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.
