DNA Study Probes Secrets of Sickle-Bound 'Vampire' Grave

Live updates

1. 16d ago

   DNA Study Analyzes 17th-Century Polish Vampire Grave

   Archaeologists are using DNA analysis to investigate the remains of a young woman buried in 17th-century Poland. Found in Grave 75, the woman, identified as Zosia, was buried with an iron sickle placed across her neck and a padlock on her toe. These unusual burial practices suggest 17th-century villagers feared she was a vampire. Researchers are now probing the genetic secrets of the remains to understand the biological or social reasons behind her treatment and the community's terror.

   Why it matters

   The discovery highlights historical folklore and the use of physical deterrents to prevent the perceived return of the dead. Such atypical burials provide insight into the social anxieties and superstitions of early modern Polish society.

   What is confirmed

   • A young woman was buried in a 17th-century grave in Poland.
   • The woman was buried with an iron sickle across her neck.
   • The burial site is identified as Grave 75.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The woman's name was Zosia.
   • The woman had a padlock on her toe.

   What to watch next

   • Release of the DNA study results regarding the woman's biological profile
   • Identification of other atypical burials in the same region
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. Phys.org — Archaeologists investigate a feared young woman's 17th century vampiric grave in Poland
   2. New Atlas — Secrets of mysterious 17th-century Polish ‘vampire’ have finally come to light
   3. Newser — DNA Study Probes Secrets of Sickle-Bound 'Vampire' Grave
   4. Gizmodo — Meet Zosia, the 17th-Century Vampire Suspect Buried With a Sickle at Her Throat
   5. Smithsonian Magazine — Why Was This 17th-Century Polish Woman Buried With a Padlock on Her Toe and an Iron Sickle Across Her Neck?
   6. ScienceAlert — Gruesome Discovery Shows 17th-Century Villagers Were Terrified of What Lurked in 'Grave 75'
   confidence 80%