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AMMAN — The late Andrea Zebini (1984-2019) was an Italian archaeologist who combined historical knowledge with digital methodology like satellite imagery, GIS and database systems, to document, monitor and protect endangered cultural heritage across Jordan and the region.
The Council for British Research in the Levant (CBRL) with the Andrea Zerbini Foundation have recently organised a workshop in memory of this “prematurely” deceased scholar.
The event, titled "Andrea Zerbini: Legacy, Archaeology and Digital Innovation", brought together Jordanian and British experts specialised in heritage protection.
The two-day workshop started with welcoming remarks by the new Director of the CBRL Jane Humphris, who introduced Director General of the Department of Antiquities Fawzi Abu Danah.
"We gathered here to highlight the importance of solidarity among archaeologists in challenging times," Abu Danah said, stressing Zerbini’s significant contributions to heritage preservation in Jordan, expressing appreciation for both his work and the CBRL’s continued efforts as one of “major” international institutes in Amman.
Former director of the CBRL Carol Palmer gave a keynote presentation reflecting on Zerbini's academic journey, research vision and lasting impact on his colleagues.
Professor Robert Bewley of CBRL and Michael Fradley of University of Oxford talked about Zerbini's work in satellite imagery analysis, GIS, database development and participation in the Endangered Archaeology in the Middle East and North Africa project.
Pascal Flohr from Leiden University Libraries presented the MaDiH project, exploring methodologies and outcomes in mapping digital cultural heritage in Jordan.
Among participants of the panel were three Andrea Zerbini Award holders: Andrea Villiani, who presented research on documenting abandoned villages in rural Cyprus, Grzegorz Sochacki with satellite imagery and survey methods in reconstructing Jordan’s agricultural landscapes, and Eleri Connick from University of Amsterdam, who spoke about her research in Jordan.
On the second day, Bewley shared his expertise on AI in museums, exhibitions, and community interpretation.
"Digital heritage and AI can inspire youth engagement and can be a motive for young schoolchildren to become interested in archaeology and architecture," said Maria Elena Ronza from SELA while addressing the interactivity of these methods.
"The CBRL is committed to honouring the legacy of Andrea Zerbini by continuing the work he championed in digital archaeology and cultural heritage protection across the Levant,” said Humphris.
“His innovative spirit and dedication remain central to our mission, inspiring ongoing research, collaboration and training. We will continue to build on his vision, ensuring that his contribution to the field lives on through our collective work and future generations of scholars," Humphris added.
