14 May 2026; updated 15 May 2026
We are very sad to announce the passing of Dr. Pierre Bikai on May 12, 2026. Dr. Bikai was trained as an archaeologist at the University of California, Berkeley, and served as director of the American Center of Research from 1991 to 2006, where he was joined by his wife Dr. Patricia Maynor Bikai (1943–2025) as associate director. He participated in archaeological field research in Lebanon, Turkey, the Azores, Iraq, Egypt, Syria, and Jordan. Under his leadership, ACOR implemented projects at the Great Temple on the Amman Citadel, Darat al Funun in Amman, and the Madaba Archaeological Park and developed JADIS (Jordan Antiquities Database Information System). He and Patricia also led ACOR in unearthing and documenting major structures at Petra, including the Petra Church, the Roman Street, the Ridge Church, and the Blue Chapel.
His contributions to archaeology in Jordan were many and their impact is continuously felt by Jordanians and visitors to Jordan. There is an endowed fellowship in his and his wife’s names for graduate students in the field.
Our deepest condolences to his family and all who knew him.