Scientists discovered a vampire burial site in eastern Croatia, where the head was severed and the body twisted. (See photos)

In Račeš, located in eastern Croatia, archaeologists have uncovered an unusual burial beneath the floor of a church. The remains of the deceased were intentionally moved, and large stones were placed near the head and feet, indicating a "vampiric" burial, writes Arkeonews.

Anthropological analysis confirmed that the skeleton belonged to a man, whose body had undergone manipulation after death. Natasha Šarkić, an independent archaeologist studying the find, commented on the discovery: "We know that in many Slavic countries, the belief in evil spirits persisted even after the adoption of Christianity. Certainly, the belief in vampires was quite widespread."

A recently published scientific article in the proceedings of the conference "Military Orders and Their Heritage" explores the reasons behind such post-mortem alterations. Researchers suggest that these burial practices may reflect concerns and fears related to supernatural beings. Examination of the remains revealed that the man, aged 40-50, showed signs of heavy physical labor and previous injuries. As noted by the scientists, he died from a traumatic brain injury.

Initially, it appeared that the grave contained large stones that had collapsed from a nearby structure. However, a more detailed analysis revealed that the skeleton was decapitated, with the skull placed separately from the body. Additionally, the torso was found face down, while the limbs remained in the opposite orientation. These elements suggest that the individual may have been perceived as a social outcast, and there were likely fears that he could return from the dead.

The Račeš site was first discovered in 2011 during field research at the larger settlement of Bobare. Historical sources indicate that the estate was initially controlled by the Templars, later passing to the Order of Knights Hospitaller of Saint John of Jerusalem, and then to the local nobility.

The characteristics of the terrain and its location suggest that this site was a fortress; however, historical evidence includes mentions of a sacred place. Excavations conducted from 2012 to 2023 uncovered an architectural complex containing 181 skeletal burials, along with numerous displaced bones. Radiocarbon dating indicated that most of the graves date back to the 15th-16th centuries.

The majority of the burials conform to traditional practices: individuals were placed on their backs facing east to west, and some graves contained personal adornments, although their quantity was minimal. These findings are significant for the study of medieval burial customs, particularly those influenced by superstitions surrounding death and the afterlife.

We also reported on Etruscan tombs discovered in Italy. Despite the looting of previous generations, archaeologists have found numerous artifacts.