Uneаrthed Іn Polаnd: The Remаins Of А Femаle ‘Vаmpire’ Pіnned To The Ground Wіth А Sіckle Aсross Her Throаt To Wаrd Off The Suрernatural

The remains of a ‘female vampire’ pinned to the ground by a sickle across her throat and a padlocked toe to ‘prevent her returning from the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ’ have been found in a village in Poland.

Discovered during archaeological work at a 17th century cemetery in the village of Pien, researchers also found the skeletal remains had a silk cap on its head, indicating she had held a high social status, and a protruding tooth.

Team leader Professor Dariusz Poliński from the Nicholas Copernicus University in the nearby city Torun said the form of burial was unusual.

The remains of a ‘female vampire’ pinned to the ground by a sickle across her throat and a padlocked toe to ‘prevent her returning from the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ’ have been found in a village in Poland

Researchers also found the skeletal remains had a silk cap on its head, indicating she had held a high social status, and a protruding tooth

He said: ‘Ways to protect against the return of the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ include cutting off the head or legs, placing the deceased face down to bite into the ground, burning them, and smashing them with a stone.

‘The sickle was not laid flat but placed on the neck in such a way that if the deceased had tried to get up most likely the head would have been cut off or injured.’

He added that the padlocked big toe on the skeleton’s left foot likely symbolised ‘the closing of a stage and the impossibility of returning.’

Records of myths about the unᴅᴇᴀᴅ date back as far as the 11th century in Easter Europe. People feared that some who were buried would claw their way back up to the surface as blood-sucking monsters, and terrorise the living.

It is not uncommon the region to find burial sites where a metal rod – or a stake – have been hammered through the skull of the deceased. People at the time believed this was one way to ensuring the person stayed ᴅᴇᴀᴅ.

In some parts of the continent – particularly among Slavic people – belief in the legends of vampires became so wide-spread that it caused mᴀss hysteria, and even led to executions of people thought to be vampires.

People who died in untimely ways – such as through suicide – would also often have been suspected of vampirism, and their bodies would have been mutilated to prevent them from rising from the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ.

In 2015, archaeologists in the village of Drewsko 130 miles away found five skeletons buried in a similar manner at a 400-year-old cemetery.

Sickles were found pressed against the throats of an adult man, who was between 35 to 44 years old, and an adult woman around 35 to 39 years old.

An older woman, who was 50 to 60 years old when she died, was buried with a sickle laying across her hips, and a medium sized stone at her throat.

Team leader Professor Dariusz Poliński from the Nicholas Copernicus University said: ‘Ways to protect against the return of the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ include cutting off the head or legs, placing the deceased face down to bite into the ground, burning them, and smashing them with a stone’

Researchers discovered the remains during archaeological work at a 17th century cemetery in the village of Pien (pictured)

Two more graves, both with sickles placed at the throats of the skeletons, revealed an adult woman between 30 and 39 years old, and a young girl who was just 14 to 19.

The researchers who made the discovery said at the time: ‘When placed in burials they were a guarantee that the deceased remained in their graves and therefore could not harm the living, but they may also have served to protect the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ from evil forces.

‘According to folk wisdom, a sickle protected women in labour, children and the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ against evil spirits.

‘It also had a role in rituals designed to counter black magic and witchcraft.’

The latest discovery has now been sent to Torun where archaeologists will carry out further research.

Related Posts

Library of Celsus in Ephesus, Türkiye: A Timeless Testament to Ancient Knowledge

Introduction to the Library of Celsus The Library of Celsus in ancient Ephesus, Türkiye, is an enduring symbol of Roman architectural and intellectual achievement. Built between 110 and 114…

Lohagad Fort: A Majestic 2,000-Year-Old Hilltop Fortress in Maharashtra

Lohagad Fort, perched high on the hills of Maharashtra, India, is a monumental structure that has stood the test of time for over 2,000 years. It has…

The Genius Behind the Giza Pyramids: Why the Plateau Was Perfect for Construction

The Giza Plateau was carefully chosen for the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza because of its solid limestone bedrock, which provided a stable foundation to…

The Appian Way: Rome’s Most Iconic Road

The Appian Way, or Via Appia, is one of the most famous roads in the ancient world, embodying the engineering excellence and strategic prowess of the Roman Empire….

The Mystery of the Emerald Ring: A Glimpse Into Ancient Secrets

In the annals of archaeology, discoveries often blur the line between history and legend. Among them, few finds stir as much fascination as the unearthing of a…

The Roman Theatre of Aspendos: A Masterpiece of Ancient Engineering and Cultural Legacy

The Roman Theatre of Aspendos in Antalya, Turkey, is a stunning 2nd-century AD architectural achievement that exemplifies the precision and artistry of Roman engineering. Built during the reign of Emperor Marcus…