An iron bar was buried next to the “vampire skeleton” of Sozopol to prevent its resurrection

Throughout history, humans have been fascinated by the supernatural and the inexplicable. From vampires to zombies, witches and ghosts, these legends and stories have captured our imagination and become part of popular culture.

However, recent archaeological discoveries have shed light on the origins of some of these myths.

In 2018, archaeologists in Poland discovered the grave of a supposed “vampire.” The tomb, which dates back to the 16th or 17th century, contained a skeleton with a stone placed in its mouth, a practice believed to have been used to prevent the deceased from rising from the grave and feeding on the blood of the living. This discovery is just one of many similar vampire burials that have been discovered across Europe over the years.

Another popular myth is that of the zombie, a reanimated corpse brought back to life through voodoo or other magical means. However, the reality is much more varied. In Haiti, where the zombie myth originated, zombies were discovered to be living people who had been drugged and forced into hard labor. This practice was used to control and exploit vulnerable individuals and had nothing to do with the supernatural.

The idea that witches were buried at the stake during the Salem trials is another popular myth. In reality, most of the witches who were killed were murdered and only one person was buried at the stake. However, the fear and paradox that led to the trials are a real and tragic part of the story.

Why then do these myths and legends persist? Some maintain that they serve as a way of confronting the known and the inexplicable. Others believe they serve as warning symbols, protecting us from the daggers of the supernatural.

Whatever the reason, it is clear that these stories end up fascinating us and capturing our imagination. From vampire skeletons to buried witches, the mysteries of the other world will be part of human culture for generations.