Pyotr Fyodorovich Lysenko (Belarusian: Пё́тар Фё́даравіч Лысе́нка; Russian: Пё́тр Фё́дорович Лысе́нко; 16 September 1931 – 23 March 2020) was a prominent Belarusian archaeologist. Over a long career he combined field excavation, academic writing and public presentation of archaeological finds. He is widely remembered for his role in uncovering and preserving an exceptional medieval settlement that became the basis for a purpose-built museum.

Career and research focus

Lysenko spent decades conducting archaeological fieldwork across Belarus and studying material remains that illuminated medieval urban life in the region. His research emphasized careful excavation, recording of wooden architecture and the cultural context of everyday artifacts. Through monographs and shorter studies he contributed to the formation of modern archaeological practice in Belarus and influenced the training of later specialists.

Berestye and the museum in Brest

His most widely known achievement was the excavation of the site known as Berestye, a medieval riverside settlement whose preserved timber structures and objects offered rare insight into urban life in Eastern Europe. The discoveries were displayed in the Berestye Archeological Museum in Brest, a museum conceived to protect in situ remains and to present them to the public. The museum remains an important destination for visitors interested in medieval archaeology and conservation methods.

Publications and legacy

Lysenko authored more than 110 scientific works, including several substantial monographs that documented excavation results and interpreted their significance for regional history. His publications combined detailed artifact catalogues with broader discussions of settlement patterns, craft production and trade. Beyond scholarship, his efforts to make archaeological evidence accessible to non-specialists helped raise public awareness of Belarus’s cultural heritage.

Notable facts

  • Led the work that brought the medieval Berestye site to public attention.
  • Advocated for in situ conservation and educational exhibition of archaeological remains.
  • Published extensively, influencing both academic and museum practice in Belarus.

Pyotr Lysenko died in Minsk on 23 March 2020 at the age of 88. He is remembered for bridging field research and heritage presentation, leaving a lasting impact on Belarusian archaeology and museum practice.