Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Archaeologists in northern Poland have unearthed a "vampire tomb" beneath the floor of the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Pączewo. This marks the first recorded instance of a vampire burial within a church setting.
Credit: Archeo-Adventure
The discovery began with a stone slab featuring an engraving of a skull. Further excavation revealed the skeletal remains of a man dating back to the 17th century, buried approximately six feet below the slab.
Credit: Archeo-Adventure
The remains belong to a male estimated to be around 50 years old at the time of death. Notably, the skeleton was found with a sickle around its neck, a medieval practice intended to prevent the deceased from rising as a vampire.
Credit: Archeo-Adventure
Alongside the primary skeleton, two other remains were discovered in the same location, but these did not feature the sickle, indicating they may not have been considered vampires.
Credit: Archeo-Adventure
Anthropologist Justyna Kargus noted that the skull showed signs of multiple injuries and trauma. The presence of deep scars on the face suggests the individual may have looked different from others, potentially contributing to perceptions of him as a vampire.
Credit: Archeo-Adventure
Kargus emphasized the rarity of finding a vampire burial in a church, as such individuals were typically interred outside populated areas or in cemeteries. Churches were generally reserved for clergy and dignitaries.
Credit: Archeo-Adventure
The discovery aligns with longstanding myths in Central and Eastern Europe regarding the dead. Historical practices included using metal rods to secure the skulls of suspected vampires and burying them with tools like sickles to prevent their return.
Credit: Archeo-Adventure
Previous vampire-related discoveries in Poland include a "vampire child" who was buried face-down, underscoring the cultural significance of these beliefs and the fears that once led to such burials.
Credit: Mirosław Blicharski via 'X'