400-year-old vampire myth debunked: Archaeologists unveil human face of 'Zosia'

Based on analyses of her skull, Zosia was estimated to have been between 18 and 20 years old at the time of her death.

Buried under a padlock on her foot and with an iron sickle resting across her neck, "Zosia" was thought to be forever trapped in death, labeled as a "vampire" by the superstitious beliefs of her time. Her unmarked grave lies in a cemetery in Pien, northern Poland, where she was interred alongside many others similarly feared by their communities. Recent advancements in science have, however, allowed researchers to reconstruct her 400-year-old face, uncovering the human story overshadowed by supernatural myths.

Commented on the irony of the situation, Swedish archaeologist Oscar Nilsson, stated, "These people burying her did everything they could to prevent her from coming back from the dead... we have done everything we can to bring her back to life." Zosia was discovered in 2022 by a team from Torun's Nicolaus Copernicus University, who unearthed her remains and those of others during archaeological excavations.

Based on analyses of her skull, Zosia was estimated to have been between 18 and 20 years old at the time of her death. Evidence suggests she may have suffered from a medical condition that caused fainting and severe headaches, along with potential mental health challenges. The artifacts buried with her, including the sickle and padlock, were believed to have magical properties that could protect against vampires, reflecting the fears and beliefs prevalent in 17th-century Europe.

Zosia's grave, designated as Grave No. 75 in the cemetery outside Bydgoszcz, also contained the remains of a young "vampire" child, buried face down and similarly restrained. While much about Zosia's life remains a mystery, the items found with her indicate that she may have belonged to a wealthy or possibly noble family. This detail suggests a complex social background amid the turmoil of the era, which was marked by wars that fostered a pervasive climate of fear and superstition.

Nilsson's process of facial reconstruction began with a 3D-printed replica of Zosia's skull, gradually layering plasticine clay "muscle by muscle" to create a lifelike visage. He combines the bone structure with data regarding her gender, age, ethnicity, and estimated weight to accurately represent her facial features. "It's emotional to watch a face coming back from the dead, especially when you know the story about this young girl," he shared.

His ultimate goal is to restore Zosia's identity as a human being rather than perpetuating the monstrous label that led to her bizarre burial.

(With inputs from Reuters)