Darius Arya – Ancient Invisible Cities

By starrymag | September 5, 2018

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) What initially inspired you to become an archeologist?

 

A) Travel.

I had been interested in ancient societies from an early age. I am 1/2 Iranian and interested in my family heritage, but the opportunity to learn about the ancient in depth came with my study of Latin, then Greek.  I am sure that if other languages had been offered I could just as easily been an Egyptologist or whatnot, but fate gave me Latin first.

I was fortunate to travel to Europe in junior high and really was most interested in the ancient sites of that trip… Finally, studying abroad (in Rome!) it really clicked with me that working abroad, working with artifacts, excavating, discovering their stories, preserving the past– that was what archaeology was all about.

Of course, Indiana Jones movies were an inspiration to me as a kid, but the real field of archaeology is even more compelling than what you see in the movies.

 

Q) What do you think it is about Athens, Cairo and Istanbul that continues to fascinate historians?

 

A) These are cities that really changed the entire world. Each one at different times had a profound effect on the lives of their local communities and the communities at large.  And they still are compelling cities, on a global scale. In each case, there is still so much more to learn, uncover- archaeologically- and evaluate.  We can always come back to these cities and come away with something new learned.  And those layers of history are so compelling.  I was shocked to see in Cairo the Roman fortification underneath a Greek Orthodox Church.  Fascinating!

Q) What were you looking to uncover or learn while in these historic locations?

 

A) Each city is well known. The history that took place in each city is well known. But, the more you scratch the surface, you realize just how much more there is to each location.  First of all, many places of historical importance are inaccessible or partially accessible.  In “Invisible Cities,” we make those places accessible. Whether it’s crawling into the unstable silver mines of Laurion outside of Athens (responsible for the construction of the Athenian fleet that repelled the Persian invaders) or carefully heading down into the closed-to-the-public Saladin’s well (that ensured the well-being of the inhabitants in the Cairo citadel) – it’s those dynamic experiences that bring us closer to amazing historical feats and understanding the real challenges involved at the time.

 

Q) You’re packed with cutting-edge tools to explore these areas. What do these items allow you to do that you couldn’t in the past?

 

A) They really reveal the context I am exploring and bring you right into the tunnels and sites – granting you a clear understanding of a monument or artifact that would otherwise remain unclear in its overall context.

We cover a lot of ground. As I explore and make sense of a topic or area, the scan team is tirelessly and rapidly scanning every inch.  The combination revealed in the final composition of each show is truly stunning and unique.

 

Q) Were there a few times where you feared for your safety while exploring these locations?

 

A) Of course! Down Saladin’s well (rarely accessed) or in the Laurion silver mines.  To be sure, we have true world experts with us to secure the ropes and make on the spot assessments, but there is always an element of risk and surprise.  It’s part of the fun of being there- and sharing that dynamic with the viewers.

 

Q) Visiting so many of these other cultures, is there anything you found that you’re surprised to learn about yourself?

 

A) I am American living in Rome for much of my adult life and every day there is something new for me discover about Italian culture. From Rome I can get to so many other, different cultures rapidly, and have acquired not just the travel bug but a keen interest in seeing how contemporary cultures react to/ enjoy/ partake in/ even ignore their past on a daily basis.

 

Q) What do you hope viewers learn from watching “Ancient Invisible Cities?” Is it about the travel part or is it the cracking open the history books or something else? 

 

A) I think it’s that and more. I want to help contextualize each city in its contemporary context as much as possible, to then dive into some of the key moments and sites/ monuments that underline the city’s importance, that still resonates in the world today.  It’s about making history come alive through engaging dialogue, the adventure of exploration and, of course, the use of cutting edge technology to further enhance our storytelling capabilities.

 

Q) Is there a place on your wish list – an adventure on your wish list or your to do list that you haven’t taken on yet? The number 1 thing that you’d like to do next?

 

A) Cusco, Peru and Lalibela, Ethiopia… I really have a long list of places to return to, too!

 

Q) Do you have a personal collection of archeological finds and if so, what are a couple of your favorite pieces?

 

A) No!  My studies and digs result in material filling archaeological warehouses. Nothing is a personal acquisition. Excavation discoveries have the academic aspect, publication (the archaeologist, my institute and colleagues) and the finds always belong to and stay with the home country.

Only extraordinary finds are ever on display. On that note, I do have a statue we unearthed in one excavation (a bath complex within a suburban villa), near the via Latina, (a few miles outside the center of Rome) that is now on permanent display at the Capitoline Museums – Montemartini museum. The Marsyas statue (punished by Apollo for losing a music contest – never challenge a god!) is of rare red marble with one bronze inlaid eye intact.  A rarity and of high quality from the 2C AD.

 

Q) Since you are on social media, are you looking forward to that instant fan feedback you’ll receive when the episodes premiere?

 

A) Absolutely! I love the direct contact and questions and feedback. We can continue the story and take the story further!  I have met a lot of colleagues through such discussions and learned a lot from precious feedback from viewers, followers.

 

Q) What makes PBS the perfect home for this series?

 

A) It’s serious and supportive. I feel that I had the room to be myself.  The team as PBS was encouraging to let me and my personality shine through in the show; this was a real, personal, exploratory journey and not just some show gimmick. I look forward to more adventuring with PBS!