David Aston

Dr. David Aston is an associated researcher in the research group (RG) 'Archaeology in Egypt and Sudan' at the Austrian Archaeological Institute (Österreichischen Archäologischen Institutes) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW). His primary affiliation is with the Department of Egyptian and Sudanese Archaeology in Vienna. He specializes in funerary archaeology, ceramic chronology, and the study of New Kingdom and Third Intermediate Period Egypt. His research focuses on Egyptian pottery from the Second Intermediate Period to the Ptolemaic era, emphasizing ceramic typology, burial practices, and archaeological chronology.

Key projects include work at Tell el-Dab’a (chronological evaluation of ceramic typologies), the Valley of the Kings (pottery analysis), and Kom el-Hittan. He has contributed to major excavation reports and edited volumes, including studies on Tell el-Yahudiya Ware and New Kingdom burial assemblages. His research integrates material culture analysis with historical reconstruction, particularly in understanding dynastic transitions and cultural interactions.

Publications span over two decades, covering topics like Hyksos ceramic sculpture, wine jar chronology, and funerary disturbance in Thebes. He has held editorial roles for volumes honoring prominent scholars such as John Taylor and Janine Bourriau. His work often bridges archaeological practice with theoretical frameworks, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to Egyptian material culture.