David Soren

David Soren, serving as Regents Professor of Classics and Anthropology at the University of Arizona and Director of the Orvieto Institute in Umbria, represents a unique blend of academic excellence and entertainment background. His journey began as a child performer on CBS's The Horn and Hardart Children's Hour, later earning his B.A. in Greek & Roman Studies from Dartmouth, followed by an M.A. in Fine Arts and Ph.D. in Classical Archaeology from Harvard University. His distinguished career encompasses groundbreaking archaeological discoveries, including identifying the epicenter of the 365 AD Mediterranean earthquake and establishing malaria's role in Rome's decline, while directing significant excavations across Cyprus, Portugal, Tunisia, and Italy. Currently leading the University of Arizona/Yale University/Stanford University excavation at Lugnano in Teverina, Soren has secured over one million dollars in research grants and authored nine books and more than 80 scholarly articles. His exceptional contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the 2018 Teacher of the Year Award from the Archaeological Institute of America, the Esteemed Faculty Award from the University of Arizona, honorary Italian citizenship, and even having a new olive strain named in his honor. His work has gained international recognition through features on major networks like BBC, National Geographic, and The Learning Channel, while his early entertainment background has uniquely enhanced his approach to education and public outreach in archaeology