Greetings, Scholars of Antiquity!

My name’s Dr. Rob Stephan, and I’ll be your professor on this incredible voyage into the past – an epic journey that I couldn’t be more excited to share with you! Together we will embark upon an extraordinary adventure, traversing the lands where gods once walked and empires etched their glory into the annals of time.

By trade and treasure, I am a Classical Archaeologist, having unearthed my passion and PhD from the hallowed halls of Stanford University. I am now a proud professor of Classics at the University of Arizona. What does that mean, exactly? Well, in short, it means I never got over my love playing in the digging holes in the sandbox and searching for buried treasure! 

My days are rich with the dust of ancient ruins, and throughout my career, I have worked on archaeological projects beneath the sun-kissed skies of Greece, among the rolling hills of Sicily, amidst the hidden treasures of Cyprus, and across Hadrian’s Wall in Britain. Today, I help lead an archaeological project in Greece, delving into the mysteries of history, culture, economics, and religion that have captivated humanity for millennia. Oh, and we take a boat to work, have lunch on an island in the middle of the Aegean, and watch the sunset as the sea and mountains melt into the horizon – it’s not bad work if you don’t mind getting a little dirty!

Rome itself holds a special place in my heart and career. For nearly two decades, I’ve been traveling to the Eternal City. I’ve delved into its rich libraries, unearthing knowledge that has been buried in texts and tomes. Its monuments have become familiar friends, each stone and statue a chapter in the grand story of civilization. Leading college groups through the streets of Rome, I’ve watched the past and present collide in the eyes of those seeing the Forum, the Pantheon, or the Colosseum for the first time. And yes, amidst the scholarly pursuits, I’ve managed to find time for at least one gelato break every single day. 

This July, when you join me in Rome, you’re not just visiting a city; you’re stepping into a living museum where every alley and avenue has a story. Rome is a city where history is palpable, where the past is always present. It’s a place where the legacy of empires, the genius of artists, and the spirit of countless generations blend seamlessly with the dynamism of modern life. Our time in Rome will be an immersive experience, a chance to live and learn in the midst of history’s greatest landmarks. From the grandeur of the Colosseum, where the echoes of ancient cheers linger, to the quiet dignity of the Pantheon, with its centuries-old dome still standing as a testament to human ingenuity, we will explore, discover, and be inspired.

All of these elements combine to create an unforgettable adventure, one I can’t wait to share with all of you!

Ave atque vale (Latin: Hail and farewell),

Dr. Rob