We all know the legend of Dracula. We've all heard of vampires. They're well-known tales that people know all over the world. Well, the citizens of medieval Europe also knew of the spooky creatures. They believed the stories to be true. In the Middle Ages, people believed that vampires could rise from the grave and plague the living. Over the years, an increasing number of buriels have been discovered featuring brutally treated corpses that match the "vampire folklore." Here are some of them:
1.
Prostejov, Slovakia
The body found in Prostejov was discovered in a crypt in a church. The corpse had been buried in a coffin with iron bars on it, which was one of the methods to keep a vampire buried. They believed that vampires could not tolerate the touch of iron. Also, stones had been places on the victim's legs, and the torso was severed from the legs. The scientists believe this body to be from the 1500s.
2.
Celakovice, Czech Republic
This "vampire" was found in Celakovice in the 1990s. Along with 14 others, as well. Archaeologists believe this to be the first "vampire cemetery." All of the bodies had metal spikes driven through their bodies or heavy stones placed upon them. The graveyard dates back to the 11th or 12th century. Most of the victims they found were both men and women, and were young adults. It appears as if the victims all died around the same time, as if from some sort of sickness, but it's unknown why the villagers thought that these specific people were at risk of becoming vampires.
3.
Venice, Italy
Yes, Italy had its own vampire burials too. The skeleton of a woman who died during the plague in the 16th century was found with a brick placed in her mouth. This way she could not chew her way out of her grave like they used to believe that vampires would do.
4.
Southwell, UK
This find was especially old. It dated back to the years 550-700. They had metal spikes jammed through heart, shoulders, and ankles. These skeletons were actually found in 1959, but the archaeological report had gotten lost over time, and was finally re-revealed in 2010.
5.
Kilteasheen, Ireland
The bodies of two men laying side by side were found in Ireland with bricks shoved in their mouths. One of them was a middle aged man, and one was a young man, about in his 20s. It is argued whether these are vampire graves or not, since it was dated back to the 8th century, which predates vampire legends in Western Europe, but nevertheless, the name has stuck with the skeletons.
