Roman patrimony is a cornerstone of global contemporary culture, showcasing exceptional physical and cultural sustainability, and intertwining timeless art and architecture with an extensive archaeological heritage. We are dedicated to safeguarding Rome’s unique legacy through education, outreach, and active initiatives. We fulfill our mission through international collaborations and by creating original editorial content including short form documentaries, videos, photography, social media, webinars, and on-location experiences.
About Us
We aim to captivate and educate audiences about Rome’s cultural heritage through our free educational resources, such as the multidisciplinary learning hub, Ancient Rome Live.
By delving into the past, we strive to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. Our on-location content is enriched by strong connections with the stewards of Rome’s legacy. Recognizing Rome as a crucial gateway to understanding human history and culture, we explore diverse disciplines including art, architecture, law, economics, and more.
We contend that studying Rome’s intricate history offers a nuanced perspective on the contemporary world, contributing to the development of 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.
Erica Firpo is an experienced travel and lifestyle journalist, and podcaster based in Rome. Italian and American, Erica gets to the heart of Italian culture in Ciao Bella, and keeps sharing la dolce vita as contributor to AFAR, Washington Post, Insider, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, BBC Travel, The Guardian, Fathom, and more. She’s authored over a dozen travel books including Fodor’s, Insight Guides and Lonely Planet.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Our Experience
AIRC has more than two decades of experience in extensive promotion of cultural heritage. Utilizing various online platforms, we actively engage in visual storytelling and live streaming to convey our message. We recognize the importance of making cultural heritage an integral aspect of our daily lives.
Fundamental to our mission is the establishment and nurturing of online communities and our presence extends across Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and X.
Partnering with esteemed cultural heritage organizations such as ICCROM, ICOMOS, and others has been instrumental in delivering our mission and vision. Together, we’ve delved into meaningful discussions and captured heritage projects through film and other mediums.
Looking ahead, our objectives for the near future involve the execution of a local heritage preservation project in Rome. Additionally, we are committed to producing a comprehensive video and text with topics including international heritage preservation laws, threats to heritage sites and artifacts, conservation work, and ongoing restoration and conservation projects in Rome.
As we embark on these endeavors, we invite you to join us in supporting these initiatives and participate in our free educational seminars and exclusive monthly Masterclasses hosted on line and in real time. Together, we can contribute to the preservation of Rome’s invaluable cultural patrimony and advance our shared understanding of cultural heritage.
