AquaTerra Archaeology is an independent archaeological consultancy founded by Willem De Cuyper, providing professional support to archaeological companies and heritage organisations.

The company offers flexible expertise in the coordination and execution of archaeological projects, both on land and underwater. Services include project support, archaeological reporting, fieldwork supervision, and specialised research.

Willem De Cuyper holds a Master’s degree in Archaeology and has gained professional experience in the Belgian archaeological sector as well as in international projects in the Netherlands and Germany. Over the years, he has worked with several archaeological companies and research organisations, contributing to a wide range of excavation and heritage projects.

In addition to terrestrial archaeology, Willem specialises in maritime and underwater archaeology. Through training and field experience in scientific diving, he is able to support archaeological investigations in submerged environments and coastal contexts.

Alongside commercial archaeology, Willem conducts independent research on Belgian shipwrecks located in foreign waters. This research focuses on the identification, documentation, and spatial analysis of shipwrecks dating mainly to the First and Second World Wars. The project currently includes a growing database of identified wrecks and a GIS-based spatial framework for further research. More of this in the blog section.

By combining field experience, research expertise, and international collaboration, AquaTerra Archaeology aims to contribute to the professional execution, documentation, and protection of archaeological heritage.

Education

Bachelor in Archaeology of the Pre-and Protohistory

Bachelor paper: Analysis of ceramics of Grenada: a study on provenance
Supervisor: prof. doc. Patrick Degryse

This paper focusses on the colonial ceramics found on an excavation on Grenada in 2016. The aim was to find the provenance of the colonial ceramics and to create an idea of the European trade in the region. This was accomplished through a study of the literature and a macroscopic and microscopic analysis of the material.

Master in Archaeology of the Pre- and Protohistory

Master Thesis: Belgian shipwrecks in foreign waters – a preliminary overview and case study
Supervisor: prof. doc. Bart Vanmontfort
Co-supervisor: doc. Marnix Pieters

The aim of this thesis was to make a first overview of Belgian shipwrecks in foreign waters. The shipwrecks were collected in a database, with descriptions and links to the sources. To create this overview, mainly foreign databases were consulted (ex. Drassm in Marseille). The locations were plotted on a map, created with the GIS software QGIS. Lastly, two case studies were formulated in how to manage such sites and how it can serve the public interest.

Experience

Below, a combined overview of the projects of AquaTerra Archaeology bv and WDC Archaeology.

• Watching brief | Trident Archäologie, Lubmin Germany | September 2023 – November 2023
  This project involved the archaeological supervision of dredging in the Baltic Sea.
• Field Archaeologist | Archol BV, Weert the Netherlands | November 2023 – March 2024
  The excavation of bronze/iron age graves and a medieval settlement in Weert.
• Field Archaeologist | In Terra Veritas, Nuremberg Germany | March 2024 – June 2024
  The excavation of possibly the largest mass grave in Europe. See blog section
• Archaeological Diver | Trident Archäologie, Lubmin Germany | June 2024 – August 2024
• Field Archaeologist | Group Vanvooren, Waregem Belgium | September 2024
• Field Archaeologist | Abo nv, Geel Belgium | September 2024 – October 2024
• Field Archaeologist | Abo nv, Mechelen Belgium | October 2024 – December 2024
• Field Archaeologist | Abo nv, Zele Belgium | January 2025 – February 2025
• Watching brief | Trident Archäologie, Rostock Germany | March 2025
• Field Archaeologist | Group Vanvooren, Ieper and Dessel | April 2025
• Watching brief | Trident Archäologie, Rostock Germany | April 2025
• All around Archaeologist | Group Vanvooren | May 2025
• Field Archaeologist | Baac Vlaanderen | June 2025
• All around Archaeologist | Group Vanvooren | July – August 2025
• Field Archaeologist | Baac Vlaanderen | September -November 2025
• Field Archaeologist | Group Monument | December 2025
• Field Archaeologist | Group Vanvooren | January – March 2025

Certification

• Bossiet certificate FMTC B.V.
• Basic Elements of Safety SCC (VCA vol) BeSaCC-VCA
• Surface supplied diver inshore and offshore NYD subsea training center
• First aid NYD subsea training center

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