Iain Shearer FRAS is an archaeologist who has worked across the UK, Afghanistan, Caucasus, North Africa, the Balkans, Israel/Palestine, Central Asia, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, China, Italy, Pakistan, India, and the Middle East over the last 25 years. His extensive field experience and deep regional expertise make him one of the most accomplished archaeological tour leaders operating today.

Educated at the prestigious Institute of Archaeology at University College London, Iain served as the Sackler Scholar for Afghanistan and Iran at The British Museum, one of the world's most respected institutions for the study of ancient civilizations. This appointment recognized his exceptional expertise in the archaeology and cultural heritage of these complex and historically significant regions.

In 2008, Iain was appointed a Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland (FRAS), joining a distinguished scholarly community dedicated to the study of Asia and its cultures. This honor reflects his significant contributions to the understanding and preservation of cultural heritage across the Islamic world and beyond.

Iain's archaeological work extends beyond traditional excavation to include conflict and development archaeology—specializing in protecting cultural heritage in war zones and rapidly changing landscapes. While working at UCL, he was invited to join the London Metropolitan Police Art & Antiques Unit Special Crime Directorate 6 as a Special Constable, where he remains actively involved in research and restitution of looted cultural heritage. This unique role combines his archaeological expertise with law enforcement to combat the illegal antiquities trade.

His fieldwork credentials are exceptional. Iain surveyed at Madain Saleh in Saudi Arabia with an Italian mission during the 2000s and excavated at the major Jordanian sites of Jerash and Petra. His work has taken him to some of the world's most challenging and rewarding archaeological environments, from the mountains of Afghanistan to the deserts of Central Asia, from the ancient cities of the Maghreb to the Silk Road.

Beyond his academic and field research, Iain has established himself as a leading voice in archaeological tourism and public engagement with heritage. He has led numerous lecture tours for The British Museum and the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge across the Maghreb, Middle East, Turkey, Balkans, Syria, China, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Cyprus, and Central Asia. His ability to make complex archaeological and historical concepts accessible to non-specialist audiences has made him a sought-after guide.

Iain is also an accomplished author and media presenter. He authored Lonely Planet's Guide to Saudi Arabia and the Hajj (2010) and co-authored Lonely Planet's Guide to Iran (2012), bringing insider knowledge to independent travelers seeking to explore these fascinating destinations. He served as presenter for Lonely Planet and National Geographic's documentary series 'Road Less Travelled: Kazakhstan', sharing the rich heritage of Central Asia with global audiences.

Additionally, Iain served as a visiting lecturer at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he shared his expertise with future military leaders on the cultural and archaeological dimensions of the regions where they might serve. This appointment reflects the strategic importance of cultural understanding in contemporary geopolitics.

His guiding philosophy emphasizes authentic, in-depth experiences over surface-level tourism. As he describes it: "I'm an archaeologist lucky enough to take people to complicated, extraordinary places and help them make sense of where they are, what they're seeing and why. I try to simplify complex histories and cultures, without being simplistic." This approach, combining scholarly rigor with engaging interpretation, has earned him outstanding reviews from travelers worldwide.

Iain has been a valued guide, lecturer, and tour manager at Spiekermann Travel since the 1990s, bringing his unparalleled expertise to our educational tours across North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and beyond.