Archaeologists unearth 'vampire' graves in Poland
Archaeologists unearth 'vampire' graves in Poland
Show all 3Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
Builders working on a site in Poland got more than they bargained for when they uncovered what is believed to be a vampire burial ground.
When archaeologists were brought in they found graves containing seven skeletons with their heads removed and placed between their legs near the town of Gliwice.
Beheading a suspected vampire was common in medieval times to make sure bodies did not rise from the dead.
The team of historians has yet to determine the exact fate of the headless skeletons and the remains have been sent for further testing. The absence of personal effects such as jewellery in the graves makes it more difficult to pinpoint the year of death but initial estimates suggest the bones date back to the 16th century.
"We found absolutely nothing on the skeletons, so it is difficult to say what period the skeletons are from. This is a special case, " archaeologist Dr Jacek Pierzak told the Dziennik Zachodni newspaper.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments