romans, Mosaics to Mosques tour
2026-10-01 - 2026-10-14
Join us for a comprehensive, expert-led exploration of Tunisia, a country whose layered history has shaped the Mediterranean world for more than three millennia. Traveling with archaeologist and AIA study leader Nejib ben Lazreg, we will experience all seven of Tunisia’s cultural UNESCO World Heritage Sites, explore fabled cities of the Phoenicians, Romans, and early Islamic dynasties, and enjoy the comfort of exceptional accommodations throughout. From four nights along the Tunis coast to immersive visits in Dougga, Bulla Regia, Kairouan, El Djem, and Sousse, this itinerary offers an ideal balance of archaeological discovery, cultural enrichment, and thoughtful pacing. Along the way, we will benefit from Nejib ben Lazreg’s deep expertise, gaining context and insight that bring Tunisia’s monumental past vividly to life.
Highlights include:
• Travel and learn with study leader/guide and archaeologist Nejib ben Lazreg and up to 16 guests.
• Visit all seven of Tunisia’s cultural UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Explore fabled Carthage, including the Antonine Baths and the cisterns.
• Spend three full days in and around Tunis, including a visit to the Bardo Museum, featuring exquisite exhibits of Roman and Byzantine mosaics.
• See the beautiful Cape Bon coast and the Punic site of Kerkouane.
• Marvel at Bulla Regia, a well-preserved site featuring underground Roman villas, a museum, a Temple of Apollo, and a 2nd-century theater.
• Tour Dougga, established prior to the Romans, with its 3,500 seat theater; Temples of Saturn, Augustan Piety, and Mercury; and Capitol.
• Discover Kairouan, the fourth holiest city in the Muslim world, founded in A.D. 670, with its carpet, leather, brass, and spice vendors; and its Great
Mosque with a three-tiered minaret.
• Visit El Djem, one of Tunisia’s most extraordinary sites, with a marvelous, 30,000-seat, ancient amphitheater and a museum that houses
lovely mosaics.
• Visit the Roman city of Sbeitla (Sufetula), one of North Africa’s best-preserved Roman cities, including several stunning 2nd-century A.D. temples and mosaic-covered Byzantine baptisteries.
• Wander through Thuburbo Majus, a sprawling site occupied in turn by Berbers, Phoenicians, and Romans. The imperial remains include the Forum, Temple of Mercury, and sunken winter baths.

Symposium Vesuvianum: Slavery and Humanity Revisited: The Impact of Slave Systems on Personal Experience
2026-10-07 12:00 - 2026-10-11 13:00 (Europe/Rome) | Villa Vergiliana, Via Cuma 320, Bacoli, NA, 80070, Italy
Organizers: John Bodel, Brown University; William Owens, Ohio University; Roberta Stewart, Dartmouth College
In his 1965 book Sklaverei und Humanität, Joseph Vogt offered a description of Roman slavery in which the enslaved accommodated themselves to the moral universe created by their enslavers. A dozen years later Moses Finley delivered a riposte to Vogt in a lecture at the Collège de France on “Slavery and Humanity,” in which he insisted on “a sharp distinction between more or less humane treatment of individual slaves by individual masters and the inhumanity of slavery as an institution”. Finley considered “the ambiguity inherent in slavery” to be “an excellent starting-point from which to examine the theme” but in the end concluded that the topic, “slavery and humanity, is plunged into the centre of modern moral and ideological controversy, as much a field for the philosopher and the theologian as for the historian” (Ancient Slavery and Modern Ideology, p. 122).
Now, nearly fifty years after Finley’s pronouncement, we propose to return to the issue of slavery and humanity and to convene a group of scholars with diverse interests and methodologies to consider the impact of ancient Mediterranean slave systems on persons, both the enslaved and the enslavers. What effect did systemic slavery have on the personal experiences and worldview of enslavers and the enslaved in ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern societies? What new insights into this question can be gained through methodologies developed over the past fifty years? Of particular relevance to the focus on persons are the distortions in the archive created by systems of domination. Such distortion is especially true for ancient Mediterranean slavery. Consideration of an enslaved person’s point of view often entails reading the ancient archive against the grain and increases our reliance on the comparative method and other heuristic devices as well as our obligation to employ them self-consciously and critically.
We solicit papers that consider any aspect of human experience in ancient Mediterranean or Near Eastern slavery. Possible topics include: the contexts of economic activity and social relations; affectual relations among the enslaved and between enslavers and enslaved; modes of resistance or accommodation; solidarity among the enslaved and among enslavers; religion and other aspects of cultural memory among the enslaved; trauma, or the psychic assault of enslavement and its consequences.
The symposium will include three and a half days of papers and discussion. Papers will be 25-30 minutes long with time for discussion. The schedule will also include visits to selected sites nearby. Meals and housing will be provided by the Villa Vergiliana (a bed in a double room with breakfast and dinner is approximately €70 a day; single rooms are available at private hotel/B&B accommodations within walking distance of the Villa). Those staying at the Villa should also figure in the cost of Vergilian Society membership ($35 for the year). In addition, there may be a modest registration fee, dependent on outside funding, to help defray the cost of lunches and other conference activities.
Confirmed participants include: Seth Bernard (University of Toronto), Ronald Charles (University of Toronto), Chris DeWet (University of Pretoria), Deborah Kamen (University of Washington), Sarah Levin-Richardson (University of Washington), David Lewis (University of Edinburgh) and Lauren Petersen (University of Delaware).
Please submit abstracts (300-400 words) to William Owens (owensb@ohio.edu) by February 15, 2026.
The organizers will get back to you during the first week of March.

AIA Coastal Peru: Cradle of Civilization in the Americas tour
2026-10-08 - 2026-10-19
We invite you to join us on an in-depth archaeological journey with anthropological archaeologist Gabriela Cervantes-Quequezana, Ph.D., whose extensive fieldwork brings depth and perspective to the societies we explore along Peru’s dynamic northern coast. Discover the ancient cultural centers of coastal Peru, home to some of the earliest and most influential civilizations in the Americas. From the remains of monumental pyramids at Caral-Supe to the richly decorated temples of the Moche and Chimú, this journey reveals more than five millennia of innovation, artistry, and ritual practice.
Highlights include:
•The Americas’ earliest urban centers: Explore the UNESCO-listed Caral-Supe and visit the early coastal sites of Bandurria and Vichama, featuring sunken plazas, stepped pyramids, and striking friezes
•Major ceremonial sites: Experience Pachacamac, tour Sechín with its carved warrior bas-reliefs, and see Chankillo (UNESCO), one of the world’s earliest solar observatories
•Moche and Chimú achievements: Visit Huaca de la Luna and the vast adobe capital of Chan Chan (UNESCO), masterpieces of coastal architecture and artistic expression
•Royal tombs and elite burials: Study iconic discoveries at El Brujo, Batán Grande, and the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum
•Exceptional museum access: Enjoy an in-depth visit to Lima’s renowned Larco Museum, with a private curator discussion (pending confirmation)
•Expert leadership: Gain insight through lectures and discussions with Dr. Cervantes-Quequezana, whose research focuses on political integration, architecture, craft production, and social dynamics in ancient Peru
•Traveling with a small group: Limited to just 16 participants
•An optional, 6-day, post-tour extension to Cusco (UNESCO) and Machu Picchu (UNESCO) is available

AIA Türkiye: From Göbekli Tepe to Mount Nemrut & the Tigris River tour
2026-10-09 - 2026-10-21
Travel with us beyond classical Türkiye, with its monumental, Greco-Roman ruins and Aegean sea backdrops. Find more history–and prehistory–amid the beauty of southeastern Türkiye, on a route less traveled, between Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul, and Diyarbakır, set along the banks of the famous Tigris River that helped form the cradle of civilization. Along the way you will see the world’s earliest monumental temples, dating back over 10,000 years; explore excellent archaeological and mosaic museums; and enjoy diverse architecture, from beehive-style mud houses to rock tombs, and early monasteries to mosques. Enjoy local cuisine, perhaps especially during our two-night stay in Gaziantep, a city famous across Türkiye for its cuisine; and explore bazaars and workshops with local artisans and craftspeople. Our AIA lecturer is intimately familiar with this region’s deep history and diverse cultures.
Highlights include:
– Göbekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe, two prehistoric sites dating back to 9500-8000 B.C., suggesting that complex societies and monumental architecture existed well before the advent of agriculture
– The world-famous, 19-foot-tall statues and burial sanctuary of King Nimrod (Antiochus I Theos), at more than 7,000 feet above sea level in Mount Nemrut National Park
– Karatepe-Aslantaş National Park, Türkiye’s first open-air museum, with well-preserved Hittite ruins and statues dating from the 8th century B.C.
– Dara, one of the most important trade centers of ancient Mesopotamia, featuring rock tombs dating back to the 5th century A.D.
– The flooded ancient city of Hasankeyf (flooded in 2020 for dam construction), whose artifacts were removed to the Batman Archaeological Museum that we will visit, and some of whose important structures we will visit at a new, nearby location
– Diyarbakır’s city walls, the second-longest on Earth (after China’s Great Wall), which contain a castle and a medieval church
– Fascinating museums, such as the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, the world’s largest mosaic museum, with exquisite Hellenistic Greek and Roman mosaics; and the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum, a domed structure protecting a Roman villa complex that was saved from a 2006 urban construction project
– An optional, post-tour extension to Lake Van, including visits to Van (Tushpa) Castle, center of the Kingdom of Urartu in the 9th to 6th centuries B.C., and the ruins of the Urartian fortress of Sarduri-Hinili at Çavuştepe

AIA The Legacy of the Etruscans: Latium, Umbria & Tuscany tour
2026-10-12 - 2026-10-23
Discover the world of the ancient Etruscans, a pre-Roman civilization that flourished between the Tiber and Arno Rivers in what is now Tuscany during the first millennium B.C. (1000-100 B.C.). The extent of the impact that the Etruscans’ legacy had on the Greeks and Romans, through to our contemporary world, is still coming to light. Join Dr. Pieraccini and a small group of like-minded fellow travelers to explore and further understand the realm of the Etruscans.
Highlights include:
•The marvelous cities of Rome and Florence, plus journeys through spectacular countryside to lesser-visited medieval and Renaissance towns
•Outstanding Etruscan necropolises with brightly-painted scenes of feasting and dancing covering the walls of rock-cut chamber tombs, monumental tumuli, and house tombs. These include the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Cerveteri and Tarquinia, as well as Sovana with its Tomba Ildebranda
•Important Etruscan towns, including Volterra, which also boasts a charming historical center; and Orvieto, with its striking Etruscan acropolis
•Many splendid museums with unparalleled collections of Etruscan artifacts, such as Etruscan bronze sculptures, plus Phoenician gold and Greek vases obtained through extensive trade networks. These include the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia and Vatican City’s Gregorian Etruscan Museum
•Lectures, discussions, and the company of our expert AIA lecturer/host, Lisa Pieraccini
•Generous comfort at well-located, 4-star hotels; fine cuisine and wine; plus a special home-hosted dinner in Florence

Arkhaios Cultural Heritage and Archaeology Film Festival
2026-10-12 09:00 - 2026-11-18 00:00 (America/New_York)
The multi-day Arkhaios Cultural Heritage and Archaeology Film Festival is an annual juried competition, part of Archaeology Month celebration. It is free, open to the public, and is an educational event showcasing the discovery of past cultures gained from ethnological or archaeological research, and illustrated through documentary films.
The Virtual Edition is an international online screening of all the Official Selection films. During the week of the Festival, there are several in-person Arkhaios Festivals in the US, showing the best films from the Arkhaios Official Selections.

AIA Life, Luxury & Leisure in Ancient Rome tour
2026-10-14 - 2026-10-25
Immerse yourself in the opulence and grandeur of ancient Rome while uncovering the secrets of daily life, the indulgence of luxury, and the pursuit of leisure that helped to define one of the most influential civilizations in history. Our adventure
begins in Rome, heart of the Roman Empire, where we witness the architectural marvels that stand as a testament to Rome’s engineering prowess. At the Baths of Caracalla, learn about the interesting Roman bathing culture and the significance of these
communal spaces in Roman society. Delve into the world of luxury in ancient Rome with visits to the opulent villa in Tivoli and the well-preserved remains of ancient cities frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Learn about the daily lives and
customs of the Romans through beautifully preserved frescoes and artifacts, as well as the exquisite art, landscaping, and leisure pursuits enjoyed by the Roman elite. Throughout the tour, archaeologist and professor Crispin Corrado will guide the group at many sites, offer several lectures, and be available to engage in discussions. Whether you are an avid archaeology or history enthusiast, or simply curious about one of history’s greatest civilizations, this journey will provide a deep understanding and appreciation of ancient Rome’s enduring legacy.
Highlights include:
• A custom-designed itinerary with five nights in central Rome, two nights in Naples, and three nights in Sorrento
• Visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
o Spend a full day exploring Rome’s ancient monuments, including the Roman Forum, the House of Augustus on the Palatine Hill, the Domus Aurea, and the Colosseum
o Enjoy a day trip to Tivoli for visits to Hadrian’s Villa, a 2nd-century A.D. complex; and the Villa d’Este, a Renaissance masterpiece of garden and villa architecture
o Explore Pompeii and Herculaneum, both of which were buried (and preserved) by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in A.D. 79; as well as Villa Poppea (Oplontis), an ancient villa with incredible wall paintings
• The collections of Rome’s Capitoline Museums, with magnificent Classical and Renaissance art; the awe-inspiring Pantheon; and the superb Naples Archaeological Museum
• Carefully selected, 4- and 5-star hotels
• Our group size is limited to 16, and you will also be accompanied by a professional tour manager, and expert local guides, who will handle the details so you can relax, experience, and learn.

Tanzania Safari: Human Origins & the Great Migration
2027-01-02 - 2027-01-13
Experience the Serengeti’s Great Migration, and view two significant human origin fossil sites plus magnificent savannah and volcanic landscapes, including Ngorongoro Crater. Stay at exclusive and luxurious tented camps, and travel in spacious, four-wheel drive safari vehicles.
Highlights are many:
• Leading our group of just 16 participants is paleoanthropologist & naturalist Dr. William Harcourt-Smith and expert driver/guides.
• Spend three days experiencing the spectacular “Great Migration,” when hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, along with tens of thousands of zebra, amass in the Lake Ndutu area of the southern Serengeti ecosystem.
• Spend three days exploring the Great Rift Valley and the remarkable Ngorongoro Crater, an extinct volcanic crater 10 to 12 miles in diameter that is teeming with African wildlife.
• Spend two days at Lake Natron, at the foot of Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano, and visit the archaeological site of Engare Sero, where your AIA lecturer has worked for two seasons—it has the largest assemblage of fossil footprints on the African continent.
• Visit the famous Oldupai (Olduvai) Gorge and its museum with your expert AIA lecturer, learning about the important hominid fossils and tools found there.
• Stay for two days at the beginning, plus a day room at the end, at a luxurious resort and spa hotel in Arusha and visit Arusha National Park.
• Enjoy eight nights at luxurious tented lodges in ideal locations, offering the amenities of a well-appointed hotel with the adventure of being under canvas.
• Travel in Land Cruiser safari vehicles with extra sitting room and space to stand, look, and photograph out all sides of their large, pop-up roof hatches.

Jungle Kingdoms of the Ancient Maya
2027-02-18 - 2027-03-03
This immersive experience, co-sponsored by the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) and the Society of Architectural Historians (SAH), brings together two renowned organizations that are committed to the study and preservation of our shared cultural and architectural heritage. I will be leading this tour as both the former Director of Programs for the AIA and the current Executive Director of SAH. As part of a small group of no more than 16 guests, join me on this winter getaway to delve deep into the legacy of the ancient Maya. Marvel at stucco friezes, towering pyramids, and painted frescoes as we visit some of the most significant and visually stunning archaeological sites in the region, including Palenque, Bonampak, Yaxchilán, Tikal,
Yaxhá, Copán, and Quiriguá—four of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will also enjoy time to reflect, relax, or go bird watching in serene natural settings from our comfortable hotels and remote jungle lodges. This is a rare opportunity to experience and imagine Maya civilization while engaging with the still-standing walls of its culture. As space is limited and this tour is available on a first-come, first-served basis, I encourage you to contact AIA Tours soon to reserve your space.

Jungle Kingdoms of the Ancient Maya
2027-02-18 - 2027-03-03
Join us on this tropical adventure that offers the most comprehensive and best-paced exploration of the ancient Maya world amid the verdant jungles and awe-inspiring ruins of Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras.
This immersive experience, co-sponsored by the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) and the Society of Architectural Historians (SAH), brings together two renowned organizations that are committed to the study and preservation of our shared cultural and architectural heritage. Ben Thomas will be leading this tour as both the former Director of Programs for the AIA and the current Executive Director of SAH. As part of a small group of no more than 16 guests, join us on this
winter getaway to delve deep into the legacy of the ancient Maya. Marvel at stucco friezes, towering pyramids, and painted frescoes as we visit some of the most significant and visually stunning archaeological sites in the region, including Palenque, Bonampak, Yaxchilán, Tikal, Yaxhá, Copán, and Quiriguá—four of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will also enjoy time to reflect, relax, or go bird watching in serene natural settings from our comfortable hotels and remote jungle lodges.

Cruising the Mekong River Vietnam and Cambodia
2027-03-01 - 2027-03-14
We invite you to join AIA lecturer and host Miriam Stark on a captivating journey through the rich history and vibrant culture of tropical Indochina on our luxurious tour of Vietnam and Cambodia along the majestic Mekong River. Spend two nights in the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City (still known as Saigon), a dynamic hub that exudes energy, before embarking the exquisite, 14-suite Mekong Princess, a riverboat that embodies the gracious heritage and beauty of Southeast Asia, combined with a romantic French colonial style and all the modern comforts. Her small size and ultra-shallow draft allow us to experience this mighty river from an intimate perspective. Throughout the journey, Professor Stark will offer a series of lectures, share insights into what you are seeing, and encourage discussions. Local guides will accompany you on all excursions. Cruise the Mekong for seven nights, from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap. The Mekong takes us into the fascinating but seldom-visited world of one of
Asia’s great waterways. Marvel at floating villages whose residents literally live on the water—working, shopping, and even attending school and church. Tour a family-owned orchard, visit a noodle factory and a coconut candy maker, and experiment with typical Vietnamese ingredients during a cooking demonstration. Conclude the program with three nights in Siem Reap, where you can immerse yourself in the world-famous Khmer temples of Angkor, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the remains of different capitals of the Khmer Empire, including the iconic Angkor Wat and the Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom. An optional pre-trip extension to Hanoi and Ha Long Bay is also available.
This adventure is limited to only 24 guests and is co-sponsored with another organization.
