Aaron A. Burke

Aaron A. Burke is a Professor and Kershaw Chair in the Archaeology of the Ancient Eastern Mediterranean at UCLA's Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures. He directs the Jaffa Cultural Heritage Project and leads the 2018 Turning Points research program on Bronze-to-Iron Age transitions.

• Ph.D. University of Chicago (2004)

His research focuses on Amorite identity formation, Egyptian imperialism in Canaan, and fortification strategies during the Middle Bronze Age. He explores how warfare, trade networks, and refugee movements shaped cultural evolution from 2500–1000 BCE.

Recent publications include Elements in The Archaeology of Ancient Israel (2024), Creating Crisis: Empire and Refugees (2024), and studies on Bronze Age harbors. His work spans journal articles, book chapters, and edited series like The History and Archaeology of Jaffa volumes 1–4.

Awarded:

• NEH Collaborative Grant (2013–2018)
• G. E. Wright Award (2011)

Mentors graduate student Jacob Damm. Contact: burke@humnet.ucla.edu.