Rob Stephan

Dr. Robert Stephan is a classical archaeologist, award-winning educator, and veteran of Mediterranean fieldwork whose passion lies in making the ancient world come alive for modern travelers. With a PhD in Classics from Stanford University and a BA in Classical Archaeology from the University of Michigan in Classical Archaeology, Rob blends deep academic expertise with an engaging and down-to-earth teaching style.

He has excavated and surveyed ancient sites across Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Armenia, and Britain, and currently co-directs the Bays of East Attica Regional Survey (BEARS), a long-term archaeological project focused on ancient Greek coastal communities. In his role as Associate Dean of the University of Arizona's Honors College, he helps shape innovative learning experiences that stretch beyond the classroom—including virtual reality reconstructions of ancient cities and video game explorations of cultural heritage.

Rob's archaeological research has been presented and published in journals throughout the world, while his dynamic teaching has earned him national recognition. Most recently he was presented with the 2025 Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award from the Archaeological Institute of America and the 2024 Sherrill Creative Teaching Award from the University of Arizona. He specializes in connecting the past to the present, and his lectures invite travelers to not just learn about ancient history, but to experience it through stories, artifacts, monuments, and ethical questions that still matter today.

Equally at home on a mountaintop ruin or in a Roman amphitheater, Rob brings humor, energy, and curiosity to every journey. When he’s not on site or in the classroom, you might find him hiking desert trails, cheering on Michigan football, or hunting down the best nachos in Tucson.

Language spoken: English