Unveiling the Story of Zosia, the 'Vampire' of the 17th Century

Researchers have uncovered the story of Zosia, a woman buried in the 17th century, considered a 'vampire'. Her facial reconstruction reveals details about her life and supernatural fears.


Unveiling the Story of Zosia, the 'Vampire' of the 17th Century

A woman known as "Vampira," named Zosia, who lived in the 17th century, has come to light due to an archaeological work that allowed for the reconstruction of her face. Although little is known about her personal life, some clues suggest that her physical appearance may have influenced the superstitions of the time. According to researchers, Zosia may have had exceptionally long incisors, a characteristic associated with vampires back then.

Additionally, the remains suggest that Zosia came from an upper-class family, as she was buried with a silk cap, a material reserved for the nobility. The objects found in her grave reflect the fear and superstition that surrounded her. While reconstructing her face has sparked interest, the aim is not to reinforce myths about vampires, but to restore her image as a real human being.

The team in charge of the reconstruction discovered unsettling details about Zosia. She was buried with a triangular lock on her foot and a sickle around her neck, practices associated with rituals to prevent the dead from returning to life. The townspeople feared she would become an undead.

Through DNA techniques, 3D printing, and clay modeling, Zosia's face was recreated with detailed facial features. This meticulous and detailed process resulted in a realistic image of the young woman who lived over 400 years ago. To achieve the necessary precision, pins of different lengths were used to reflect the thickness of the tissue in the face, and special clay was employed to recreate the facial muscles.

The mystery surrounding Zosia, the 17th-century "vampire," continues to be a subject of debate today.