Workers excavating tree roots near a historic cathedral in Chelm, Poland, unearthed the remains of two children. An archaeological team examined the remains and believes they exhibit characteristics traditionally associated with „vampire” burials.
Specifically, in the unmarked grave, one of the skeletons was decapitated, with the face placed downwards. Additionally, the body was weighted down with heavy stones, as reported by New York Post.
Neither of the bodies had been placed in a coffin.
Such practices were intended to prevent the dead from rising from the grave.
Experts estimate that the graves date back to the 13th century, a period when such practices were not uncommon in medieval society. The presence of pottery fragments helped in dating the human remains.
This discovery is not unique in Poland. Archaeologists found similar graves two years ago, including one of a woman buried with a padlock on her toe and a sickle around her neck, objects meant to keep her captive in the grave.