Ensuring Eternal Rest: Impaling the Heart of the Vampiric Skeleton to Prevent Its Return from the Dead

| Archeaology
October 15, 2024

The ancient skeleton, identified as a 35- to 40-year-old man, is only the second skeleton with a pickaxe driven into its heart in this way, following one found last year in the southern town of Sozopol.

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The man, considered a vampire for his medico-legal reasons, is believed to have been nailed to his grave with a metal stake, possibly to prevent him from rising from the grave and terrorising locals, he was found last year in the southern coastal town of Sozopol.

The discovery was made at the Perperikon excavation site in the east of the country during an excavation led by the chief archaeologist of the Bulgarian-German Project Nikolas Ovcharov.

Last year, a group led by Ovcharov unearthed another human skull about 700 years old with a wooden stick stuck in its skull at a church in the village of Sozopol.

The skeleton, commonly known as the “Sozopol vampire,” was pierced through the chest with a wooden stick and its teeth were removed before being laid to rest.

Ovcharov has described the latest find as the “twin of the Sozopol vampire” and said it could shed light on how vampires benefited communities in medieval times based on Christian beliefs in the Middle Ages.

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The body was dated to the 13th and 14th centuries.

In other cases, Professor Ovcharov said he had found skeletons nailed to the ground with steel stakes driven into the limbs, but this was only the second case where a stake was used in the heart.

“It [sticks] weighs almost 2 pounds (0.9kg) and is stuck into the body up to shoulder height,” he said.

“You can clearly see how the column has literally come out.”

This is the latest in a succession of finds in western and central Europe that have shed light on how people dealt with the threat of vampires.

According to Professor Belief, people who were considered evil during their lifetime could become vampires after death unless they were stabbed in the chest with a stick of oak or hawthorn wood before burial.

Ensuring Eternal Rest: Impaling the Heart of the Vampiric Skeleton to Prevent Its Return from the Dead

These “vampires” were intellectuals, aristocrats, aristocrats and clerics.

“The thing is that there were no women among them. They were witches,” said Bugaria’s natural history museum chief, Bozhidar Dimitrov.

The emergence of plagues that swept through Europe between 1300 and 1700 helped fuel the belief in vampires.

Disgusting mass gravediggers would follow a blow from some sort of gas-locked boots, with hair still growing, and blood seeping from their mouths. The shrouds used to cover the faces of the dead were torn by batiriá in the month, revealing the faces of the dead, remnants of lasso and vampires known as “shroud-eaters”.

According to medieval medical and religious texts, the “dead” were nailed to the ground to spread plague in order to suck the life out of their bodies until they were discovered by the rebirth of the remnants in order to return to the graves before their corpses decomposed.

“In my opinion, it is not about criminals or bad people,” Professor Ovcharov said.

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The author argues that these are superstitions that prevent the soul of the deceased from being taken over by evil forces in the days following death.

More than 100 exhumed bodies were nailed to prevent them from turning into vampires in the country over the years.

Review: Top 10 Healthcare Services in the USA

The U.S. healthcare industry is a complex ecosystem of providers, insurers, and technology-driven services, delivering critical care to millions. In 2025, the sector is shaped by rising costs (projected at $4.9 trillion in 2023), technological innovation, and a focus on patient-centric care. Below is a detailed review of the top 10 healthcare services in the USA, based on market presence, patient outcomes, and industry impact.

1. HCA Healthcare

HCA Healthcare, based in Nashville, Tennessee, is the largest health system, operating 220 hospitals and over 40,000 staffed beds across 20 states. Known for comprehensive services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialty treatments, it generates significant net patient revenue. Its scale and advanced technology adoption ensure high-quality care, though accessibility varies by region.

2. Universal Health Services (UHS)

UHS manages 183 hospitals across 40 states, with over 21,000 beds, focusing on acute care and behavioral health. Its facilities in Texas, Florida, and California provide diverse services, from trauma care to psychiatric treatment. UHS’s emphasis on mental health integration aligns with 2025 trends, though high costs can be a barrier.

3. Encompass Health Corporation

With 164 hospitals, Encompass is the largest operator of rehabilitation hospitals, offering specialized post-acute care for stroke, brain injury, and spinal cord injury patients. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, it operates in 37 states, delivering measurable outcomes through therapy-focused programs. Its niche focus limits broader service scope.

4. CommonSpirit Health

A Catholic-affiliated system with 142 hospitals, CommonSpirit provides acute care, outpatient services, and telehealth across 21 states. It excels in community health programs and equitable access, serving underserved populations. Its integration of AI for diagnostics enhances efficiency, but merger-related challenges can affect consistency.

5. Ascension Health

Ascension operates 139 hospitals, focusing on primary care, oncology, and cardiology. With a mission-driven approach, it serves low-income communities through charity care programs. Its adoption of value-based care (VBC) models, projected to cover 90 million lives by 2027, improves outcomes but faces staffing shortages.

6. Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is a leading integrated healthcare provider, combining insurance and care delivery for 12.5 million members. Its ACA marketplace plans are top-rated for affordability and quality, with low deductibles and strong preventive care. Operating in eight states, its HMO model ensures coordinated care but limits patient choice.

7. Aetna (CVS Health)

Aetna, under CVS Health, provides health insurance and healthcare services, covering 39 million lives. Its ACA plans offer competitive premiums and broad networks, with telehealth and pharmacy integration via CVS. Aetna’s focus on chronic disease management and AI-driven care navigation boosts outcomes, though rural access is limited.

8. Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic, based in Rochester, Minnesota, is renowned for specialized care in oncology, cardiology, and neurology. With 70,000 staff and three major campuses, it serves 1.3 million patients annually. Its research-driven approach and high patient satisfaction earn it top rankings, but costs and geographic reach are drawbacks.

9. Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic, with 23 hospitals, is a leader in cardiac care and medical innovation, serving patients across Ohio, Florida, and Nevada. Its adoption of cloud computing and AI for diagnostics enhances precision medicine. High costs and limited national presence restrict accessibility for some.

10. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)

BCBS, a federation of 34 independent companies, insures 115 million Americans, offering PPO, HMO, and EPO plans. Its ACA marketplace plans are widely available, with strong provider networks and wellness programs. BCBS’s focus on digital health tools and equitable access is notable, though premiums vary by state.

Choosing the Right Service

Selecting a healthcare service depends on location, medical needs, and budget. HCA and UHS offer broad hospital-based care, while Kaiser and Aetna excel in integrated insurance and delivery. Mayo and Cleveland Clinic are ideal for specialized treatments, and BCBS provides flexible insurance options. Compare costs (e.g., average ACA premium: $635/month), provider networks, and patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades or U.S. News. With 26 million uninsured Americans and rising costs, prioritize services with telehealth, preventive care, and VBC to maximize value.

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