Just in time for Halloween, archaeologists have unveiled chilling new details about the final moments of a “real-life vampire.”
The remains of an elite young woman, believed to be around 18 years old and dubbed “Zosia” by researchers, were uncovered two years ago in a medieval cemetery in Pień, Poland. Zosia, who died about 350 years ago, has been illustrated by experts as having fair skin, blue eyes, short hair, and a single, prominent incisor—traits that may have fueled suspicions of vampirism.
Adding to her mysterious past, Zosia was buried with a silk cap, symbolizing her high social status. However, her rank did not protect her from accusations of evil. Among nearly 100 other skeletons at the site, Zosia alone was buried with a sickle across her neck and a large padlock on her toe, measures thought to prevent her from rising from the grave.
