Darius Arya

Darius Arya is the director of the non-profit organization, The American Institute for Roman Culture, which has conducted field excavations, university programs, and conservation and educational initiatives for the past 20 years.   He collaborates with the Italian Ministry of Culture, city of Rome, various superintendencies and museums to address issues of communication of heritage preservation values as well as work with various global community outreach initiatives. His current research projects encompass these interests applied to AlUla, Saudi Arabia, excavations such as Via Appia 39 and Foligno (Umbria), as well as collections of Museo Nazionale Romano and lesser known sites part of Pompeii  Sites.

A noted international TV host (PBS, Smithsonian, National Geographic, and Italy’s Rai5) and social media influencer on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube), Darius has been a pioneer on social media regarding archaeology, education, and heritage preservation.  He also remains focused on the Institute’s online learning platform Ancient Rome Live with collaborations throughout the Mediterranean.   A member of ICOM, ICOMOS, and Getty Conservation Institute fellow, as Global Research Institute Fellow Darius focuses on the Institute’s interdisciplinary outlook and expertise to expand the conversation in public history, outreach and education regarding heritage preservation and engagement using new technologies and applications.

Darius has a Master’s and Ph.D. from University of Texas at Austin.  He received his bachelor’s from the University of Pennsylvania.  He is a fellow of the American Academy in Rome and a Fulbright Scholar.