Lilli Zabrana

Lilli Zabrana is a Researcher at the Austrian Academy of Sciences, working within the Austrian Archaeological Institute (OeAI). Since 2025, she has been part of the core team at the Historical Department of the OeAI, and previously served as a research associate from 2010 to 2023. Her research focuses on archaeological building and settlement research, historical spatial planning, and monument preservation, with fieldwork conducted in the Balkans and the Middle East, including Turkey, Egypt, and Montenegro.

Her educational background includes:

• Studies in Classical Archaeology, Prehistory and Early History, and Art History at the University of Vienna
• Master's degree in Monument Preservation at the Technical University of Berlin
• Doctorate (2014) in Archaeological Building Research at the Technical University of Berlin, focusing on the Odeion in the Artemision of Ephesus

Dr. Zabrana's research interests center on archaeological building research, construction history, and traditional vernacular architecture. She has extensive experience in archaeological field research and site management, particularly in the context of monument preservation. Her work often integrates spatial analysis to understand historical settlement patterns and the economic significance of ancient sanctuaries.

Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on two main areas: the archaeological investigation of the Artemision of Ephesus in Turkey, especially its role as an economic center in the Roman Empire, and the study of Nubian villages in Upper Egypt, examining material culture and traditional building techniques. This interdisciplinary approach bridges classical archaeology with cultural heritage preservation.

She has received research funding through the Zukunftskolleg 2019-2023 program by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), which supported her innovative research on the Artemis Sanctuary in Ephesus and the reuse of building materials.

Dr. Zabrana is an active member of the Research Group "Historical Archaeology in the Mediterranean" at the OeAI, contributing to collaborative projects that explore the historical archaeology of the Mediterranean region through interdisciplinary methodologies.