Roman culture lies at the heart of much of contemporary culture around the world, and represents an unparalleled example of both physical and cultural sustainability, combining timeless art and architecture with one of the richest archaeological patrimonies in the world.
About The American Institute for Roman Culture
The American Institute for Roman Culture works tirelessly to preserve and protect Rome’s extraordinary and unique cultural legacy through education, outreach, and action.
We carry out our mission through international collaborations as well as the production of original content from Rome: photos, videos, webinars, and conversation on location.
Mission
To engage and inspire everyone with Rome’s cultural heritage through free educational resources, including our multidisciplinary learning hub, Ancient Rome Live. We believe it’s important to investigate the past to encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. Our content is produced on location, and is deeply contextualized thanks to strong relationships with the caretakers of Rome’s legacy.
Vision
We believe that understanding Rome is an essential pathway to understanding human history and culture in such areas as: art, architecture, engineering, urban planning, law, economics, religion, archaeology, heritage preservation, and conservation. We also believe that studying Rome’s varied, layered past provides a more nuanced view of the world today and will help shape a more curious, open-minded, and tolerant global society.
Meet The Team
Darius Arya is an archaeologist, public historian, author, social media influencer, and TV host based in Rome, Italy. He works around the globe, with a focus on Rome and the Roman Empire. As AIRC CEO, he directs Ancient Rome Live and the podcast Darius Arya Digs, leads lecture series and heritage preservation initiatives, and teaches bespoke educational courses.
Paolo Gardelli is an archaeologist and heritage specialist working primarily in the Bay of Naples area, ancient Stabiae, Pompeii and other sites - he has appeared in a number of videos with Darius covering this area. He's also coordinated several conservation projects on these sties as well and provides decades of experience to the Institute in projects and programs. Paolo has also contributed articles to Ancient Rome Live.
Amy developed a love of Roman history at a young age and continued on to study Classics and Archaeology. Her more recent focus has been on military history. She cares deeply about conservation projects and raising awareness about studying history.
Warren works with the team to implement our digital activities across all projects. Working in digital marketing for most of his career, he is an expert in web design, social media, email, SEO and ecommerce. Coupling this experience with his passion for the city of Rome and Roman history, Warren is proud to support the AIRC’s mission.
Michele Raddi is an outgoing archaeologist whose expansive career has brought him to excavate through Italy, the Middle East, and now throughout southeast Asia. He is associate professor of the University of Udayana di Bali, Archaeology department, Bali Denpasar, Indonesia, He is the co-director of the Parco dei Ravennati excavations which is currently in a study phase of the materials for publication.
Michael studied history at Binghamton University and his favorite classes covered ancient Roman politics, art, and daily life. After studying abroad in the eternal city, he joined the AIRC as an intern helping with historical research.
Kristian Schneider directs the conservation firm Consorzio Kavaklik Restauro, carrying out projects around the globe. He worked with the institute during the Parco dei Ravennati excavations, overseeing all on site conservation work, and continues to provide his expertise to enhance the educational content on Ancient Rome Live.
Jamie holds an undergraduate degree in Classical Civilisation from the University of Roehampton and a postgraduate degree in the City of Rome from the University of Reading. Jamie supports our outreach initiatives to promote cultural heritage by strengthening our social media presence.
