[italiano]

I’m Josef Mario Briffa SJ, a Maltese Jesuit priest and archaeologist. I am Associate Professor of archaeology, ancient history and Sacred Scripture at the Pontifical Biblical Institute (Rome / Jerusalem), and Director of Academic Programmes, as well as curator of our Museum and archaeological collection, at the PBI in Jerusalem.

My background is in both archaeology and biblical studies. I have read for a Licentiate in Sacred Scripture (2009-2012), at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, and a PhD in archaeology at the UCL Institute of Archaeology (2012-2017), working on figurines in the late Iron Age Southern Levant.

Over eleven seasons (2013-2016, 2018-ongoing), I have excavated at the site of Tel Azekah in Israel, with Tel Aviv and Heidelberg universities, where I am Area Supervisor of Area N1. I have also excavated with the University of Malta, digging for four seasons (1997-2000) at Tas-Silġ, and one season at the Roman Villa in Żejtun (2008). I am also currently co-director of excavations at Deir Tantur (2022).

My research interests in archaeology are the Levant, particularly in the Iron Age, and Maltese archaeology. I have worked particularly on the archaeological work of Fr Emmanuel Magri SJ (1851-1907), a pioneer in Maltese archaeology, and the first director of excavations at the Hypogeum in Hal Saflieni, Malta.

I’m also active as scout leader and chaplain in the Italian Catholic Scout and Guide Association (AGESCI)

Updated: 11.11.2025