Centre for Underwater Archaeology

KontaktSzosa Bydgoska 44/48, 87-100 Toruń
dr hab. Andrzej Pydyn, prof. UMK
tel.: +48-607-241-044
e-mail: pydyn@umk.pl
dr Mateusz Popek
tel.: +48-509-701-071
e-mail: mpopek@umk.pl
archeologia, archeologia podwodna, UMK, Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu
archeologia, archeologia podwodna, UMK, Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu
archeologia, archeologia podwodna, UMK, Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu
MBES
A new era of underwater research for the UMK Centre for Underwater Archaeology, thanks to the Multibeam Echo Sounderintegration

We are excited to announce that the Centre for Underwater Archaeology at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń has acquired one of the most advanced tools to study aquatic environments – a Multibeam Echo Sounder (MBES) system. This technology, which has been a staple in hydrography and oceanography for years, opens new horizons for exploring, documenting, and analysing cultural heritage hidden beneath the water’s surface.

Face
The mysterious face from Lednica Lake – a trace of Slavic spirituality or a magical guardian of the stronghold?

In 2024, our team, in cooperation with the Museum of the First Piasts in Lednica and as part of a long-term research project, made a unique discovery at the bottom of Lednica Lake. Among the relics of the defensive fortifications of the stronghold on Ostrów Lednicki, we came across a carefully crafted construction beam, a so-called hook, on which a human face was carved.

Andrzej Pydyn
Our team :
Andrzej Pydyn (centre director)

Meet Andrzej Pydyn – director of the Centre for Underwater Archaeology at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń!
His journey began with a passion for diving in high school. From a volunteer at Lake Lednica, through a PhD at Oxford, to becoming the leader of Toruń’s underwater archaeology team.

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Nicolaus Copernicus University Centre for Underwater Archaeology:

Hundreds of scientific publications!

Over 40 years of tradition!

Thousands of hours underwater!

Hundreds of underwater archaeology graduates!

Major Project: Ostrów Lednicki

Lednica Lake is the birthplace of Poland. The island called Ostrów, located in the centre of the lake, was the residence of Mieszko I and his son Bolesław Chrobry. On this island, some of the most significant events of that time may have taken place, such as the Baptism of Poland or the visit of Emperor Otto III.
Since the island was one of the centres of the young country of Poland, it has been a focal point of archaeological research. For over 40 years, an underwater research project has been conducted there, consistently yielding fascinating discoveries.


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Major Project: Ostrów Lednicki

Education

Do you want to become an underwater archaeologist and join our team? It's simple! Just enrol in the archaeology program at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń. During your undergraduate and graduate studies, you can choose modules focused on underwater archaeology taught by experts from the Centre for Underwater Archaeology.

Explore Our Services

1

3D and Geodetic Documentation

Our documentation is based on three-dimensional modelling. This objective and highly effective documentation method seamlessly integrates with investor materials. All our 3D models and survey results are positioned using geodetic techniques.

2

Sonar Research

We enhance our research by creating bathymetric maps using a single-beam sonar. We also conduct scanning with a side-scan sonar, producing sonar mosaics.

3

Aerial Survey

We complement underwater research with aerial reconnaissance using UAVs (drones). We perform aerial photography and create orthophotomaps.