Archaeologists in Rome, Italy, have recently made a remarkable discovery while digging at an ancient cemetery. Buried deep underground, they uncovered the remains of a ‘vampire child’ interred over 2,000 years ago. The child’s body was found with a stone placed in its mouth, a ritualistic practice thought to prevent the deceased from rising again. In this article, we will explore the details of this extraordinary find, examine the cultural significance of this burial custom, and highlight the scientific analyses performed on the remains.
The ‘Vampire of Lugnano’: Discovering an Uncommon Burial
The excavation team was taken aback upon finding the remains of a 10-year-old child lying on its side in a fifth-century Italian cemetery. This site, previously believed to be reserved for infants and unborn fetuses, revealed further surprises. The child had a stone intentionally inserted into its mouth, suggesting a purposeful act behind the burial. The cemetery has also yielded other unusual discoveries, including another child covered in stones.
Insights into the Ritualistic Burial Practice
Experts have indicated that the stone placed in the ‘vampire child’s’ mouth was part of a burial tradition intended to prevent the deceased from returning and infecting the living. Such practices were prevalent in various cultures, including that of ancient Rome. Notably, this child’s burial took place during a malaria outbreak, as confirmed by tests conducted on the skeleton. The community’s fear of disease transmission from the deceased significantly influenced this distinctive mortuary treatment.
The Importance of Deviant Burials
The burial of the ‘vampire child’ exemplifies a form of ‘deviant burial’ linked to individuals deemed dangerous in death. These ‘dangerous dead’ were thought to have the ability to rise from their graves and inflict harm. Similar burials have been uncovered throughout Europe, including in the UK, where corpses were sometimes interred with stakes driven through their hearts. In Bulgaria, archaeologists discovered remains bound to the ground with iron clamps and surrounded by burning embers.
Scientific Analysis and Interpretation
Bioarchaeologists and researchers engaged in studying the ‘vampire child’ have meticulously examined the remains to uncover further insights. It has been established that the child died of malaria, a widespread illness during that period. However, the community’s belief that the child was a vampire illustrates the cultural fears and superstitions of the time. Through scientific examination, experts can illuminate the historical and sociocultural context surrounding these unique burial customs.
The discovery of the ‘vampire child’ burial in an Italian cemetery offers archaeologists a fascinating window into ancient burial traditions and cultural beliefs. The intentional placement of a stone in the child’s mouth stands as evidence of the community’s anxiety about the dead returning and spreading disease. This find contributes to the limited body of ‘deviant burials’ documented globally and emphasizes the intersection of archaeology, anthropology, and cultural superstitions. Continued scientific analysis helps us unravel the mysteries of our past and enhances our understanding of our ancestors’ beliefs and practices.
