From Kaiser to AI: Current Projects of the DEI Jerusalem

Public Lecture by Katja Soennecken

20.05.2026

Abstract: Founded by the German Emperor Wilhelm II, the German Protestant Institute of Archaeology in the Holy Land (DEI) ranks among the “historic” institutions in the field. For 125 years, its scholars have been engaged in research on biblical archaeology. Over time, the institute has evolved into a vibrant center with excavation projects on both sides of the Jordan as well as in Jerusalem. This lecture will highlight its current projects, especially the excavation on Mount Zion in Jerusalem, and offer a glance into its future directions.

Dr. Katja Soennecken studied Classical Archaeology, Jewish Studies and Protestant Theology and completed her doctorate in Biblical Archaeology at the University of Wuppertal. She is currently Assistant Professor of Biblical Archaeology at the Luxembourg School of Religion & Society and Assistant Director of the German Protestant Institute for Archaeology of the Holy Land in Jerusalem.

We invite you to join us for Katja Soennecken's lecture at the W.F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research (www.aiar.org), "From Kaiser to AI: Current Projects of the DEI Jerusalem." No registration is required.

Wednesday, 20 May 2026
16:00 CEST

Please click on this link for the Zoom connection.