German Archaeological Institute

German Archaeological Institute

The German Archaeological Institute (Deutsches Archäologisches Institut – DAI) participates in international research projects all over the world. Through these manifold schemes, its experts help to encourage a deeper mutual understanding among cultures, making them an important element of Germany’s cultural relations and education policy.

The DAI was founded in Rome in 1829 by a group of friends comprising scholars, artists and diplomats. Initially it was based in Villa Caffarelli on Capitoline Hill, the home of the German envoy Christian Karl Josias von Bunsen.

Since 1833, its headquarters have been in Berlin. In addition to its three large commissions in Germany, the DAI maintains departments in Rome, Athens, Madrid, Istanbul and Cairo. It also has branch offices in Baghdad, Tehran, Sana’a, Damascus and Beijing (the latter opened in 2010) as well as research units in Amman, Jerusalem, Lisbon, Madrid and Ulan Bator.

The DAI is a research institution directly affiliated with the Federal Foreign Office. Together with their partners in Germany and around the world, DAI staff undertake a wide range of joint projects in the field of archaeology and related disciplines. With their internationally acclaimed expedition, excavation and publication activities, they help develop other countries’ cultural heritage and so make a valuable contribution to dialogue and exchange in the wider context of Germany’s cultural relations and education policy.

The DAI maintains relations with the international research community and helps support young people at the start of their academic careers. Many important academics from all over the world are part of the DAI network, whether as ordinary or corresponding members. The Institute runs congresses, colloquiums and guided tours, and it makes the results of its research work publicly available.

Prof. Friederike Fless was elected President of the DAI in 2011, a post previously held by Prof. H. J. Gehrke and Prof. H. Parzinger.

Contribution to intercultural dialogue

In many countries archaeology is seen as a national concern. As a tool for defining and communicating cultural identity, exploring the nation’s past is deemed an important political priority. By fostering greater understanding between different cultures, DAI researchers make a valuable contribution to intercultural dialogue, which in turn does much for Germany’s standing in the world. They are active not only in countries that have long attracted archaeological interest but also in crisis regions and conflict zones around the world.

Last updated 23.01.2013