Archaeology Gone Astray

The conference “Archaeology Gone Astray: Forgeries, Misinterpretations, and Other Field Stories” is dedicated to the less glorious—but undeniably fascinating—chapters in the history of archaeology. We’ll delve into everything from notorious forgeries and spectacular blunders to interpretive dead ends and moments of… let’s say, excessive enthusiasm in the field.
The event offers a space for reflection, self-reflection, and a bit of humor—because, like any living science, archaeology sometimes takes a wrong turn. Yet, even when it goes astray, it always leads to something interesting.
While the main theme centers on the field’s twists, turns, and detours, the program will also feature an open session for participants who wish to present their current research projects.

Łódź and the history of archaeology

For many years, Łódź has been one of the key centers for research into the history of archaeology in Poland. It was in this city that Andrzej Abramowicz (1926–2011) carried out his scholarly work. As one of the first archaeologists in the country to reflect deeply and systematically on the development of his discipline, Abramowicz left a significant intellectual legacy: 12 books (including a three-volume memoir), nearly 60 articles, and 28 reviews — which remain foundational for the study of Polish archaeology’s history. His major works include: The Age of Archaeology: Problems of 19th-Century Polish Archaeology (1967), Urns and Ceraunia (1978), the three-volume History of Antiquarian Interests in Poland (Vol. I – 1983, Vol. II – 1987), History of Polish Archaeology: 19th and 20th Century (1991), and History of Polish Archaeology: Beginnings (1992). Beyond his writings, Abramowicz also mentored a generation of scholars, helping to sustain and expand research on the history of archaeology both within and beyond the Łódź archaeological community.

This conference is organised by the UISPP “History of archaeology” commission.

Organisation committee

• Adrianna Szczerba (Institute of Archaeology, University of Lodz, member of the UISPP Commission on History of Archeology)
• Marzena Woźny (Archaeological Museum in Cracow, Vice-president of the UISPP Commission on History of Archeology)
• Jakub Linetty (Museum of the First Piasts in Lednica, member of the UISPP Commission on History of Archeology).