Archaeologists in Chełm, Poland, have uncovered two children’s skeletal remains, one of which exhibits signs of an anti-vampire burial, dating back to the 13th century. The discovery was made during ground repairs in the former Unica bishop’s gardens on Góra Chełmska, an area not previously known for burials, adding to the intrigue of the find.
The most striking burial featured a decapitated skeleton, with the skull placed face-down on the body and held down by a stone—a known practice used to prevent the dead from rising as malevolent spirits. According to lead archaeologist Dr. Stanisława Gołuba, these burial methods reflect medieval superstitions and fears of the undead. Evidence of two poles, possibly used to further restrain the body, was also found at the site.
Stones placed in the graves are presumed to be vampire prevention devices. (Lublin Provincial Conservator of Monuments)
Early Medieval Origins
The graves, dated to the Early Middle Ages, were positioned along the traditional east-west axis, with no coffins or grave goods accompanying the bodies. Both skeletons were buried directly in chalk soil, awaiting further analysis. The discovery of such an unusual burial in this location provides a fascinating glimpse into medieval beliefs surrounding death and the supernatural
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Updated 15 September, 2024 – 14:29 Gary Manners
Child’s Anti-Vampire Burial Found in Chełm, Poland
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Archaeologists in Chełm, Poland, have uncovered two children’s skeletal remains, one of which exhibits signs of an anti-vampire burial, dating back to the 13th century. The discovery was made during ground repairs in the former Unica bishop’s gardens on Góra Chełmska, an area not previously known for burials, adding to the intrigue of the find.
The most striking burial featured a decapitated skeleton, with the skull placed face-down on the body and held down by a stone—a known practice used to prevent the dead from rising as malevolent spirits. According to lead archaeologist Dr. Stanisława Gołuba, these burial methods reflect medieval superstitions and fears of the undead. Evidence of two poles, possibly used to further restrain the body, was also found at the site.
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Stones placed in the graves are presumed to be vampire prevention devices. (Lublin Provincial Conservator of Monuments)
Early Medieval Origins
The graves, dated to the Early Middle Ages, were positioned along the traditional east-west axis, with no coffins or grave goods accompanying the bodies. Both skeletons were buried directly in chalk soil, awaiting further analysis. The discovery of such an unusual burial in this location provides a fascinating glimpse into medieval beliefs surrounding death and the supernatural.
Vampires were feared and loathed throughout Central and Eastern Europe during those times. Last year, another child burial with different anti-vampire device, this time a little more sophisticated, in the form of a paddock was discovered.
Other devices that have been previously found and explained as ways to prevent the dead from returning include a brick in the mouth of a suspected vampire found in Italy, sickles around the neck, and commonly, heads removed completely from the skeleton, such as the suspected mass vampire grave of 450 headless skeletons, also found in Poland.
The two child burials, Chelm, Poland. (Lublin Provincial Conservator of Monuments)
The explanation for why the few child vampire burials came about likely comes from the belief that their untimely deaths are due to vampire visitations, and so they potentially would be transformed into the undead themselves.
Archaeologists hope that the upcoming anthropological analysis will shed more light on the lives and deaths of these individuals, offering a deeper understanding of this unique and mysterious burial practice.