Aaron Michael Butts

Professor Dr. Aaron Michael Butts is a University Professor of Semitic Studies specializing in Ethiopian and Eritrean studies at the University of Hamburg. He holds the Andrew W. Mellon Chair of Early Christian Studies (2022) and received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. Current projects include the ERC Consolidator Grant-funded BeInf: Beyond Influence – The Connected Histories of Ethiopic and Syriac Christianity (2022–2027).

• Ph.D., University of Chicago (2013)
• Master of Arts, University of Chicago (2007)
• Master of Theological Studies, Duke Divinity School (2005)
• Bachelor of Arts, Howard Payne University (2002)

His research focuses on:

• Ethiopic and Syriac Christian traditions
• Aramaic and Semitic linguistics
• Manuscript transmission and textual criticism
• Greco-Roman linguistic influences
• Christian-Muslim textual interactions

Recent publications analyze Narsai's works, Syriac-Akkadian connections, and Ethiopic-Greek loanword dynamics. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of Aramaic Studies and Supplements to Aramaic Studies, with editorial roles in multiple patristic journals.

Scientific awards:

• ERC Consolidator Grant (2022)

Current affiliations:

• University of Hamburg (since 2022)
• The Catholic University of America (2014–2022)
• Yale University (2010–2013)