Scientists Investigate 400-Year-Old ‘Vampire’ Burial of Young Woman in Poland

Scientists are using ancient DNA and other advanced techniques to investigate the mysterious burial of a young woman in Poland who was buried about 400 years ago with objects intended to prevent her from returning from the dead.

Nicknamed Zosia, the woman was discovered in 2022 near the village of Pień in northern Poland. A rusted sickle had been placed across her throat, while a padlock was attached to her foot. Researchers believe the unusual measures reflected fears that her body could rise again and harm the living.

The latest research, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, examines who Zosia was, how she died and why she received such an unusual burial.

Archaeologists found 101 graves from the 17th century at the site. Several featured what researchers described as atypical burial practices, including bodies buried face down, stones placed around skulls and other graves containing sickles or padlocks.

The cemetery was located away from the village and a church, suggesting it may have been used for people who were viewed as outsiders or feared even after death.

Researchers estimate Zosia was between 17 and 19 years old when she died. Chemical analysis suggests she likely grew up in the region, although her ancestry remains uncertain. Her mitochondrial DNA indicated a possible connection to Scandinavian populations, but researchers said the evidence was not definitive.

The young woman may have also come from a wealthy family. Archaeologists found traces of silk near her skull containing threads made from pure gold and silver.

Researchers found no evidence of trauma or disease that would explain her death. Earlier examinations suggested she may have had a vascular tumor that could have caused pain or swelling in her chest, but the latest study did not find evidence that the condition caused her death.

The researchers believe the sickle may have been placed over Zosia's neck while her body still had soft tissue, potentially serving as a safeguard against her returning from the grave.

A copper-and-gold object was also placed in or near her mouth or nose after death. Researchers said it may have been intended as another anti-demonic measure.

The term “vampire” was not widely used during the period, but unusual burials like Zosia's have since become known as vampire burials.

Researchers plan to examine more graves at the site in hopes of better understanding why people in the community took such extraordinary measures to keep the dead in their graves.

CNN Newsource contributed to this report.

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