Simon Dorso
About Simon Dorso
Simon Dorso is a postdoctoral researcher specializing in the historical connections between the Horn of Africa and its Islamic environment. He has a background in archaeology and history, with significant contributions to the ERC HORNEAST project, focusing on the Islamisation process in the region.
Work at Aix-Marseille University
Simon Dorso has been serving as a Postdoctorant at Aix-Marseille Université since 2021. His role involves conducting research focused on the historical connections between the Horn of Africa and its Islamic environment. This position allows him to contribute to ongoing academic discussions and research initiatives within the university, particularly in the context of historical studies and archaeology.
Education and Expertise
Simon Dorso holds a Master's degree in Archaeology and History from Université Lumière (Lyon II), where he studied from 2011 to 2013. He also completed a Bachelor's degree in Archaeology and Art History at Université Rennes II - Haute-Bretagne from 2007 to 2011. Additionally, he pursued a Master 1 in Medieval Archaeology at Université Lumière (Lyon II) from 2010 to 2011. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his research interests in historical mobility and cultural exchanges.
Background
Before his current position, Simon Dorso worked as a Doctorant at CNRS in Jerusalem from 2013 to 2021. During this time, he focused on archaeological research and historical studies. He also served as an Assistant Temporaire d'Éducation et de Recherche at Université Lumière Lyon 2 for 11 months in 2017-2018. His diverse experiences in academia and research institutions have shaped his expertise in archaeology and history.
Research Focus
Simon Dorso's research centers on evidencing the historical connections between the Horn of Africa and its Islamic environment. He aims to enhance the understanding of the Islamisation process in the region. His work includes archaeological surveys at significant sites, such as Negash, which is known for its historical relevance to the first Muslim emigration to Ethiopia. He also studies local written sources in Ge’ez, Old Nubian, and Arabic to further explore these historical connections.
Involvement in ERC HORNEAST Project
Simon Dorso is actively involved in the ERC HORNEAST project, which focuses on the historical interactions between the Horn of Africa and the Middle East. His contributions include studying local written sources and participating in archaeological surveys. This project aims to shed light on the historical mobility of people and the exchange of knowledge during the Middle Ages, enhancing the understanding of cultural exchanges in the region.