‘Vampire’ cemetery discovered in Poland
Archaeologists have discovered the remains of a child buried with a padlock, a practice believed to have been intended to prevent the "vampire" from "rising from the grave."
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In Poland, the 17th-century bones of a child buried with a padlock to "prevent them from rising" have been unearthed. Archaeologists stated that the remains of the child, who is believed to have been 6 or 7 years old, reflect the 'supernatural beliefs' of the era.
Speaking about the remains found in a cemetery in the village of Pien, researcher Dariusz Polinski said, "This is a cemetery where people who were definitely feared after death, and perhaps during their lives, were buried; people suspected of having contact with unclean forces, or who simply behaved differently in some way." He added that the child was likely believed to be a 'vampire' and was buried face down with a triangular iron padlock under their foot 'to prevent them from rising from the grave.'
Polinski stated, "Those who did this were people who were afraid of being bitten and having their blood drunk."
Archaeologists also found other methods used to 'stop the living dead.' According to Polinski, some of the deceased were buried with stones placed at their necks and throats.